The doctor I've decided to go with is great. He's very personable and friendly and I feel very comfortable having my surgery done with him

However.. I wanted to bring up some of what he's said that made me nervous, and honestly the only reason I'm still going for Lap-Banding is because of the success stories I've seen from all of you.

He had RNY done himself, and he told us his story. He has done thousands of RNY, and is a huge advocate of it. There were about 8 of us in this conference, and I was the only one wanting lap-banding. He kept emphasizing how, RNY is more successful, and that Lap-Band research shows only 36-38% excess fat loss. He said if he had to go back and do it again, he would do RNY again. But he would not do Lap Band. I asked him about this, and he said he doesn't feel it's as effective, and the 'dumping syndrome' is an effective tool to keep you on track. He mentioned frothing for lap band, which I assume is PB, but to me that would be just as reinforcing I think?

Anyway, he made it sound like lap-banding doesn't help you lose a lot of weight. But looking at you guys, I see proof otherwise. Does this just have to do with lack of statistics in the US? He said those numbers were released by the makers of the Lap Band. He does offer Lap Band, and did not try to talk me out of it, but he did keep emphasizing why he would rather do RNY.

At the end of it, I was the only one who said I wanted Lap Band. Others were on the fence, but from the session we had- all of them decided to go to RNY.

Any thoughts? :phanvan

You're very welcome! I am going to PM you with my list of questions to ask the surgeon and the center. There are a few duplicates in the three documents, but you can pick out the ones you want to ask.

Good Luck!

I just wanted you to know that I work for surgeons who perform both the Lap-Band and the Gastric Bypass and the decision has to be yours. Our Bypass patients all feel like they have had the best procedure and our Lap-Band patients all feel as though they have had the best procedure. There's a chance for complications with either procedure. You must have discipline in order for the Lap-Band to work and as long as you know that, I think that you will have great success! Good luck to you....I wish you the best!

I just wanted you to know that I work for surgeons who perform both the Lap-Band and the Gastric Bypass and the decision has to be yours. Our Bypass patients all feel like they have had the best procedure and our Lap-Band patients all feel as though they have had the best procedure. There's a chance for complications with either procedure. You must have discipline in order for the Lap-Band to work and as long as you know that, I think that you will have great success! Good luck to you....I wish you the best!

In all fairness there reaches a point where one requires discipline in order for bypass to work. It's not a cure all/fix all. When they don't have the discipline required for bypass they get revision to banding.

That is 100% correct. They both take discipline, dedication and an entire lifestyle change. I just wanted to let her know that I think she will be successful with her choice.

That is 100% correct. They both take discipline, dedication and an entire lifestyle change. I just wanted to let her know that I think she will be successful with her choice.

Do you have one of the procedures?

Didn't know anyone was still active on this thread. I talked with the doctor/nurses and everything was all sorted out. I'm banded now, and glad to be on this side! I'm very optimistic at this point.