Hi everyone. I'm new to this and this is my first post. I really want to have Weight Loss Surgery but I'm confused as to which option (Lap Band or RNY) is the best choice for me. I really like the lap band option because it is done on an outpatient basis (I have 2 small children at home...one of whom is only 4 months old and I just don't want to be gone overnight yet if I can help it), has a faster recovery time (again...2 small children at home...plus I work full time and used up a lot of my leave time when I was on maternity leave), is adjustable, is minimally invasive, and can be removed fairly easily. I also like the fact that it doesn't alter your body's absorption of foods. I imagine that would be a great thing in helping you lose weight...but I imagine it would be a really bad thing if, later in life, you are diagnosed with an illness and have trouble keeping weight on! Right? I look at my grandparents who, in their 80's, are relatively healthy...but so skinny. They weren't skinny as younger adults but in their old age they have very little appetite and have a hard time maintaining their weight. I worry that, if I were to have a bypass now, it could negatively impact my health later in life.

Anyways...sorry for the long post. I just wanted to get other people's thoughts on this. Did anyone discuss this with their doctor before having WLS? Like I said...I feel I'm leaning toward the lap band...but I definitely don't want to waste my time and have a less effective surgery. I want to do this once and get the best results.

Any info/insight would be appreciated!

Thanks

BTW: I have about 100 lbs to lose.

My sister had RNY a couple years before I had the band. I opted for the band because it is adjustable and it does not have the malabsorption issues that RNY has, though they put us on the same vitamin regimen, as it is hard to get all your nutrients from food when you are eating small portions.

It is possible to lose 100 lbs (see my results below), but it requires a commitment on your part, regardless of which surgery you elect to have. My sister was impressed with how quickly I bounced back (at age 63 no less) from surgery. I started walking before surgery and was walking within 24 hours, and after building up to it, about 5 days post-op I went to my favorite park for walking. The squirrels missed me! I walk almost every day, approximately 4 miles, sometimes more (Last Sunday was so nice I think I did nearly 8 miles!) switching off to Curves or water aerobics now and then, and I recently joined the local rec center to use the fitness room. My main activity is walking, though. I do more of the other stuff in the winter when I run out of daylight during the week (it is dark when I get off work).

Besides the exercise, you need to commit to eating a healthy diet (remembering protein first). The band is simply a tool to restrict portion size; it is still up to you to put good stuff in your mouth.

Edited May 13, 200917 yr by PATCHELTON

i think a lot of people opt to have the bypass because its said "you'll take of more weight ....quicker" i myself and several other band patients have done just as well if not better taking off a lot weight...quickly....than those with the bypass...i thought i was one of the few...i was mistaken...its more work....and you'll get several post from other members that will discuss risk...but if its to take off weight "quicker" that can also be achieved with the band....good luck!!!!!!!!!!