why lap band ... as opposed to other surgery

WASaBubbleButt · July 28, 2009

There are a lot of options out there. They all have their pros and cons. For my own personal reasons and seeing the issues that one of my friends had with another type of surgery, the band was the only surgical option I would consider.
IMO, the KEY is finding a great doctor. Don't shop doctors on price! A good surgery "A" is always better than an average surgery "B", no matter what "A" or "B" are.

I agree about not shopping for doctors by price but sadly, when it comes to the long term band complications that has nothing to do with the surgeon but instead, the band.

Nanook · July 28, 2009

From one seminars I have a handout that indicates RNY has the effect of retarding hormonal hunger. Have you noticed this effect?

I have noticed that my cravings for food has greatly diminished, not just sugar. It can't be anything but the surgery. Everyone is different but for me I finally found something that has helped and I was about to give up. I'm just being honest and not trying to shove "RNY" down anyone's throat. I'm also in the beginning stages of RNY so things can and will change. I'm still healing and cannot take in as much food as someone who had the surgery six months ago. It's a restriction you get from the beginning, there's no messing with tightening or untightening your restriction and if I treat my new stomach well it should stay in good working order. Good luck to you Nancy.

Headhunter · July 28, 2009

I have had the RNY for about 15 months now, and I can tell you that my appetite has GREATLY diminshed. It diminished from DAY ONE, like Nanook. I was almost concerned for a while that I didn't want to eat ANYTHING. But a much smaller appetite eventually returned.

It IS true, and it is one of the documented elements of the RNY: the appetite decreases....sometimes dramatically. Those who gain weight post-bypass are those who are afflicted with the "head hunger", and the accompanying emotional issues.

The band has some "theoretical" Hunger reduction in the concept, but it doesn't always (rarely, in fact) turn out to be the case. You cannot count on it. If hunger is a HUGE part of your eating issue, then the band cannot guarantee a solution. The Sleeve might be an appropriate solution, as it specifically eliminates one of the primary hunger producing glands, the Fundus. The RNY does not eliminate the Fundus, but it ISOLATES it. The band does neither.

HH

mariem · July 28, 2009

I have had my RNY since 1-8-09 I noticed straight off the dramatic difference in my appetite and just not wanting food at all.

The past couple of weeks I have been under a lot of stress. I found myself thinking I was hungry and wanted more food (never sugar though, that part has changed for good) When I really analysed my "hunger" I was able to figure out I really wasnt hungry at all, it was head hunger. Something I probably could've never recognized before surgery. I actually upped my intake of Water and the head hunger went away.

We have years and years of doing things by habit. At least I am rational enough now when it comes to food to recognize when I truly do need to eat and when it's time for me to figure out there are more contructive ways to deal with things other than eating.