Why Lap Band vs. RNY?:tt1:

I have until January to decide and my surgeon said he would perform either one. I need to lose about 85 lbs.

I am second guessing my lap band decision. It seems like the weight comes off so much easier with RNY. My issue with head hunger is also a concern for me.

Thanks for your input

Dawn

A reason to pick the band is that you will have no malabsorption syndrome from having your insides changed around. Another is that the LB loss is slower and gives you time to develop new eating habits. Head hunger is an issue either way and is something you will struggle with, perhaps forever. Good luck making your decision.

Mimi

I had about 110 lbs to lose and I had the lap band. I personally think it is the way to go. The way I looked at it I would only have gotten the RNY is if I was 150 lbs over weight. And the main reason for that is the weight probably causing more issues and you'll want it to come off quicker. I would get the lap band. Since July 13th I have lost 27% of my excess weight with the lap band.(without a fill...I got my first one yesterday!) But like many people on here will tell you it is what you put into it. I walked as soon as they told me. I did more exercise when I was told I could. I count my calories constantly...it is easy if you sit at a desk and use one of the computer programs. I input info throughout the day. I am happy I didn't go for RNY since the lap band is reversible. That was also a very big part of my decision. I have adjust very well to the whole change.

I did not want any "rerouting" of my internal organs. I did not want to worry about malabsorption issues. I didn't want to worry about the possibility of dumping syndrome. I liked that the band can be completely unfilled if needed for other medical issues (pregnancy, cancer, etc.). My doctor also deals with a lot of GB patients who regained weight and then get banded; I didn't want to risk that. It would be nice to lose weight faster, but I'm still happy with my current rate of weight loss and how much I've lost.

I selected the band because I am a big meal eater, and the restriction will help me to stop this. I do not have a sweet tooth and never eat crisps, ice cream or other Snacks that would easily get passed the band.

If on the other hand you snack all the time and might cheat on the band, you may be best choosing the other alternative.

DB, I am only 2 weeks, 3 days post-surgery. I agree 100% with all the previous posts. The main reason why I would not consider the RNY is Malabsorption issues-I work on a medical team(i'm the social worker)and 3 MDs and 2 PharmDs told me to go w/the band. However, this is a personal decision-you need to do what you feel is best. I say to keep reading these posts-I've seen several that deal with this question---for me, the more info I could gather, the more informed I feel like my decision was. I'm sure their are people who had the RNY and love it-a book I read before the surgery was by Carnie Wilson-she re-counted her entire process of getting the RNY. I enjoyed reading it (it's pretty lite reading) even though I went w/the band-go to a used book store or library and get it. It might help you weigh the options.

I was scheduled for gastric bypass on June 29th. I had chosen that because I was mainly a sweets/carb eater and thought that would be more effective. Aetna did not approve me the first two times and during the 6 weeks or so it took to get approval I realized I had a nagging feeling I had chosen the wrong surgery. I was concerned about the malabsorption, the hair loss, the possibility of being thin but NOT healthy down the line. After some serious thought and a million flip flops I eventually had lap band surgery on August 19th. I am doing great, my surgery was a breeze. I had virtually no pain, no major gas pains, no side effects whatsoever. I am happy to say today is 4 weeks (and day 1 of my regular food phase) and I am down 18 lbs. I can't say my eating has been perfect, but I have stuck to the program 90% of the time and I am finally able to exercise without being exhausted the next day as of this week. It really is a personal decision and only you can decide which surgery is right for you. I can tell you that I am 100% sure I made the right decision FOR ME. I am losing weight and changing my mindset and habits at a pace that is right for me. Good luck with whatever you do!

I have a close friend that chose the by-pass. She lost over 250 pounds but now she is rapidly putting it back on. She would tell me about the dumping sydrome and how she would have to lay on the floor of a public bathroom next to the commode until it passed. One time she could eat something and the next she would have the dumping problem. She is now considering the band.

It's for life and not reversible. You have to take B-12 and B-6 for the rest of your life also. Please re-consider the band. It's slower but so much safer in the long run.

Good luck on whatever you decide and please let us know what you decide.

I chose the band because I and my doctor has control over it. With RNY it's a permanent non-adjusting procedure. I'm a control freak (though you wouldnt know it with me being so overweight) but I knew I didnt want to have my insides re-worked... It's not what God intended. So I chose the band where it could be adjusted as needed. You'll find out that once you get banded that you will not want to eat the way you are eating now because of the success you will achieve! Good luck in your decision making!