[kbfrmaz]

You need to make the decision best for you and with the input from your surgeon. Do your research and decide what you are most comfortable with. You are ultimately the one who has to live with the decision. I like others, went for lap band. But, based on MY eating issues and input from my surgeon I went with RNY. No regrets at all!

[Perfesser]

OK, SO_1122, so now that you've done it and had a chance to get used to it, what's your feeling about what you chose? Yes, no, maybe, ecstatic, gloomy, discouraged, jazzed? Enquiring minds want to know!!

CT

[ClaudiaJ]

I agree with the others saying that you're the one who can make the best decision. We have different situations, cases, preferences, etc., so it would be best to consult your surgeon first as to which is the best for you. Ask everything you need and want to know so that you can weigh things out. Here's a brief comparison I found between the two:

Gastric Bypass

-time tested
-operation is complex, it involves multiple areas of the abdomen
-Rapid weight loss over 3-6 months, settling at final weight 10-16 months after surgery
-Mineral absorption deficiency, requires long-term supplements
-Dumping syndrome (intolerance to sugars and some carbohydrates)
-Not reversible
-No significant hardware in body

Lap band

-a new technology
-Simpler operation, gives lower risk around surgery (less chance of death or prolonged hospitalization)
-Slow and steady weight loss, settling at final weight around 2 years after surgery
-Possible deficiencies due to decreased intake, long-term supplements also recommended
-No Dumping syndrome
-Sort of reversible
-Long term (non-reactive) plastic material in body
-lap band must be adjusted for best success

I really hope it can help you or anyone else.. Best of Luck!

[Perfesser]

Couple of tweaks to the comparison:
- dumping is also triggered by excess fats
- most GBS is reversible. Everything that was unplugged is still there, unless you had a DS.
- going along with the lack of hardware, there's nothing to come loose, slip, or move around with the GBS. The bands have been known to do all of those.
- there's a shorter stay in the hospital with the band (usually outpatient.)
- for loss of over 100 pounds, most surgeons will recommend RNY over the band.

CT

[shelle007]

If you have IBS will gastric bypass aggravate it? I would really like to have it but am afraid of the side effects. I dont want to have sudden diarrhea any more often than I have it now.

[dawngatewood]

I should have gone with the bypass because i haven't lost any damn weight. Now i wish i could do the bypass...i wonder if i could? or if the insurance would pay for it...i throw up all the time and yes i still haven't lost any weight and can eat whatever i want anytime i want...not good at all..somone help me!!

[not quite Barbie]

If they had to make so many improvements to the lap band then doesn't it make you wonder? Does me. I'm glad I went RNY and would not suggest the band for anyone. I HAVE been reading about the sleeve and think it sounds like an even better choice than RNY but it's still pretty new and not a lot of surgeons are doing it.

[pretty woman]

Hmmm. which surgery to have? It is a big decision and now I see more coming out..the sleeve, POSE and the D switch.
For me:
1. My mom had bypass in the mid 70s..she was told it could be reversed if she had problems.. Mom had none. She lost weight and kept it off..
2. Lap Band- I thought of it at first... less invasive. However, I, like others, didn't want to be tied to a "port" and a doctor monitoring it, my whole life.
3. Weight loss- I believe bypass will help me lose all the weight I feel I should lose.
4. My bariatric nurse has said in her opinion (16 years and 1000 patients) by pass is here to stay.. lap band may come and go.
To date, I have been happy I did the bypass.
Good luck.

[clfcarrie]

this thread is kind of old but i'll put in my two cents. When researching look at the demographic of the test subjects. Alot of the early lap band tests were done in australia. A people with a completely different life style that americans. More active less junk food etc. It seems accross the board from what I saw the average weight loss with the lap band is 80 pounds. I have two girl friends both had lap band one has lost almost 200 and the other has lost maybe 50 and admits to not using her 'tool' at all.
I also was interested in the lap band for myself. My biggest concern was the bodies adaptability to change and the 'pouch' to stretch out over time and the many people who I saw have surgery do great and then gain back all and more in 10-15 yrs time.
As can be seen from my stats I had about 250 pounds to loose to get to a normal BMI No way the lap band was going to do that for me. They have learned so many things about how to shape and angle the pouches and how to make the new opening at the bottom so that there are less problems of re-gain.

bottom line to everything....there are ways around every tool. No matter what anyone chooses. Your success or lack of and longevity will depend on your degree of committment to changing you attitude about eating/food/life. If a person sees this as short term 'quick fix' and then they can go back to the way they were then don't put yourself through any of it.

I opted for RNY. I have never been so satisfied with a decision in my whole life. I know for myself that I would not have been successful with the lapband. I needed more from my body to help train me. It is more and more a dual effort between my new innards and my mind! LOL but each day it is more beautiful harmony instead of dischord and battle!

God bless anyone who is thinking of taking back control of their life.

[biggie girlie]

Do you think there is an age limit on having WLS?