[Shanea05]

Hey ya'll,

Can someone help me figure out the positives and negatives of both the lap band and gastric bypass surgery??

I am forced make a decisions within the next week and I have done quite a bit of research. But, i still don't know!

The is a life time decisions and i want to make the right one. Thanks!

[dixieladybug]

Hello and welcome... glad you joined. I was going to get the lap band at first, but I had two doctors tell me that the R N Y would be the best for me. I am very happy that I did. You are the only one that can make that decision. There are some here that have had lap band and it has worked for them some not so happy with it. Most of the people on here had R N Y or sleeve or some type of surgery other than lap band. Most of the people are very happy with it but we have had a few who were not happy with r n y either... I think that talking to a reliable doctor who can advise you as to what is best for you would be a good help. You can not have too much information on the subject. I think some people go into this with out know what to expect after surgery... if you have any questions just ask away. I know that wasn't much help but this is one you have to make you own mind up about. Good luck on what ever you decide to do... let us know....

[clancythecamper]

What I liked about the idea of the lap band was that it was less invasive, no re-routing, and that they can control your rate of loss by filling the band and that there are no malabsortion issues. What I did not like was the idea of having a plastic band inside me, concerns about possible slippage, having to go to the doc for fills and the fact that I could and probably would cheat! What I liked best about RNY was the success rate, knowing that I would likely dump sugar and/or fat and knowing that it would by its very nature be a permanent decision! No turning back! What I was concerned about with RNY was possible complications post op with the possibility of leaking, strictures, malabsortion issues, and the permanence of it ~ I know I'm contradicting myself ~ So, what did I do? RNY. It was the best decision for me. My pouchy lets me know when I goof and it's not an easy road, although when you get the hang of it, it does seem easy to watch the weight roll off ya! Basically, you need to be really ready to follow the rules and follow them closely for the best results. Research your surgeon and the hospital you will go with. Investigate your ins plan to see what's necessary so they'll pay for it. Enlist those who will go thru this with you for their emotional support and physical support immediately post op. Find a great online support group ~ oh, hey, you already did that! Good luck with your decision Glad you've joined us!

[GinaGurl]

i was going to have lap band also but my surgeon said i would make out better with gastric so thats what i did and i am glad i did i would do it again so good luck with your decision and only you can make that decision also welcome to the sight take care and god bless

[waitingintn]

Make a list of pros and cons of both. If you are young, think about a plastic object in your body for an extended period--and the chance of needing another surgery. If you just want the restriction, you could look at the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. If you need the malabsorption, you might want to consider the RNY. Talk to your surgeon--he/she would probably have an idea which one is best for you.

[stylindi]

A friend of mine had the lap band..after watching her go through what she has ..and the 40% success rate (i think shes part of the other 60) . Given the ability to still poison myself with high fatty and sugary foods..i opted for the GBS. She eats chips and drinks with them so that they go through the hole left by the band. Takes a while but a whole bag can still go down. She throws up every time she eats...etc.
Im so happy i made the choice i did.

[Perfesser]

I talked to the surgeon about the band - he talked me into RNY. Said that because I needed to lose around 100 pounds that there was a much better long-term success rate with RNY. Also the reasons others have given swayed me, too.

RNY is more permanent than a band. Bands can let you cheat. RNY is a LOT less tolerant of cheating, and comes with enforcement mechanisms. Bands can shift around and require maintenance. Once you heal, RNY is a pretty rugged modification.

I went with RNY, and you can see the results in my stats. The doc said my goal was 184 pounds. I blew through that like the price of GM stock! Took me 7 months to get where I am now (I'm a guy - your loss rate will be slower) and I've been here for close to a year now.

No regrets - none whatsoever!! Except maybe that my path didn't bring me here years earlier. My wife was pretty uneasy about this whole idea of cutting my guts up and re-routing my innards. She watched me closely over the next months as I lost weight and increased in health, and decided she wanted a piece of the action, too. She had RNY in March, is down multiple sizes and over 50 pounds (45 or so to go!), and feels wonderful!! Same operation, same surgeon, same dedication to following the rules, same results. (She has a strict overseer, though!! It's great having an in-house support group! )

This is not for everyone, and if you have reservations about how your relationship with your old comfort buddy, food, will change, settle your mind and get straight with the future requirements of WLS before you do it. It can be a miraculous, life-changing experience. It should be, and if you prepare wisely, it will be.

Only you can decide which way to go, and you'll find support here whatever you choose, even if it's non-op. You only get one choice, though!! Good luck!

CT

[MsVickie]

All the advice above is great advice. I had to much to lose to go with the band but it was offered by one surgeon. All I had to do was hold it in my hand and I made my mind up. I took RNY over it.

[Kenyar]

i was started out thinking lap band was for me. like msvickie i saw it face to face and was instantly turned off. i know they say its rare, but i am highly allergic to things. i rejected piercings, have latex allergies, various food allergies...i didnt want to thinkabout the possibility of having to have the thing removed. plus continuously going in for fills seemed annoying; and what if i lost my insurance??? no fills...LOL.

i decided on bypass because i needed a permenant restriction in place. i knew deep down in side that the band was high maintenance and therefore not for me. i failed at following uo on so many other things; stopped exercising when i didnt see results etc. i knew i would be part of the high percentage to fail with the band. plus from what i understood, it would take longer to lose and i was pressed for time with hypertension and pre-diabetes. my asthma was also at its all time worse. all of these things helped me decide in the end.

it will boil down to personal choice; how much you trust yourself, how much you can take emotionally etc...its a tough choice. good that you are even considering either as an option. you are on the track to saving your life! congrats for taking that step. let us know what you go with and keep us updated on your progress!

[Trulykath]

Lap band:
1) restrictive
2) Life time of fills
3) easier to cheat with
4) Less significant weight loss on average

Gastric:
1) Restriction PLUS mal absorption
2) Harder to cheat with...(read=DUMPING SUCKS)
3) More significant weight loss
4) Lifetime of supplements, but don't have to have fills
5) A lot of gastric revisions are banders being converted to gastric bypass