Question:
How can I decide on lap band or Roux-en-y? I have done my research.

   — suegrib (posted on July 1, 2009)


July 1, 2009
Only you can decide that. Noone else can. If you are a God believing person you can pray about it, but ultimately only you can make that decision for you. What is right for you maybe wrong for me and what is right for me may be wrong for you. Good luck.
   — southerngeorgiagirl

July 1, 2009
Assuming that your research included speaking with your doctor and mental health provider, I would just suggest 3 additional considerations: 1. Are you self pay? 2. Have you polled some patients of both surgeries? 3. What do you think is best for you? I had a lapband 23 months ago and have lost 107 pounds, which is a few pounds more than I actually needed to lose. My therapist suggested that I have the RNY because I am a chocolate eater. The band doesn't offer the physical issue of dumping with sugars, so I can eat it. I have to be the controller instead of the chocolate. Since I paid myself the 15,000 dollars was more doable than the 23,000 for the RNY. But, more than that, I didn't want to reroute and cut what God had put there. After my surgery I have met many lapband patients. Some are VERY successful, but some didn't lose as much as they wished or have regained the weight. I walk 5 1/2 miles 5 days a week and I weigh everyday. I want to be able to get a handle on any weight gain. These strategies are working for me. I LOVE my lapband and am thrilled that I chose it. Whatever your decision, get plenty of support-surgery clinic, support group, OH, family, and friends. WLS is the BEST thing I've ever done for myself. I love it!!! Good luck!
   — gouldsfiya

July 1, 2009
I strongly suggest you consider the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). I think it is the best procedure for people who do not have a tendancy to eat sweets. I had mine about 10 months ago and I am very happy with the results. I think the band is mostly ineffective at best. From what I read, I understand that about 60% of the people who have bands have no weight loss long term and get complications that need surgical intervention to boot. Some of the complications include erosion to stomach which causes complications in revision surgery, GERD where the constant reflux ruins the esophogus, and constant vomiting -kinda like having your jaws wired or being locked in the house for weeks with only Gerb*r to eat... If you can only choose between the band and RNY because of your insurance, RNY is DEFINATELY a better choice, but take into account that there are a lot of possible complications with RNY. You can Gd forbid have an intestinal obstruction (which is life threatening) even many years down the line. That is more rare, but malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies that cause awful diseases are now popping up right and left with people who had RNY years back. If you do it, you must make sure to take a lot of vitamins - forever. Good luck to you in making your decision. I hope this helps.
   — zimra

July 2, 2009
I faced that same situation. I prayed and the good Lord probably got tired of me going from one side to another. This is something you will have to decide on. Good luck on the decision.
   — alaskaman

July 2, 2009
I too started off wanting to go Lap Band, and after research ended up with RNY. Dumping is the worst/greatest thing I've ever had. NOw at 3.5 years out, I still get it, but not as stongly as I did in the begining. But it reminds me about portion control and bad foods. Keeps me in-line and I can easily push away the things that I had NO control over before. Yes, it changes your "plumbing", but I figured if the MD was going to but three little holes in my abdomen - he may as well do it for RNY, versus the possibility of converting to RNY if my band method didn't help me achieve the 100+ lbs that was a my goal. Plus, I'm impatient! I wanted weightloss to be fast! I had a friend who did the band, (she was s very big girl) and she learned how to "eat around" the band, and eat nasty stuff, sweets, and carbs, all day long. Needless to say, she did not lose what she wanted to. And got frustrated and started the whole "stress eating" event again. I hope you go to a few bariatric group sessions and ask those folks the same questions. Good luck, you'll do what is right for you if you ask enough questions before hand.
   — dadebrito

July 2, 2009
I agree with the previous post. I had the Vertical sleeve on March 25 and have lost 65 lbs. I originally wanted the lap band and my surgery assistant explained to me the VSG and how it has the least amount of complications and a great success rate. Your stomach still functions the same as before and you don't have to worry about restictions. Also if you need to you can proceed to the RNY. I have been very happy with my choice of this surgery and I am doing great. I hope you do great as well with which ever you choose.
   — Lisa von Wallmenich

July 2, 2009
If you click on my profile, in my pics section I have uploaded a Surgery Comparison Chart and it has all the info you will ever need to help you decide which surgery to have. It has all the pro's and con's of each one. If you can't zoom it good enough to see, email me and I will talk you through the way to the website. www.lapsf.com check there and if you can't find it I will help you. The way I choose my surgery was #1 My insurance wouldn't cover the lap band and I didn't like the fact that there is slippage of the band and scar tissue grows over the stoma (opening to the stomach) and then you really have problems. #2 I had less than 100 lbs to lose only by 10 lbs but people that have less are recommended to have the RNY. Best wishes to you.
   — Kristy

July 2, 2009
I would add consider your pre-existing conditions. I started out wanting the lapband but ended up with RNY. I had a sense of peace about the decision but now am struggling. I am a rheumatoid arthritis patient for 20 yrs and now the lack of anti-inflammatory medications is really making my life miserable. I have a wonderful RA doctor who is trying to manage me with injections but those take up to 3 weeks to build up in my system. Until then I am in constant pain. No fun! Think of those pre-existing conditions when making your surgical choice.
   — pdgiff

July 2, 2009

   — Gail T.




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