Question:
How do you decide which surgery is best for you, band or RNY?

I have 75 lbs to lose, have pre-diabetes, mild sleep apnea, high BP & cholesterol.    — browneyedgirl_1967 (posted on September 19, 2009)


September 19, 2009
My advise is to ask the surgeon who will do the surgery. They have the best knowledge for that. By knowing your personal info & their training, they can tell you what type is best for YOU. Check into that. Best of luck. Btw, I'm getting the RNY which my surgeon suggest best for me.
   — SPIRIT2002

September 19, 2009
Hi, I agree with the first post. That is something you have to discuss with your DR. We can only give our reasons for our surgery. I have seen great success with both Lap & RNY procedures. I have also seen failure in both. It all depends on what the person is ready for ,may be able to afford. I had about 150 lbs to loose...I have lost 130 so far (14 mths out). I have Medicaid..and was concerned that if I did Lap Band..and my ins changed I would not be able to afford the DR visits to have fills. My ins approved both procedures..so it was my DR & I that worked out what would be best for me. I am VERY happy with everything! Your Dr is the specialist at this and should have your best interest at heart. Best of luck to you!
   — tootsie52

September 20, 2009
I personally think the sleeve is the best of both worlds. I do agree that the decision should be based on what you want and what your doctor recommends. I had the band, and was not overly successful with it. I lost about 40 pounds of the 80 I needed to loose. Going in for fills and unfills were a pain in the neck and costly. I ended up with a severe slip and the band was removed. My doc suggested the VGS (gastric sleeve) instead of rebanding. It is the first step to a complete gastric bypass. The stomach is made into a banana shaped pouch and about 80 percent of the stomach is removed. THere is no rerouting of intestins. That can be added later if necessary. I have lost almost 30 pounds since August 10th. I am thrilled with the surgery and would suggest you ask your doctor about it. What ever you choose, best of luck to you!
   — Bonnie H.

September 20, 2009
I attended the seminar and then when I had my consultation with the surgeon, we discussed what was my best option and even tho I had decided lap band was what I wanted, I knew after the seminar that RYN was my best option due to my age, how overweight I was and my health problems...all those things will be taken into consideration...so I agree with the other posters, discuss it with your surgeon, he/she will know what's best for you!! Good luck!!
   — MissMarie516

September 20, 2009
First of all the sleeve is the first part of the Duodenal Switch surgery. Do your research on all WLS and see which has the better overall EWL % long term. Think twice & cut ONCE. Good luck!
   — rose78

September 21, 2009
I originally wanted the band because I thought the RNY was too drastic. My doctors convinced me that the VSG (vertical sleeve) was a better option because it has the least amount of complications and a very high success rate. I had the VSG on March 25 and I am now down 80 lbs and still losing. I feel great. I have not been sick or had anything get stuck. I do have to watch my portions and what I eat or my stomach will get upset or I'll feel sick. I am very happy with my decision and my success rate. My weight loss would be even great if I was able to keep up with exercise like my doctor has suggested 200 to 300 mins a week, however I have had some back issues and am sometimes not able to work out. Overall though I feel great am healthier than I have been in a long time and loving life. I really hope you study up on all the surgeries ask lots of questions to your dactors and are able to choose what is best for you. I hope you have great success.
   — Lisa von Wallmenich

September 21, 2009
I have a very good website for you to go to. I will navagate you through the site as to how to get there: GO TO www.lapsf.com, ON THE LEFT SIDE BLUE BOX CLICK WEIGHT LOSS AND REVISIONAL SURGERIES THEN CLICK INTO-WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS, SCROLL DOWN TO WHERE YOU SEE THE PICTURE OF A STOMACH-CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SURGERY COMPARISON CHART. PRINT THIS EMAIL SO YOU CAN FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS. The chart tells you all about each surgery and this should help you decide. Although your doctor "can" recommend which one to have, but it is also based on what your insurance company will pay for. I had about 90 lbs to loose and my insurance company would only pay for the RNY so that pretty much made up my mind.
   — Kristy

September 21, 2009
When I had my surgery last year I went to the information classes that was then that I decided to have the Gastric Bypass not the lap. I didn't want to have to keep running back and forth to the doctor.
   — kaybusk

September 22, 2009
I had the VSG (sleeve) 7/31/09. I had considered the band, but my cardiologist and surgeon strongly suggested I have the sleeve. After much research (1yr+) and soul-searching, I decided the sleeve was the way to go. I have had absolutely not 1 minute of nausea or vomiting. I've been able to tolerate every food I've tried. I'm soooo pleased, and I'm down 30 pounds (40 pounds from my heaviest). I had all the conditions you have, plus a stent. Just remember, whatever surgery you have, follow your doctor and nut's instructions to the letter. Get all your protein each day, and drink all your fluids!! Good luck on your surgery.
   — flybaby46




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