Question:
I am planning on having weight loss surgery and am leaning towards the gastric bypass

I would like opinions as to what people prefere gastric bypass or lap bands? Please let me know your opinions. PatriciaAE    — PatriciaAE (posted on February 22, 2007)


February 22, 2007
I had open RNY on Dec 27, 2006. I had at first wanted the lap band, but after talking to my surgeon and some other people who have had both I opted for the RNY because I will get physically sick if I have too much sugar or fat (my weaknesses) whereas my understanding of the lapband is that you don't get any of the dumping syndrome. I just thought RNY would be more effective for me. I'm 8 weeks post-op and have lost 62 lbs. Plus I don't like the idea of a permanent port that has to be filled every couple months. However, I think it's really a personal decison-- lap band is considerably less invasive. But I figured I have one chance to have this surgery and I am going for the gold! :) Best of luck, I hope I helped... if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me and ask. Aaryn
   — airbear762000

February 22, 2007
I had LAP/RNY on 2/15. I would do it again. I've seen differences already that have justified and validiated my decision. I couldn't be happier :)
   — jammerz

February 22, 2007
My RNY is coming up in the next week, and I'm very happy with my decision for that instead of the lap band. The thought of having a plastic/rubber thing in my body just doesn't thrill me, and I just read a different post where the doctor had put too much fill in her lapband, which caused her problems so he took it all out and wouldn't put anything back in for 2 months, and she's back to her weight before she had the lapband put in. I've read about WAY too many problems with the lapband than with the gastric bypass. Just remember, both are ONLY tools to help you lose the weight, they shouldn't be the only cure. You have to work hard to make them work and to make them work for the rest of your life. Good luck!
   — crystalsno

February 22, 2007
I had open RNY almost 6 months ago and it was well worth it. It is a very personal decision. I chose to go this route because of the control I would have. With a lap-band there are to many ways to get around the diet. I needed a stricter diet. If I had control over my eating I wouldn't have needed the surgery to begin with. In 6 months I have gone from 366lbs to 244lbs and from a size 34 pant to an 18 as of yesterday. Would not change for anything! Good luck on your decision. God Bless!
   — Lost4Ever

February 22, 2007
I had lap RNY on 9-2106 - I was told gastric bypass is the "gold standard" for WLS. I originally wanted to do the lap band but when I found out the restrictions are the same for both and you don't lose as much with the lap band, I opted for gastric bypas. I have absolutely no regrets excpet I wish I had done it sooner. Good luck on your decision!!!
   — Carol A.

February 22, 2007
At nearly 27yrs old and 350lbs, I new that my weight would eventually kill me. 14 mos later I weigh 160lbs and do things I never dreamed of doing. I have had a minor complecation, that being adehesions which was easily fixed. I would say I was completely recovered in less than a week. I would do this all over again many times over than go back to where I was. As far as which surgery, I say that is between you and your doctor. I just know that the RNY has quicker and some would argue more permanent results. My surgeon refuses to the band because when he was training to do the RNY he saw way too many bands erowd(spelling) into the stomach and have to be removed. If you have any questions about my personal experience don't hesitate to email me. I not easily embarassed as I myself work in medicine (not a doctor). my email [email protected]
   — tazthewiz23

February 22, 2007
Hi Patricia. I had RNY almost 3 years ago, and glad I did the RNY. I believed (and was right) that I needed the malabsorptive quality of the surgery. I like that not everything is absorbed for me. It just works much better. It was the best decision for me, and I think that I have a real hope of keeping the weight off. This is why I choose RNY instead of lap band. I respect both surgeries, but did a lot of research for myself and was glad for my decision. Don't just take others opinions, research for yourself. There are plenty of materials out there and classes and sites to look at. There is a lot into making a decision this life changing. There are a lot of benefits if you take care of your tool, but I just wrote a lady that gained all her weight back after having a baby. It happens all the time. You have to fight for your success, and fight to keep it. It is NO miracle, it is just a tool. Use your tool, you have hope of success, take advantage of your tool, don't do your part, you will be sorry you ever researched the surgery. It is no game. Feel free to read my page, it may or may not help you. I wish you well in your research and decision. Patricia P
   — Patricia P

February 23, 2007
Don't forget about the Duodenal Switch. That said, I love my Band. I never seriously considered an RNY.
   — Jeanie

February 23, 2007
i agree with aaryn -- i didn't like the idea of going in for fills -- there is more of a history with RNY than with the band -- i was afraid of 'slippage' and 'erosion' -- at the time my insurance only paid for RNY but by the time i had my surgery i could have changed my mind as Aetna picked up the band -- i'm quite happy with my choice of RNY -- 3 months and down 50 lbs -- good luck with your decision as it is a personal choice that only you can make :)
   — RCassety

February 23, 2007
Patricia, I did alot of research before deciding on RNY. I had my surgery 2/07/06. I got to goal after 9 months and have now gone below goal by 15 pounds. I had asked my doctor what surgery would be best for me, at my age and the one I'd lose the best with. I am very happy, but would have to say, the decision is yours. Best of wishes to you, in whatever procedure you decide on. Normie :)
   — Normie

February 23, 2007
I had a Lap RNY and would do the same thing all over again. There are just too many ways for me to cheat with the lapband and I concluded that this would be a one time procedure for me for the rest of my life, I'd "go for the gold". Also, keep in mind, with the lapband those "fills" are a "cash cow" for the monthly "fills" after your one year is up (or what ever your warranty reads). I even SELF payed for my LAP RNY and this cost and extra $10,000.00, and worht every penny. I will always have the peace of mind that I did everythin I could with the most proven standard to help control my morbid obesity. So, ditto on everybody's comments abve that too elected to have the RNY instead of the LapBand. Kristin A.
   — silverkrisi

February 24, 2007
I agree with the great majority of others who've responded to your question. Some people have great results with the band but from reading postings on this OH site, I think RNY has a MUCH higher rate of long term success. I'm only seven months out from surgery in 7/06 but I'm having great success with my RNY up to now, having lost about 90 lb. GO FOR THE GOLD! GO FOR RNY!!
   — [Deactivated Member]




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