Lap-Band or R & Y ? Not a large quantity eater...................

I have just started this process and have finally made the decision for WLS. My registration, and insurance information is at the doctor's office now. I'm expecting an appointment within the next week. I still am struggling though of which surgery to have. I have some time to decide because my insurance is requiring me to have a 6 month diet prior to surgery. I've read though that the Lap-Band is NOT for those that are not large quantity eaters. I am not a large quantity eater, but I'm leaning toward this WLS because it is much safer. Is there anyone out there who has had the lap-band with great success who is NOT a large quantity eater? My downfall is and has always been that I love sugar. I could live off of sugar alone. Any advice from anyone?

Hi Donna, welcome!! I guess my first question would be, who is your surgeon?? The good ones will sit and discuss both surgeries in detail..they will then help you chose simply by explaining who does well with which procedure. My suggestion would be to sit through as many educational classes, free seminars, bariatric events, etc.that you could possibly find. OH has a lot of information on both surgeries as well as googling. Get to know as much as you can about the RNY as well as lapband. Check out your center and surgeon well. Find out about the education and support they offer before and after. Asking around isn't a bad idea, but you will have the RNYers say they had the best surgery and banders say they did. I am glad that each of us are happy with our choice..after all we are here for the same reason!! Good luck and if we can help you through it, just post away!! Brenda

I also love sugar. so I can empathize. Did you attend an informational seminar? My friend who had the RNY told me about the sugar thing and Dr. S also mentioned it during the seminar. Then I did some research on the internet. The Lap-Band is a funnel. If you like Coke, milkshakes, candy, etc... you can still eat those things and just wash them on through the band. That is not going to work for me to lose weight! I NEED the dumping syndrome to save my life. I can not get off the sugar on my own. I wish I could and honestly I feel a little bit of self loathing that I can't and it has come to this. 20% of people with the RNY actually do NOT end up with dumping syndrome. I hope I am in the 80% who do. I personally am seeking an immediate and severe consequence if I mess up. The Lap-Band was what I initially was interested in, but after researching it, it will not give me what I need. Keep on learnin'! This is a decision between you and your doc. You will need to tell him about your sugar issues and see what he /she thinks. Melanie g.

I chose the rny because I had a huge amount of weight to lose and I wanted to lose it fast. I was told that u don't lose as fast with the band or as much. I guess it depends on how much u want to lose and how fast u want to do it. I don't dump personally but sugars aren't a big problem for me. I lost over 170lbs in a year and have been maintaining my current weight for a year. Best wishes. Angela

Donna, It's a big decision to make, but it's easier when you get as much information as possible. I decided to have the lap band because I'm not a large quantity eater and knew that I would not have a problem sticking with small portions. The weight loss is not a quick as with th RNY surgery so that's something to think about if you want to get the pounds off fast. I'm very pleased with the decision that I made and would do it over again in a heart beat. I've met people that have had the RNY WLS and they are very pleased with their progress and end results. No matter what type of WLS you choose or if you lose weight fast or slow, the end results are going to be the same: smaller sizes, feeling better, less or no meds, more self esteem and a whole lot more positive results. Good luck on your journey. P.S. now if they could only come up with something that could make us loose our desire for sugar; the more you eat it the more you want it.