Why do most people pick RNY over Lap band?

Why do most of the people in the Maine forum picking RNY over Lap Band? I was told Lap band would be better for me by my doctor. Just wondering what made you decide to go RNY ? Doctor? or you decided? Linda

Originally I decided on the lap band but as I learned more I just couldn't handle a foreign object in my body.. Plus I think the RNY will keep me more honest with my eating habbits.

I am also picking RNY over the Band as it is a piece of plastic going in my body for the rest of my life. Banding is still very new and I'm not quite 40 yet and realistically will it last for another 40 years? Banding is great for people that want a slower loss, have a history of cancer or have to take ibuprofen. The decision is very personal and should be made by you after lots of research and guidance from your doctor.

I did pick lap band because of many different reasons. One is my brother had RNY and I see him and his girlfriend dumping  and they didn't even have something they shouldn't have. Second I suffer from severe migraines so the medication I take is strong for the stomach. And third I am hard to put to sleep in the OR so a shorter time asleep the better. I don't even feel the lap band in me. Just the port once in a while Sometimes I wish the weight loss would be faster, But then I remember why I picked this and how far I have come. Linda

I chose Lap-Band, my doctor would have approved wither for me as my BMI was 42.2. Even though I chose one I spent a lot of time thinking about this and I think I can still answer this...at least somewhat.

Lap-band is kinda new in Maine...Rny has been available for...well, forever...and the band just arrived here 4 years ago.

RNY is still considered the gold-standard of WLS..the long-term research is there to show significant losses. (a few re-gain and bandsters focus on that.) The band shows pretty good loss but some serious failures to lose weight. (too much effort required for some people.)

Many doctors do not do the band for people over 45 or 50 bmi...they just find that the patient fails to lose enough weight with the band to make it worth the time/money.

The band requires a different type of post-op than the rny...rny gives instant restriction and band requires self control that many are not able to deal with. (RNY requires control too...but the band does NOTHING for at least 2 months for almost all people.)

Band people will say that rny's have to take too many vitamins and blood tests for deficencies....RNY will say the fills every 4-8 weeks are a pain in the butt...or belly anyway.

Sure band people did not want insides cut, do not want vitamin issues and do not want the (very small) risk of death that goes with RNY, safety today and fewer initial complications draw people to the band.

...but people who choose RNY do not want possible band slips or erosions, no restriction, HUNGER, and a surgery that is untested over the long term (bands are only about 12 years into use...who knows what happens at 40-50 yeasr out...) RNY is a known , the band seems too "new." That, and the implanted device thing which seriously freaks some people out.

When I made my choice I made a chart that listed the good and bad of each...I used answers from people on both sides to keep it as honest as I possibly could. In the end the band was a better fit for me but I have a good friend in line for RNY and I am just thrilled for her!!!

And board regular, co-worker, friend, SummerPinME is post-op RNY and doing AMAZING! (Hi Summer!!!)


There are a few of us bandsters here though...don't worry about being here amoung the other surgeries...this is the most supportive, non-judgmental board on OH!!!

Sheli

I too picked  rny over  lap band.  I could have either.   I listened to what my doctor had to recommend and then came home and thought about it.     I decided on rny   as i really didnt want something inside me but i  really  thought  lap band was great for others  and I hope you do wonderful. Patty P

I originally was interested in the band (I wanted to avoid getting cut) and then when I had my first consult with Dr Trieu he told me that I would have to go the rny route.  My BMI was 65 and I need to loose more than 200 lbs.  He told me that the band was good for about 150.  After I left his office I did research on rny and I am happy with my decission to go with that (over doing nothing) and I am looking forward to my surgery in March.

Hijack: Dr Trieu is great..don't you just love him? He is so quiet most of the time but he's such a supportive doctor you can't help but adore him...plus he gave me my band that is making everything in my life better!

Sheli

I was impressed with him the one time I have meet him.  I would not be having the surgery if I did not feel comfortable with him and after meeting him and talking to him it put many of my fears away.  I am hoping my DH will meet him at the support group in February.

I picked RNY for a number of reasons...  I knew that I could eat my way through that band.  I felt I needed something more restricted. I also didn't want to have to deal with the fills etc. And also since I had 200 lbs of excess weight, I felt RNY was the best for me. The loss for the Band is very slow. Good luck with your journey!!