Lap Band or RNY?

I went to a Weight Loss Seminar last night... Dr. Wayne English from Marquette, MI was the speaker.  I am just starting out and was looking into the lap band, but now am wondering if I shouldn't got the RNY route?  I have a large amount of weight to lose.  Just wondering what people's thoughts were in regard to these 2 types of WLS... also, wondering if anyone has had Dr. English for their doctor and their feelings towards him and his staff?  He seemed like a very nice person. 

This is a very personal and individual decision for us to make.   I too, was looking for the lap band and my surgeon strongly recommended the RNY because of my weight, and explained his reasoning.   So I went home and researched some more (I had been researching for about 6 months before this)  and decided that the surgeon had the right idea. I had my RNY and I have been pleased with the results so far.  I am 15 weeks out and have lost almost half of the weight that I want to!   Things of course are slowing down a bit now but that is only natural. So my advise would be to do some research and soul searching.   Then decide which would be best for you. Good Luck!

I too had to make this decision.  And like Carolyn said, it's a very personal decision that nobody can make but yourself.  No matter who you ask, you're going to get people who are "all for" one way or the other.... so you have to do the digging and figure out what will work best for YOU. My #1 suggestion is to buy the book "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies".  This book outlines every time of surgery (not just LapBand and RNY) and gives you the pros and cons of each.  It will also help to walk you through the process of deciding which surgery to go with and how to pick the right doctor/hospital for your procedure.  It also gives sample menus and lots of great information about what to expect at each stage of your post-op life.  It's unbiased and just lays out the information in plain terms.  No sales pitches. Also read the information here on OH.  But just remember that this website (like many others about WLS) is driven by advertisers ... so try to avoid all the hype and read for research only. You're also welcome to read the entry on my blog about why I chose RNY over LapBand.  Here's the direct link:  http://pamtremble.blogspot.com/2006/08/first-step-taken.html Good luck, Pam

I, too, went to a wls seminar thinking I wanted the Lap Band.  After researching, I found that because I had so much weight to lose, I would be better off doing the RNY or the DS.  (I chose the RNY because my surgeon hadn't done many DS's and I didn't care much for some of the side effects.)  I'm very pleased with the decision that I made with the help of my surgeon.  When you have your first visit, you will discuss the best type of surgery for you with your doctor.  Best of luck to you as you make this life altering decision! Jenn

Here's my 2 cents: When I went to the seminar, I was SURE I wanted Lapband.  I listened to the other surgery descriptions, but only with 75% attention.  I saw the PA, had the psych eval, still sure I was going with the Lap.  When I saw the PA, she mentioned the vertical sleeve.  I felt, yeah, okay, but I still wanted the lap.  When I spoke with the doctor, he asked me why I was so sure about the Lap, he described the pros and cons about the VSG, and suggested I research it more, told me why he thought it would be right for me.  After I spent some time on this site and others, and finding out more about it, I decided for the VSG.  He was right, and after just meeting me.  What do you know??  I am waiting for insurance approval, and should know next week. Anyway, my point, I suggest you really look at all the surgeries with an open mind.  Talk over the pros and cons for evey one, and rate each pro and con.  The bottom line is you have to go with what is right for you. With all the information out there for us to grab hold of, be a sponge before you make a choice, then be open to change it. Martha