Lapband vs. RNY

Can anyone tell me why they chose lap band instead of RNY? Thanks. Ann

Ann, I am pre-op but i chose RNY over lap. I am a nurse and have been doing research on all of these for years. The lap is slower weight loss and the same amount of surgery. You have to make a life change with Rny and can't cheat. The lap if you keep pushing regular high calorie food and don't follow the diet you will not lose and can still gain. I personally want the weight all gone.So if I have to have basically the same amount of surgical time and recovery then I only want this to be a one time thing with results.I know some choose one over the other due to insurance or self pay.Some choose because of what their Dr. feels is needed. And some just think RNY is too radical. So you have to go with what fits you and your personal situation. Julia

I'm like Julia, I chose the RNY instead of the Lapband cuz I know myself all to well and I know down the road I would cheat and not lose weight if I had the Lapband done. I wanted to make a lifestyle change and be forced to keep it. So far the RNY has done wonders for my health, its been a lifesaver for me. Im sure others tho want the Lapband for different reasons. Maybe someone that has had the Lapband will speak up and give ya there opinion of the Lapband. Andrew

Julia, My name is Debbie and I have chosen to have the Lap Band, that is as long as Medicare okays it. I know most people are choosing RNY but I'm not ready to go that far! For me, I think I will do fine with the LB and my Dr's agree! With LB, if it's doesn't work I will come back for the RNY. I have had a lot of surgeries in my life so "that" part doesn't scare me. I have heard too many war stories about RNY that have scared me away! Don't let that scare you though, I have many friends on here that have had RNY and are doing just fine. You will just have to do the research and make the decision for yourself as we all have. Good Luck with your choice and your surgery whichever one you choose! Keep in touch and keep us up on your journey and we will pray your way through as we have so many on here...Love & Prayers, Deb M.

I don't fully understand why you would be more apt to cheat with the lap band than by-bass??? I thought they were equally restrictive. Actually, I thought that it was easier to cheat with the by-pass. Can you enlighten me?

I had the lapband done 3 months ago and am very happy with it. You can cheat with either one if you are determimed to. I have known people who had RNY and stretched their pouch out by overeating and have gained all their weight back. The lapband is a slower weight loss, but I have seen studies where at the end of 5 years the weight loss is the same as with RNY. The lapband is a much easier surgery and the recovery time is very minimal. You do not have the malabsorption problems that you have with RNY. The lapband is adjustable to each person, with fills. Each person has to make their own decision what is best for them and weigh the pros and cons of both. I never considered RNY, because I was not comforable with having my stomach rearranged. The lapband can be removed if there are problems and your stomach will be like it was before surgery.