Lapband vs. Gastric Bypass

Okay I am about to drive myself crazy now - I am getting closer to getting a date and now I am rethinking the lapband - I really am afraid that it won't work for me . My brother and sister are paying for the lapband for me ($24000!!!!!) and I really cannot ask them to add another $10000 to it for me - but now I am reading some of the horror stories about the lap band not working. Has anyone else had this surgery and how is it working for them?

Your choice of WLS is a very personal one, between you and your surgeon, so I would never recommend one over the other. However, the complication rate is higher for Lapband, at least from the studies I've read. But let me say, this will vary depending on the expertise of the surgeon and the hospital. As far as the $ goes. The last I heard from MUSC was $27K for self pay RNY. Everything is included, even extended stay, and folowup care for complications. These numbers may have changed, but its worth looking into. Eddie

Thank you for the information - I am definitely going to be checking into the information that you have given me. Do you know if they require the filter for the surgery - that in itself is $5000 of my cost here. Thanks, Carolyn

I agree with what Eddie said that it is your decision as to which surgery you go with. However, I'll share my experience with you. I also came into this ordeal expressing my interest in the lapband. But, after research, I found that RNY was actually the best way for me. Lapband was too easy to cheat and the complications are higher. Also, weight loss is slower with lapband and I even know someone that had lap band and now actually weight more than they did on the day of surgery 4 months ago. They figured out how to cheat the lap band. I had a wonderful experience with my RNY. I am 4 months post op and I have lost 61 lbs. It has been very easy. (almost a little too easy sometimes). I had no complications from surgery but I'm very lucky. Best wishes in your journey. Talk with you surgeon and research. Let me know if I can answer any of your questions. Rachel

Thank you so much and I am checking into a couple of alternatives to the lapband - any infromation is extremely appreciated - and I am really wrestling with the worry about this being the correct surgery for me. With that said I am afraid that in itself means this probably is not the one for me - I think I am going to pursue finding out more about the RNY. Thanks again, Carolyn

As the others have stated, the choice between having a Lap-Band and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a choice you and your surgeon ultimately have to make based on your needs and the surgeon's experience. Since I am a numbers guy I did a little research on how the two processes compare before I had the Roux-en-Y. I looking up some research papers in my colleges database, below is the detailed information regarding the studies. But I will try to summarize the abstract to save you some heavy duty reading. In the research study in Las Vegas from last year, a group of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients were matched up with a group of patients that had the adjustable gastric band. When patients are matched with 3-year follow-up according to time of surgery, age, sex and BMI, - Roux-en-Y gastric bypass provides superior weight and co-morbidity reduction and can be done without severe complications. However, the Lap-Band is an effective weight loss tool and not every patient wishes to have the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. In a research study from 2005, an evaluation of a group of lap band patients were followed up 3 years later. - Older patients, diabetic patients and patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) had greater odds of above average %Effective Weight Loss (EWL). - Female patients, patients with larger BMIs, asthmatic patients and patients with hypertension had increased odds of below average %EWL. - CONCLUSION: Specific patient characteristics and comorbid conditions significantly altered the odds of achieving satisfactory %EWL following gastric banding. The two studies suggest that effectiveness of the Lap-Band can vary in comparison with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and is dependent on who you are and what your WLS needs are. References: Cottam, D. R., Atkinson, J., Anderson, A., Grace, B., Fisher, B. (2006) A case-controlled matched-pair cohort study of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and Lap-Band patients in a single US center with three-year follow-up. The Official Journal Of The American Society For Bariatric Surgery And Of The Obesity Surgery Society Of Australia And New Zealand.16(5), 534-40. _ _ _ _ Chau, W. Y., Schmidt, H. J., Kouli, W., Davis, D., Wasielewski, A., Ballantyne, G. H. (2005) Patient characteristics impacting excess weight loss following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Obesity Surgery: The Official Journal Of The American Society For Bariatric Surgery And Of The Obesity Surgery Society Of Australia And New Zealand. 15(3), 346-50.

Thank you so much for this information - I am definitely up by checking with the surgeon on the odds for me - I am diabetic, hypertensive, arthritic - oh heck may as well say it - I am falling apart at the seams here and really need to lose this weight and do not want to set myself for failure and that is why I am reconsidering which one to do. This really helped. Thanks, Carolyn

Hi Carolyn, I am with the others as which type of surgery to choose being a very personal decision. What I would like to convey to you is, whatever you do, know that you are taking a great step toward regaining your health. When I read your "falling apart at the seams" comment, I felt you, girl. I just want to let you know there is hope.... My RNY was in July 2006, so I am 7 months out. I now weigh 107 pounds less than I did this time last year. Just last year!!! I could not walk without getting out of breath. I was on two diabetic medications. On the day of surgery, I stopped the glucophage, and at my 6 months appointment, my surgeon told me I could quit the other medication. I am totally off diabetic medication -- woo hoo!!!!! That fact alone, for me, has made it all worthwhile. As far as setting yourself up for failure, please make sure you have the proper support at home, and psychological preparation as well as continuing psychological support. This is as much a mental journey as a physical one, and people have found ways to "cheat" both systems. Choose a doctor who will help you make sure you are in a good "mental place" before you proceed, and you will make the right decision for you. Good luck!!!! Marce

Thank you so much for your response - I am really determined to do this - my health is bad and I have grandchildren that I adore and want to be here for. Everyone has been so helpful to me and I really appreciate it. Carolyn

I first started out considering the Lap Band. But after lots of research and reading and talking with so many in group, I feel that the Lap Band would allow me to keep my same bad habbits. For me personally, I don;t think it would be the best tool. Good luck on your choice. Deb