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I choose Lap Band and have lost 50lbs since Feb 13, Im happy!

I chose the RNY because I am a sweetaholic and I wanted the extra bonus of dumping or at least the fear of dumping if I ate sugar.   I also wanted to get it and be done with it.  I didn't want to have to keep going in for fills.   Best advice is to check out peoples profiles.  I spent hours reading over peoples profiles to see how fast they lost weight, what they had to do to do it and what complications they had during their journey.  Only you can choose the right proceedure for you.  Good luck with your decision and please do not worry about asking questions.  That's what we are hear for.   Anna

Good am! You've gotten some great replies here. I had Lap RNY and it is definitely the choice I'd make again. I'd like to mention there was a reply that said RNY WLS is not reversible and wanted to clarify that it is reversible and revisions are very possible. In any event, Jackie's reply covered that. I choose RNY because it would provide the quickest most efficient weight loss for me. I hope you've gotten some help on deciding which you will go with. All best!

Before seeing my doctor, I did some research.  Weightloss Surgery for Dummies is a great guide and I still refer to it at over 2 years out. So, when I saw my doctor and based on my medical history and such, he was the one who made the decision as to which surgery would be best for me.   The RNY, which not only reduces the sixe of the stomach, but also removes a section of the instestine and re-routes it to the new stomach (otherwise known as the pouch). This surgery has a higher success rate, will allow you to lose about 80% of your excess body weight (stats only) and has a higher rate of "dumping" from too much sugar or fat.  This surgery is more aggressive and will not only reduce the amount that you eat, but also the amount that you absorb. The Lapband only reduces the size of the stomac by placing a band around a portion of.  When you eat, your food goes into the upper portion and will digest down intot he lower portion and then out.  You do not dump with this surgery, so the rate for dumping is greatly reduced (to 0%).  This surgery is less aggressive, and the results show it.  It only reduces the amount thatyou eat. I always recommend have a basic understanding of what is available, and discuss the options with your doctor. Hope this helps....Good Luck!!!!

I suggest the book "Weight Loss Surgery - Is It Right For You?" by Merle Cantor Goldberg, LCSW, George Cowan, Jr., MD, and William Y. Marcus, MD.  I bought the book from Merle at a WLS function earlier this year and was really impressed with her! I made my decision to have RNY based on the proven results, length of time the procedure has been performed, and the expected weight loss in a determined lenth of time.  I've been very happy with my decision.  I have lost 109lbs since my surgery last december.  :) For your signature, click on user settings on the left side of your screen.  there is a section for your signature that you can fill out to show up on the boards.  :) 

The only other thing I can add from all these great responces is this .  YOU ARE THE CONSUMER !!  You must prepare- do your homework and chose the surgery that is going to best fit your lifestyle. What may be right for one may  not be right for you .  I chose RNY because I wanted the consequences . I need this tool to keep me in check. The Band was just not an option for me as I had many co-morbitites and needed to get the weight off faster than the band would allow. Plus I was too heavy in my opinion for the band. I have lost 200 pounds, no complications and have maintained it now for almost 3 years.  I just ask that you do your homework and ask many questions to your surgeon. Keep a list for him when you meet. Look at your lifestyle , make sure that the surgery you choose suits YOU .  Best wishes to you on your journey.  Natalie

For your signature, go to the top left, click on user settings and go from there.  :) As for your decision, get as much research as you can and just really look at it all and go from there.  I researched the different types of surgery, attended seminars from different doctors in my area to see what they offered and what they were like, and talked to patients of those doctors.  It took some time but it was so worth it.  I had open RNY and have not regretted my decision at all.