RNY or Lap-Band?

Not sure where you live in CO but I live in New Mexico close to Durango, CO.  I went to Texas and had the DS surgery with Dr Daryl Stewart.  It was wonderful and I am glad that I listened to a surgery war and investigated the DS.  So whatever surgery you decide on please do your research fully.

Betty

I had a great experience with the band....at first...lost 70lbs in 6 months and then it stopped.  Then I started having problems with it slipping, had several surgeries to correct and finally had to have it removed in an emergency surgery because my lower stomach lodged it's self up through the band and into my pouch.  I couldn't even swallow my own saliva and was throwing up black bile which I later found out was blood.  My doctor said if they hadn't gotten me into surgery in time, it could have killed me. I had also gained 55lbs. during all this.  4 months later he did rny and I'm almost 2 years out and have only lost 50 of that in that time.  I'm 165 now and wear a size 10, I'd rather lose another 35lbs. and hope to still, but if not, I'm okay being a "normal" sized person.  From what I've heard, I too think the DS would be a good choice for you with what you're wanting to lose.  My doctor wouldn't do it for me because my BMI wasn't that high, but I would have like to have had that choice.  I had to pay for the lap band myself and ins. only covered the rny because I'd already been referred to the bariatric surgeon because of the lap band fisasco. Before that, they would not do it for me.   I could not afford to pay for a DS out of pocket, so I went with what my surgeon suggested.  Good Luck to you, do your research and don't be afraid to ask questions with your doctor. 

Unfortunately, I had to delete this post due to privacy concerns.

Thank you all for your input! There were so many factors to consider, but I think I've come to a decision to go ahead with the RNY. The DS seems just a bit too risky for becoming malnutritioned and after reading research and learning more about the band, I don't believe it is the best option for me. I need the extra reminder of dumping syndrome to not eat sweets and I'm fully able to admit that sometimes I just don't have the willpower it would take to make the band work. In having some of the pre-op tests run I've also learned that I have a hiatal hernia which the band can cause as well and I would like to get rid of it because it causes a bit of pain from time to time!

As for my family, they are all on board as well. The more educated they are about the procedure and my surgeon and what to expect after all is said and done, the better everyone feels. I'm not at all scared anymore to have the RNY outside of normal I'm-having-surgery jitters.

Once again, thank you all it was helpful to read about real experiences with all of these surgeries!

I hope you reconsider.  The benefits to keeping your pyloric valve are immeasurable in the grand scheme of things.

Also:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/failed_wls_second_time_aro und/4389195/Please-dont-blame-yourself-if-your-RnY-failed-yo u/


Good luck whatever you choose.

Malabsorption does NOT equal malnutrition. Over the years I've spent on OH, I've seem a LOT of RNYers with malnutrion issues, but very few DSers. However, I suspect a big part of this is because DSers tend to be very aware of the potential for malnutrition and avoid it like the plague, whereas a LOT of RNYers don't seem to have been given good counseling about the importance of vitamins, supplements, lab work, etc.

Good luck to you, with whatever you ultimately get---but I really do advise you to do more research before you go under the knife.

Have you read the various threads about reactive hypyglycemia after the RNY? How about the threads about the importance of preserving your pylorus?

I have ZERO willpower, which is a big part of why I chose the DS. (*grin*)

I urge you to take a long look at VSG. It gives you restriction without malabsorption. I'm so happy with my sleeve.

Whatever you decide on, I wish you all the best. 

Believe me, I am well informed. I do know that I will need to be on vitamins and supplements for the rest of my life. I also understand the risks and benefits of ALL of the surgeries. Thank you again for your input. I have now considered all options and have chosen the surgery I feel is right for me. Therefore, I have no reason to reconsider. My surgeon's practice has seen phenomenal results with the RNY and I trust I have found a great surgeon and care team to help me on my journey.

Thank you again, and best wishes to all of you in your weight loss journies!
( now please wish me the best in mine ;) )