Comparing WLS

I have a Realize Band - and had good, consistent weight loss for 18 months.
I went from 284 pounds to my goal weight of 155 -- and below.

However, if I had to recommend a surgery, I would direct you towards the VSG.
Much more reliable.

It seems as though at about 2 - 3 years post-op, alot of unforeseen issues are happening with bands -- slips, reflux, etc.

I am happy with my results, and in addition to my surgery, I got into a groove with OA and with Weigh****chers -- I am maintaining my weight loss with all 3 tools --- and hope and pray that I am able to keep my band for the rest of my life ---- but, if it has to come out, I hope that the tools of OA and WW will allow me to maintain my current weight.  If not, I would revise to a VSG.

That said, I had no co-morbidities, or significant health issues prior to my surgery -- if I had Diabetes, I would have given more thought to the DS or RNY.

www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/4391498/RNY-insulin-carbs-we ight-regain-Articles/#36305662

www.lenoxhillhospital.org/press_releases.aspx

www.dssurgery.com/procedures/compare-surgical-procedures.php

www.obesityhelp.com/forums/ds/4416755/Must-Read-Transcript-o f-Dr-Roslins-Presentation-to-ASMBS-on/

www.DSFacts.com

The surgery with the best stats for everything they study about weight loss surgeries (except for resolution of GERD) is the DS.  Best for resolving co-morbidities including a 99% CURE for Type II Diabetes.  Best for long term success (who wants to regain after a few years?).  And IMO the best post-op eating for life (low carb, moderate fat, high protein).

BUT you must be willing and able to understand this surgery, communicate about it to medical professionals who have never heard of it, learn what supplements and labs you need (because your doctor won't know) and in general be a strong self-advocate. 

~Becky

I would rather staple my nipples to a hedgehog than get a band.  My sister almost died when her's slipped up.  She has lovely gastritis and erosions to live with and is twice the size now as what she was when banded.

The DS is the most powerful of all the surgeries on offer but also requires the most vigilance in regards to vitamins and mineral replacement and blood tests.  The same is true of the RNY or VSG but DSers malabsorb much more than Rnyers. I would go over to the DS forum for a look about and all the other surgery forums so you get an educated and balanced opinion. 

Here is my floppy arsed self before and after.

Kirmy, you just gave me the weirdest visual with that turn of phrase..

These two look like they'd be about the right size for pasties though..

There's a book called "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" that is written by Marina Kurian, Barbara Thompson, and Brian Davidson.  Marina Kurian is a wls surgeon that did Al Roker's bypass.  They discuss the different kinds of surgeries, both pros and cons to each kind.  The book also goes into different areas of what to look for in the beginning of your journey and what to expect as you move along in the process.   It's cheaper to find it on ebay or amazon.com

 
Feedback here on this thread is not going to get you to where you need to be to make such an important life decision.  You have to do some pretty extensive research.

Before you get surgery, it's super-important that you understand:

1) What your goals are (volume reduction?  keeping the weight off?  % excess weight loss?)
2) What each surgery offers (permanent or "temporary" solution?  malabsorbtion or not?)
3) What the possible side effects are of each surgery
4) Each surgery's post-op diet restrictions and requirements
5) Each surgery's post-op vitamin intake requirements

I'd say spend several days/weeks reading the information on OH regarding each surgery.  Go back at least 6 months and read the posts and comments on each surgery board--you'll see the problems people are having, questions they have, and how they're living with the surgery post-op.  You'll be able to compare for yourself the pros and cons of each surgery.  This is time-consuming, but you'lll be glad you did it.

I just saw an interesting post here at OH, that had all sorts of people that were having to revise to a second surgery, after failing with a first one. MsBatt started it, and she is helpful, well informed and not judgmental if you have questions there too.

I also highly recommend the failed surgeries and revisions boards, to help you avoid anything that might steer you toward a second surgery. Getting this surgery was a tough decision for many of us to make, and I knew I just had to be successful the first try, as failing at a surgery would just leave me emotionally crippled. Aim for research first, so you can get cut only once.