Hey Guys

Thank You for the website. IN fact thanks to all for helping me.

Know that like “Choosing a Religion,” Most people who have had a Life Saving/Changing Procedure Will recommend the one that worked for them.  Yes? A Baptist, When asked which church they would recommend, Will rarely if ever refer you to The Episcopals down the Street. Nor will the Mormons point you toward The nearest Mosque. “Is one of these Procedures Better Than the rest?” Some will say Yes.  And some will say it about each procedure. One solid piece of “Advice?” If someone tells you which to definitely get or avoid?  Discount THAT opinion.  Iit is more like- “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” Do you know that game? Scissors Cut Paper, Paper Wraps Rock, & Rock Breaks Scissors. That is the best analogy I can think of Concerning the Various Procedures. And even at this, There are NO Absolutes. Outside of the game, I have seen Paper torn or ripped by Rocks, And I have purchased Scissors wrapped in Paper. I’m sure if given the time, Rock could be chipped away and carved With a pair of scissors. Some procedures are less invasive with lower complication rates, Some allow for a life of less restrictive eating, Some are more available and affordable. Keep Researching, Asking, and collecting information. And, ask for the good, bad and ugly of all of the options. Best Wishes- Dx

It is overwhelming...I know..... But you have one choice. The RNY has worked for me and yes it is scary. I was 457 lbs and I really needed a strong tool to get the weight off before I died of obesity. In my opinion, the lap band is good for "light weights"....I don't know how true that is but I've heard of it from a few people.  Just continue to learn more about it and hopefully you'll be able to choose one.  Read my profile because there's some interested stuff regarding my experience. Good luck!

I chose RNY primarily to "get rid" of my diabetes.  If you are diabetic RNY is probably the best choice.  I also wanted the 1-2 punch (restrictive/malabsorptive) that Lapband can't do.  Best of luck to you. 

I was Lap-Band at first..then after I went to my second orientation, after a couple support groups, and alot of research....I realized that RNY was the better choice for me. I have Type 2, HBP, Sleep-Apnea....the Band isn't a strong enough tool for me...I know with RNY my Type 2 will not be a factor within a week of surgery where if I went with the Band I would still have it for a year or so. Like everyone else mentioned in here, you have to step back and see...1) what current health issues do you have 2) how much do you need to lose. Also if I can suggest the WLS for Dummies book(yellow book series) is fantastic.  I asked the same question as you in here and everyone was soo helpful...then it hit me that once you do your research and see what health issues you have, the right surgery for you will jump out at you...at least it became obvious to me which one was the proper one...just my .02 -Rob

I chose RNY because I can't exercise a lot. The Lapband is better chosen by people who can follow a daily exercise routine and a strict diet. 

This is a hard decision to make.  I made my decision to have an RNY after quite a bit of soul searching.  I looked at what I was eating and why this lead to my weight gain.  I had issues with portion distortion and had an addiction to high sugar and high fat foods.  So this lead me to lean towards the RNY.  I then really thought about the effect this surgery would have on the rest of my life.  The great things such as becoming more active, being healthier and loosing the weight.  I also thought about the "draw backs"  Food restrictions etc.  

I also thought about DS, but I really wanted to have my surgeon near by, so this was not really an option for me.

I did not like the idea of all the appointments needed to get the lap band adjusted so frequently at the start (I know this is a bizzare thought after all the appointments I had for clearances for my RNY, but it was something that just bothered me.)  I also saw myself reverting to high sugar and fat foods and having regain of weight.

I do not think there is an overall best type of way to loose weight.  I know people who have been successful with lap band, RNY, DS and even South Beach / Weigh****chers /Nutrisystem.  I think every person has to determine what is the best fit for him.  In the long run, it is not how you loose the weight, but that you become healthier and that you are happy with your decision.

Jim