Need all your knowledge ladies! RNY or lap band

I didn't think of that .Thanks!!! Jill

I had my lap band surgery in Oct. of '06 and couldn't be happier. My combined pre-op and post-op weight loss is now 100 lbs. I still want to lose another 15-20 lbs. and feel very confident that will happen. The weight loss with the band is much slower than with RNY (I was actually much more comfortable with that), but studies show that at the 3-5 year mark, overall loss is about the same. The huge thing I like about the band is the maintenance factor. I know I can lose weight - I've done it many, many times. It's maintaining the weight loss where I have a problem. With the band, I can go in and get a little more fill and get the restriction I need to help me eat less, even now at 15 months out. I have had no problems with my band. It does require patience and commitment. Both RNY and Band require you to change your eating style and overall life style to be ultimately successful. It's about long-range health for me though and I needed to change my life habits.
I felt more comfortable having a band around my stomach than having my system rearranged. But that's a personal feeling and decision and you have to do what you feel most comfortable with. Talk to your doc, go to support group meetings, and keep asking questions. Good luck with your decsion. Jean B.

love this forum. It's a nice variety of people and experience  all wrapped up in one. Thanks for you info anything I can learn the better.  Take care LOL JILL

Hey sweetie!  It all boils down to you doing the research of ALL available options, what your insurance will and will not cover (mine only covered band or RnY), and the final decision come down to what you feel will work for you and that you are at peace with that decision.  Had my insurance covered other options I would have researched them more and who knows.  BUT I am completely happy with my decsion AND the results!!!   Best to you as you try to decide!!  Keep us posted! HUGS

My insurance will only cover the band or RNY. It's great to have such opened minded people to talk to on this forum.  You all have made me THINK .  Thanks a bunch. TAKE CARE  Jill

Legally speaking, if your insurance covers RNY - they must cover the DS - you might have to fight harder but...if it's what you want - it'll be worth it!

PS:  I forgot to mention....definitely check out the revision forum.....

I'm going to be banded on April 17. I just met with my surgeon yesterday. Straight from him, no one has become allergic to the band. The new bands prevent erosion much better than some of the older models because the "balloon" part now goes all the way around the stomach which helps to give the cushion between the band and the tissue. The other possible complications rarely happen with the band either. Like the band slipping because they "anchor" it to the tissue whereas before it wasn't held in place. There could be complications, however from his experience, the possibilities are extremely low. As for the person who said fills were expensive, you need to check with your insurance on that. Some insurance plans don't cover fills, that's true, however, many people (I would venture even to say most) that I know with the band only pay office co-pays for the fills. That's what I will be doing.  The thing that really attacted me to the band is the fact that I'm the one in control. I control what I eat, how I eat, the quantity I eat and the fills. If I need restriction, I can get another fill. If I don't think I need restriction, I will not get a fill. If I'm too tight or if I get an illness (or God forbid pregnant!) I can have the band totally unfilled for whatever amount of time is necessary. The band can also be removed if I choose. Although I doubt I'll do that.  I also like knowing my healthy organs aren't going to be cut.  I also like the idea of no malabsorption issues. There are more reasons for me choosing the band, this is a few.  Good luck with whatever surgery you choose!