RNY or Lapband

I'm going back and forth when it comes to which one I want. I've heard some failures of the lapband, but also some real good success stories. I know the RNY is more drastic,but is it worth it. Any thoughts?

RNY is NOT more drastic than the lapband!

It's not? Don't they have to actually open you up to do the surgery, and cut your stomach to make it smaller?

Its done thru 5 little incisions.  Yes, they staple part of your stomach and re-route some intestines. BUT, while they will tell you the band can be removed....the truth is...they will NOT remove it unless somehting bad happens that makes it medically necessary.  If it doesn't work for you or you don't get the desired result, but doesn't cause a medical issue, you will not be able to get it removed "just because".

It's not true.  I got my band removed because I did not lose all of my weight, constant regurgration, too many random tightness, and several unfills, and my co mordibites never got resolved. 

If you want to have band removed just because, you can.  

and the things you mentioned.....constitute the medically necessary part that I referenced.

"not reaching goal" does not contitute "medical necessity."

I agree with you 100%. They will NOT remove the band unless it's medically necessary.

They didn't consider it medically necessary to remove my band when:

When I complained of  reflux.
When I complained of vomiting almost everyday for a couple of months.
When I complained of burning and bee stinging like sensations near my post area for MONTHS
When I complained of esophageal spasms
When I complained of nutcracker esophagus
When I complained of dysphagia.
When I complained of esophageal motility disorder
When I complained of nausea
When I complained of severe pain
When I complained of chronic pain
When I complained of nerve damage
When I complained of inability to swallow liquids
When I complained of inability to swallow my own saliva
When I complained of left shoulder pain
When I complained of back pain
When I complained of anxiety attacks
When I complained of " being stuck "

They only sat up and took notice.....are you paying close attention here.....they only took me seriously when I started vomiting up bloody mucosa.

Then they decided it was a good idea to direct admit me to the hospital straight from my surgeons office. They did a endoscopy and it came back that :

1. The band had eroded
2. The band had slipped AGAIN
3. Mucosal cracks in esophagus

I find it highly suspicious that my other tests prior to this last visit showed the band in
" perfect position " It ****** me off that both lap bands were removed with two different surgeons and BOTH surgeons neglected to:

1. Report the adverse events to the FDA
2. Both of my surgeons were required to return my band to Allergan for " Analysis " but both failed to do so.

For anybody that has a band removed, your surgeon signed an agreement with Allergan to return your band to them for " analysis." Per my conversation with Allergan, you have a right to keep your band if you want to and if you don't want your band. Please make sure you let your surgeon know that you will be filing a report with the FDA and you want your band returned to Allergan for " Analysis."

 

Maybe you mean that "some insurance companies won't pay for the band removal unless there is a medical necessity." 

But yeah...you can get your band removed for ANY reason with enough cash in hand.

Okay...if this is all you know about the RnY...which BTW I wouldn't have if my other choice were a firing squad...you REALLY need to do a LOT of reading and looking at pictures and asking questions.