Question:
LAP BAND VERSES GASTRIC BYPASS

I AM EXPLORING MY OPTIONS. PCP RECOMMENDS GASTRIC BYPASS, BUT I AM LEANING TOWARDS LAP BAND. ANYONE THAT HAS HAD LAP BAND AND HAS SOME INPUT I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE???? I AM VERY CONFUSED....THANKS    — sdolak (posted on February 14, 2006)

February 13, 2006
In making your decision, try to examine the route you followed to obesity, the presence of emotional eating issues (if any) in your life and the reasons why past dieting failed. With that information, you can then reasonably determine how the benefits of the various weight loss surgeries can best help you.
   — SteveColarossi

February 13, 2006
Only you can make your decison. I was told to have rny and I decided to do lap band. I wish I wouldnt have chosen lap band.
   — spykitty

February 14, 2006
Keep in mind your insurance may only cover one procedure in your lifetime. Choose wisely, because you may not be able to change your mind.
   — koogy

February 14, 2006
Steve took my answer! :) He's right .. self-knowledge and a sound understanding of the differences between the procedures are the only way to determine what is right for you.
   — Jeanie

February 14, 2006
This is how my surgeon explained the procedures to me so I could make an informed decision: The lap-band is a restrictive type of procedure that works for those people that do not eat sweets such as candies, ice creams, chocoloates, sodas, ananything else with sugar. If you primary calorie intake is only from eating huge portions, than this may be right for you. The RNY is restrictive as well as malabsorptive. This means not only will you reduce calorie consumption with not being able to take as much in, you will also not absorb some of the calories due to having less intestines and the lower portion of stomach being gone. Sugars will not be absorbed and that will help to lose weight. That is what was explained to me. You have to evaluate yourself and think about how you eat and determine what is best for your health and weight loss. No one can ever tell you what is right for you. Good luck. Shelly
   — scharlier

February 14, 2006
It's a tough decision....I am a nurse and did research for 8 months before I decided the ONLY option for me was DS. The lap band is unpredictable at best and the obstructions, dumping, etc with the RNY were NOT something I wanted. I have a friend who had RNY and if she eats over 700 calories a day she gains...already gained back 50 of the 120 she's lost. With DS you don't have to diet the rest of your life. Good luck in whatever you choose.
   — T S.

February 14, 2006
Having lost over 100 pounds two other times in my past and regaining all of those pounds and more, both times.....I knew that Lapband would work for losing the weight but not in keeping it off. That fact, coupled with my insurance company's approval of RNY wls helped me in my decision. Lapband doesn't have the better statistics for keeping the weight off, versus GB. Hope this helps.
   — LauraA

February 14, 2006
Keep researching! There are more than two forms of weight loss surgery. It seems that the 'best kept secret' is the Duodenal Switch or DS. I'm still preop, but after researching for almost a year and knowing that this is my first, last, and only surgery... I didn't want to choose one that would fail me. Be sure to check out the Duodenal Switch board and also the website www.duodenalswitch.com to get all the information. Best of luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 14, 2006
Hi Susan. I had the Lap Band done over 2 years ago. I am very happy with the results. Yes, the weight loss it is a lot slower that some of the other procedures, but at the same time you have more chances of reconstruct your body by working out. I developed an ulcer last year because I was not doing the right thing (over eating and throwing up, ect), but now I am doing very good. I only have about 20 more pounds to lose and I won't need any plastic surgery. I really hope you make the decision that makes you happy. Good luck and contact me at any time with any questions/concerns.
   — Ivi1214

February 15, 2006
I went to have lap band, ended up with colostomy because of too many abdominal operations. The trocar punctured my colon. I wanted to lose weight slowly so that my mind could keep up with my body. However, I am now scheduled for gastric bypass and now I think that is probably the right decison. the surgeon told me I could still have lapband open, but, since the insurance does not cover the follow ups for filling, unfilling, etc., I think the rny is better for me, esp. since I'm a long way from the surgeon.
   — geneswife

Click Here to Return