Question:
I would like comments or information on the lap band procedure?

HOW IS IT IN COMPARISON TO THE RNY? THANKS    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 2, 2002)

March 3, 2002
I did a lot of research on this because I was initially interested in the lapband. Go to [email protected] and join their group for more information...but I will tell you this: the band is purely restrictive in nature, similar to the VGB except that the stomach is not cut or transected at all. The band is very popular in Europe and Mexico, but unfortunately is in the beginning stages here...it's pretty rare to find a doc who (a) can do it, and do it well and (b) prefers to do it...the RNY (with part of the intestine bypassed) is still proven to provide the best weight loss and still considered the "gold standard". Most insurance cos. won't cover the lapband as it is still considered experimental, so a lot of people cross the border and have dr. (shoot I forgot his name, but the bandster site will have it all over) do it in Tiajuana...Finally, the band is considered to be the "thinking person's WLS" because it really requires good food choices and exercize to be effective - no dumping to keep you on the straight and narrow. One last thing - it is adjustable. You start off with a looser stoma (where the food goes thru to the intestine) and have that tightened as needed. I hope this answers some of your questions. Like I said, I was originally very pro-band, but after a lot of research, decided to go with the tried and true RNY. Good luck...
   — rebeccamayhew