Question:
AGB vs RNY
Does anyone having any information/statistics/stories/opinions on AGB (Lap-Band) vs RNY. I am seriously considering AGB over RNY at the moment, but I have heard that AGB doesn't really work? Any information to offer to the contrary? Any and all information GREATLY appreciated! — drjakata (posted on September 18, 2002)
September 18, 2002
I am no expert but I can tell you what MY surgeon said. I was at a support
meeting and he was there speaking. He went through and explained each and
every WLS there is. Gave everyone the pros and cons to each and every
surgery. Also told us which one was the most successful surgery. His
surgery of choice is the RNY. According to him, the success stories with
RNY are far greater than any other surgery. More people lose more of the
excess weight and keep it off than with any other surgery. That is his
opinion. All I know is that I have lost 93 pounds in 9 months and am 25
pounds from goal.
— Kim B.
September 18, 2002
AGB is the most frequently performed WLS outside of North America. European
studies have shown that, after 3 years, RNY patients lose, on average, only
5% more than AGB patients (68% of excess weight vs. 63% with AGB). With
AGB, you also have no issues with malabsorption, so post-op pregnancy is
much safer for you and your baby, there is significantly less hair loss (if
any), and because the weight is lost more slowly (e.g., 10 lbs a month -
still nothing to sneeze at), you have less risk of having loose skin and
needing a TT. It is also adjustable, so the chances of needing a revision
are small. The North American studies show poorer weight loss with AGB
because the FDA studies used extremely conservative protocols for band
adjustment. And, unlike the RNY, there is no 'window of opportunity'
post-op where you have to lose as much weight as you can or else lose your
chance. A good study to check out before you make your decision is by J.
Dargent (1999), 'Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: Lessons from the
first 500 patients in a single institution', in the medical journal Obesity
Surgery (Vol. 9, No. 5, pp. 446-452). All my best! :)
— Patricia E.
September 18, 2002
Well I nearly was part of the FDA trial, see my profile. I ended up with
the RNY, and am glad I did. The Lap Band would of failed for ME> I
decided when a new bander said e would like a whopper but had to settle for
a milkshake. Now I loved milkshakes and was a chocolate milk addict. The
band easy to eat high calorie liquid food with no malabsorbtion would of
been my downfall. The RNY icky feeling is VERY GOOD THING. It reminds me
not to eat much of certain bad food choices. <P> Given all this
someone who really wants a VBG should seriously look at the lap band. I
think the adjustable band will obsolete the VBG very soon.<P> Anyone
considering the adjustable band will need more resolve than me. They will
need LOTS of self control. Too many easy high calorie foods around. Just
yesterday a bander who failed posted here. It was sad seeing them trying to
decide what to do next. I LOVE my RNY!
— bob-haller
September 18, 2002
As to the better european results. Eating habits, spped, volume, food
choices are different in europe, which may account for their better
results. Fast food isnt everywher there like it is in the US. Such
differences can affect loss results.<P> These are MY OPINIONS, and
represent just me.
— bob-haller
September 18, 2002
This past May, while at my doctor's for a follow up checkup I met a woman
who was quite large. I thought perhaps she just had surgery, or was
intrested in having it. I had no idea that my doctor had started
preforming AGB. We chatted, and exchanged our info. I found out that she
had lost 35 lbs, so I thought she had surgery very recently, she said,
"No, I had my AGB last November and now I wish I would have had an
RNY." Also a congress woman here in Detroit just died from this
safer procedure. The doctor nicked her stomach during the lap procedure,
she filled with fluids, got infected and died, 3 days after surgery. I
know mistakes happen with any surgery. Jeffrey Feiger is handling this
one. Acid refulx is more prone in AGB. I could have had either, I
researched both and chose RNY, I am happy that I did. Some people it may
work better for, but it was not for me. Just my opinion.
— Phiddy B.
September 18, 2002
Yep my GERD was horrible. Eat nothing after 6 pm, go to bed at 11:30 wake
up at 3 pm choking unable to breathe. Adjustable band MIGHT have helped
according to my surgeon. RNY was CURE! Havent had night reflux since pre
op. What a relief..
— bob-haller
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