Question:
Which surgery is best?
I originally wanted the lap-band procedure, but the doctor that I made an appointment with said that the lap-band procedure is not considered safe, but I keep reading about people who have had the lap-band procedure done and they seem fine. So I decided to get the laparascopic gastric bypass done instead. Is there really a difference and is there really a safety issue? I am already kind of scared so when the secratary mentioned safety issues with the lap-band I immediately ran with that. Any input, PLEASE? — Tanya F. (posted on June 24, 2003)
June 24, 2003
One of the things that will add to your post-op success is the amount of
research you do on this before you go into surgery. Kudos to you for
asking questions! Now...there are lots of opinions on this topic that can
be found in the archives. You can also do a search on the web to find and
compare different procedures. Once you're informed, then you'll be armed
with the right type of questions to ask and also you'll be able to tell how
much your doc knows as well! I did my research and taught my own doc a few
things...lol. Your work is cut out for you! Good luck and God bless!
— Kimberly L.
June 24, 2003
Was this a bypass doctor or your family doctor? Whoever he is, he's sadly
misinformed.
Here are the facts. The lap band was FDA approved for use in the US in
2001. It has been used in Europe, Mexico, and Australia, with excellent
success I might add, since the early 90's. The lap band is the SAFEST form
of weight loss surgery available anywhere in the world.
I personally would never trust a medical professional who intentionally
misrepresented facts for his own gain. Perhaps you should talk to a doctor
who actually does lap band surgery.
There are tons of message boards out there for you to talk to people who
actually have the band. Here are a few:
http://www.spotlighthealth.com/common/SG/topics.asp?m=1&sb2=&sb=25
and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bandsters/?yguid=6535337 and
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SmartBandsters/?yguid=6535337
— TMF
June 24, 2003
PS
Here's the url to the Chicago Bandsters message board on Yahoo.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BandstersChicago/
— TMF
June 24, 2003
From the info I reseached the RNY is the best way to go for long term
success. I almost had the banding, glad I didn't now and one thing I didn't
know then, is that is doesn't cure GERD/reflux as the RNY does. Best of
luck on your decision. You have to do your homework to find what would be
YOUR best choice.
— ZZ S.
June 24, 2003
Beg your pardon, but I had GERD and a hiatal hernia. The hernia was
repaired by my surgeon when I had my band placed and I haven't had reflux
nor heartburn a single time since my banding surgery. I've seen several
posts from people whose GERD problems were solved after they got banded.
At the 2 year post-op point, lap banders and bypassers are neck and neck in
their weight loss success. Not only that, there is no malabsorption factor
involved with the lap band, which rules out other problems, such as calcium
and iron deficiencies, which can lead to anemia, osteoporosis, and
metabolic bone disease.
— TMF
June 24, 2003
As you can see by the previous posts, we all tend to be totally in love
with "our" choice of surgery, because we have researched the heck
out of it and have made a great decision for ourselves. Most people get
very defensive about their choices and can't understand why others would
choose anything but the best (which is the surgery I chose haha). My
advice to you, is to seek out either a doctor you truly trust and go with
what he/she recommends for you OR (and this is the best one) research all
the surgeries independently without getting a lot of opinion - get
statistics and hard facts and then choose a good surgeon who performs the
surgery you desire for your life. It's a very personal decision and I wish
you the best of luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
June 24, 2003
Ruth, I believe you'll agree that none of us want to see the spread of
blantantly misrepresented facts, no matter which surgery is at issue. My
first post was to point out that the lap band is NOT an unsafe procedure
(contrary to what the OP's doctor suggested) and my second was to point out
that many people do, in fact, get relief from GERD and reflux after being
banded. I don't consider that being defensive. I consider it assisting in
helping get the truth out there. As I've said before on these boards,
there are successes and failures associated with every form of weight loss
surgery. However, I believe it is my duty as a banded person to help make
sure people make an informed decision based on true information rather than
hearsay and misinformation. The band might be the best choice for the OP,
but how will she ever find that out if she decides to base her weight loss
surgery decision on the input of a doctor who is obviously prejudiced
against the band?
— TMF
June 24, 2003
I just spent a few weeks researching this subject for my book and I have to
say that I really found a tough time saying good things about the lap band
from a medical standpoint. If you read the medical journals and listen to
what the guys who developed gastric procedures have to say about the lap
band you wouldnt have this procedure unless you had medical situations that
prevented you from going with the RNY. The point that spoke the most loudly
to me was that Dr. Alan Wittgrove who is the most recognized surgeon in
this entire field, who pioneered and developed most of the techniques that
the most prominent surgeons use today, who brought this surgery to the
forefront, who was one of just 8 centers who did the FDA trials for the
approval of the Lap Band, doesnt offer the device anymore. The surgeons at
Alvarado were very optimistic and excited about the lap band device when
they were first doing the trials. The added quote on the Alvarado website
is quite startling..."Based upon our experience with this device, and
results in our series of patients, we can no longer conscientiously offer
this procedure to our patients." That screams to me and I was actually
trying to represent the lap band device on an even playing field. ciao,
Suze
— SusanMaria
June 24, 2003
Well, Suze, I do hope that you also looked at studies and medical research
from other areas of the world.
It's common knowledge that many US bypass doctors came to their opinions
about the lap band by comparing the short term weight loss results between
band and bypass patients. Some of them looked at short term results
instead of long term results and declared the band wasn't as successful
because banded patients don't lose weight as quickly as bypass patients.
They neglected to look at long term results, unfortunately, and in doing do
have done a disservice to the reputation of the lap band. I have yet to
find exactly when it was decided that slower weight loss is no longer a
desired and beneficial thing. Isn't that what we've all been told our
entire lives by the medical community? I have yet to find exactly who in
the US declared the bypass the "gold standard" in weight loss
surgery and I find it ironic that in the rest of the civilized world the
lap band is the WLS of choice.
Unfortunately, there's also the consideration that money might play a part
in how a doctor views a procedure. The bypass is a much more expensive
procedure and is more often covered by insurance. From a business
standpoint, the bypass is much more lucrative than the band and, as sad as
it is to say, money talks.
— TMF
June 24, 2003
I had the Lap-Band in April and am completely satisfied with it. The
reasons I chose it are:
1. It's SAFER than the RNY - lower death and complication rates. Plus there
aren't the issues with malnutrition. And the recovery is shorter.
2. Weight loss is slower but results after 2 years are comparable.
3. The band is adjustable - rather than having just an 18-month window, it
can be adjusted at any time if you need to lose more weight.
I'd recommend going to the Lap-Band support group on spotlighthealth.com if
you want to read a lot more about the band. I think it's a very individual
decision, and I'm concerned to see a doctor disparaging a form of surgery
that so many have had success with. Good luck.
Sandra
4/16/03
226/200.5/140ish
— sjwilde
June 24, 2003
The question isn't which surgery is best, but which surgery is best for
YOU! Only you know in your heart which one will work best for you. Asking
on an open forum like this is good, but you need to do your own research
and make up your own mind and not be scared by the "white coat
syndrome." Doctors don't know everything about YOUR body...
I for one had some serious issues with the RNY, especially the permanency
of re-arranged anatomy, malabsorption, dumping, the weight re-gain
percentage, and just the odds of serious complications. I researched for 2
years and just couldn't wrap my brain around it. I had almost given up
hope of ever making a decision when I ran into a friend who had lost a lot
of weight. She told me that she had the lapband.
That night I went on the internet and researched the lapband. My initial
feeling was of concern. There would be a foreign object in my body with a
port. That was a turn off at first. The reports were pretty discouraging,
but the more I read and researched the more I knew that I could make this
TOOL work for me! I just had this feeling that this was right for me!
My surgeon tried to talk me out of getting the band...he told me I would
lose my weight slowly...I didn't care, I wasn't in a race. He told me that
since I was a sweets eater that I wouldn't be able to control my urges
without the "dumping" mechanism of the RNY. Basically, he was
saying that I didn't have any control and that I was lazy! Bring it on!
He then told me that my insurance company wouldn't pay for it...he ran the
gammit of excuses. I told him that if he wasn't going to do the lapband
for me then I would go elsewhere. He agreed to place the lapband for me.
It has now been exactly 2 years as of last Sunday. I have lost 116 pounds
and I am about 10 pounds from goal. I started at 264 pounds and now weigh
148. I want to get into the 130's which I do not see being a problem. I
am still losing, slowly, but still losing none the less. I have not once
had any of the complications that were listed in the FDA trials. I eat
everything, even candy, just in moderation.
One of the biggest things that I had to learn about Weightloss surgery is
that this is a tool! You will get out of this exactly what you put into it
whether you have the RNY, VGB, DS, or lapband!
I am responsible for my own success and failures...for the first time in a
long time I am accountable for my own actions and have only myself to
answer to! No more excuses, I am responsible!
Weightloss surgery is extremely scary no matter which one you choose, so
make sure you are choosing the best one for you! Wednesday
— Wednesday B.
June 24, 2003
Really a difference between the LapBand and Laparascopic Gastric Bypass?
HUGE!! The Band isn't considered an invasive surgery, because nothing is
cut up and you're basically getting an implant. It's unsafe in that it can
slip, close too tight, be rejected from your body, etc. However, there are
risks to getting Banded just as there are risks to getting bypassed.
Proceed on your journey with caution, however. Everyone will tell you what
their WLS doc said or did, what the statistics THEY HAVE will say. Well,
doctors are biased, the statistics are incomplete. I suggest you research
until your you're blue in the face. Never think that you've done enough
research - even after surgery - to fully know all about WLS. See- it will
all work differently for each one of us.
I was a hard-core LapBand patient until I turned blue in the face from
research. I think the band is a GREAT WLS tool, but I eventually learned,
from medical research, common sense, and the all those wonderful graphics
out there, that the Band wouldn't work for me because of what I like to
eat. I have NO WILL POWER and the Band can let you literally sip
milkshakes all day. You keep all the calories and fat. I lived for
Frappucinos and anything milky, sweet and frothy. I knew I would sabotage
the LapBand, and I didn't want to take that risk. I needed something more
"fool proof".
Of course, I went with the RNY (medial) and luckily got away without (very
common) complications. There are so many bad things that can happen with
this surgery, too. LapBanders can go back to the way they were, bypass
patients usually cannot do it very easily. For me, it was like I was being
"gun shy" and was afraid to take a bigger step towards permanent
weight loss. I almost had it mapped out that when I failed with the Band
(which I would have), that I could always get the bypass if I still wanted
it. DUMB THINKING! I need to live my life now!
So, in the end, I would say that no surgery is better than the other, in
general. You need to become an expert on all surgeries and choose the best
one for you. Believe me - it is worth your time. I almost got banded and
would have totally regretted it. I was even approved by insurance!
Most people here are arguing and saying their's is the best, but that's
only in their own surroundings. They only know you as well as I do. Your
surgery decision is as personal and unique to you as anything else you wish
to do to your body. Good luck and don't be too persuaded by what others
think!
— toolio
June 24, 2003
I know that this can easily turn into a RNY vs LapBand debate, but the
reason that TF and others like me get so upset about is when people
(doctors in general) mistate the truth. It would be like saying the you
have a 50% of dying from getting the bypass. It is so wrong.
I agree that you need to do all of your research. Make sure that you not
just take the word of one doctor, or just one website. Check out the
bandsters group in yahoo and read the archives:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bandsters/
You owe it to yourself to totally understand ALL the options before you do
any surgery. This is your life that you are talking about. You have to be
really sure of everything before you take such drastic steps. Educate
yourself, and you will be glad that you did.
Email me if you have any questions!
— Sheryl W.
June 24, 2003
The bottom line is that the OP's doctor gave her false information. That
is not a biased opinion. That is a fact.
— TMF
June 24, 2003
I am preop going ti be banded on july 1st. My question is why is the
SECRETARY giving medical advice? And who made her qualified to speak on
medical safety issues.As a nurse if a secretary did that kind of thing in
the places that I have worked that would be grounds for being fired.If i
read this post wrong excuse me was it the actual DR or the SEC who gave
this info?
— Lisa F.
June 24, 2003
There are extremely few countries that I would consider having a pimple
popped in, never mind think that they know more about surgical techniques
for weight loss than the US. The entire world looks to the US for the
definitive medical word. I did look at the journals for the other countries
and the long term results are not good. Too much weight gained back long
term and not enough lost to begin with... too many devices having to be
removed. The American Society for Bariatric Surgery called the Gastric
Bypass the Gold Standard of weight loss surgery and that is why the lap
band statistics are compared to it... every thing is compared to it, hence
the name. As far as cost and insurance... lap band is simpler and not an
invasive procedure... if it were as safe and as effective, the US insurance
companies would be jumping all over it to provide lap band coverage RATHER
than RNY coverage. They would love to be able to push a $15,000 procedure
on us rather than pony up for a $45,000 procedure. If it were as effective,
the surgeons would be jumping all over it to do 10 quick procedures a day
rather than 2 grueling ones. Bypass isnt more lucrative... the less
expensive procedure would be the more lucrative one, in terms of volume,
insurance and self pay. Insurance doesnt reimburse a very high percentage
of billed costs at all with bypass. The fact is that after the initial FDA
studies, the results just didnt justify further playing around with this
device and that is why the major centers chosen to participate in the study
are not continuing to offer it. I am not saying it doesnt work for some
people, but it just isnt taking off in a big way which is unfortunate.
— SusanMaria
June 25, 2003
Susan, your information is incorrect. To quote the study from the FDA is
just wrong. It is obsolete. And it was a fiasco! The stats showed that
you can lose 38% of your weight with the Lapband. There were very definite
REASONS for that lower weight loss. The main one--the doctors weren't
filling the bands. It's kind of pointless if you don't get the band managed
and adjusted. Another reason was that doctors were comparing to initial
weight loss with the bypass and claiming that the lapband was a failure.
If you look at the newer studies, you will find that the percentage is much
higher, more like 70-85%. I believe that to only look at the early
American studies is arrogant and ignorant. There are newer American
studies, and studies from Europe and Australia. These are not your
third-world countries. These are countries that have brought many medical
advancement without the help of the Americans. This post is NOT a band vs
bypass post. It is only a post to defend the band. I do believe that the
band is not for everyone. And I also believe that the bypass is not for
everyone. But I think that everyone researching the surgeries have the
correct facts so they can make their own informed decision. If you don't
know the correct facts, don't post. Then we wouldn't have others like
myself defending the truth. This is a quote from Wednesday, from
spotlighthealth, "People always say that your decision should be
between yourself and your doctor. I would say it should be between yourself
and your research. There are a lot of VERY biased doctors out there, a lot
of whom don't know much about the band and are only relying on the pathetic
FDA statistics as their only source of information." Like I said in a
prior post, do your own research, and when you can decide based on FACTS,
not just misinformed people or just on one study, you will be glad to know
that you made the right decision, whatever surgery you decide. Good luck
to you!!!
— Sheryl W.
June 25, 2003
I'm sure you have been DELUGED with answers, but all the research points to
lap bands having equivalent value for most (not all) patients and an
incredibly safer track record. Plus, for me, there is just no way that I
will ever think of vomiting and dumping as advantages of any medical
procedure!
— Pat M.
June 25, 2003
Tanya, it's simply a matter of opinion. You along w/your surgeon have to
choose what you feel is right for you. I'm personally VERY HAPPY with my
LAP RNY. Lap Band, or VBG, well, I'd rather not comment on...I will say
this, just do your research because "we" RNY'ers have a tendency
to put our WLS up front (and I know why). Some people may feel that they
don't want what they call "abnormal living" and opt to have
certain other type WLS's. Me, I NEEDED the RNY for the discipline it
carries with it. One reason is because sweets, pies, cakes sugary stuff,
pastries and all is what placed me in the MO position to begin with. I
avoid refined sugars at all costs. I'll run the opposite direction if I
hear or even see anything with sugar in it!!It's all entirely up to what
YOU need. Have you done any research without other opinions? I think it
would probably be best that if you did. Then make two lists: Advantages of
having the ______WLS and Disadvantages of having the ______WLS. You might
also want to compare the various ones. There is a place on the AMOS website
somewhere (Types of Surgeries). Click on it, and study it real good. What
we may say for you may not be what you need. I've just heard of high
failure rates with the Lap Band, BUT, there can potentially be failures in
ANY of them. So, you see, you can get all of our opinions, but the ultimate
decision is YOURS!! Best wishes on your decision and your journey! LAP RNY
9/3/02 265/158/115-126 Hadiyah McCutcheon, a.k.a.~~
— yourdivaness
June 29, 2003
There haven't even been 10 lap-band related deaths in the whole WORLD! The
worldwide death rate for the lap band is about 0.005 percent. That comes
out to 4.5 deaths out of the 90,000 banded people in the entire rest of the
world.
You can read about the SINGLE lap band related death in the US at this url.
Her stomach was perforated during surgery by the surgeon, not by the band.
http://www.azstarnet.com/health/fitness/020910weightloss.shtml
Based on the research I've done on the internet, the death rate of the
bypass is around 1%. That means that around 900 people out of 90,000 will
die due to complications from bypass surgery. Even if it were half that
amount, that would make the death rate for the bypass 100 (ONE HUNDRED)
times greater than that of the lap band. It would be very helpful if
people would verify information before passing along hearsay.
— TMF
June 29, 2003
Aw, c'mon, how in the world does anyone know the "world-wide death
rate" for the lap-band (or for any other WLS procedure)? I'm quite
confident there's no such thing as a world-wide data base containing this
information, based on standards accepted world-wide (addressing standards
such as, what is considered a death "related" to a particular
type of surgery), that is also accessible to the casual internet
researcher. How 'bout directing us to the URL for this world-wide
database?
— Suzy C.
June 29, 2003
I know you've already gotten a lot of answers, but may I give you two more
suggestions? First, find a doctor that offers BOTH procedures, then you
know he isn't biased toward one or the other...discuss which surgery will
be most effective based on your eating habits, health, goals, and
mindset....second.. visit the Inamed.com website (the makers of lap band)
they will send you a 42 page booklet providing sound, accurate
statistics....I originally wanted lap band, but chose RNY after serious
contemplation regarding my own eating habits and goals.. it was an
individual decision, but I had plenty of information after contacting the
inamed people. GOod luck
— Kelly B.
June 29, 2003
Suzy,
I never claimed to have access to any "worldwide database", but,
just FYI, implantable medical devices are tracked pretty closely.
Feel free to contact Inamed if you want more info about the stats. That's
where I got the info. And if you don't believe it, well, I reckon that's
your problem, not mine.
— TMF
Click Here to Return