lap band vs. gastric bypass ?

I'm just new and I was wondering if anyone can answer some questions. Which surgery has the best results? can anyone tell me some specific weight loss results like how much lost and how long did it take? I think I'm more partial to the lap band, so I would really like to know specifics about it. What it's like physically after the surgery? Thank you so much for your time

Hi Jody: First off... You should talk to your family dr. about getting a referral to a bairiatric (spelling?)clinic that does both band and bypass surgery. If your in Alberta and going thru health care ( vs. self pay) the wait can be a year or two and you can be getting your info and deciding which surgery is for you while you wait. You can always cancel your appt if you decide not pursue this option. As well some clinics offer a non surgery/ Dr. supervised weight loss programs that might be an option. Dr. Davey/Birch in the Royal Alex in Edmonton does both surgeries and a nonsurgery option. That is were I had my lapband done and am very happy with how things are going. Which surgery has the best results? It is my understanding that the weight loss is about the same at 3 yrs post-op. The bypass people lose much faster for the first yr to 18 months and with the banders it is more of an ongoing deal. can anyone tell me some specific weight loss results like how much lost and how long did it take? On OH there is a active band forum and the main forum for bypass and you can see the longer term weight loss. My self... referral weight approx 315... Surgery weight Aug 01-06 300...current weight 265... 1 yr surgery goal 240 (this weight was the goal set by my nut at surgery) think I'm more partial to the lap band, so I would really like to know specifics about it. My understanding is the lap band is a less intrusive surgery. There is no "replumbing" as in the bypass and has a lower complication rate. There are many sites on the net(and other posters) that can explain this better than me. This site (OH) has some good info. What it's like physically after the surgery? With the band you have to chew your food very well or you will have problems. If you don't food gets stuck and it is uncomfortable /painful. Other than that I never notice any difference from before surgery. Except I'm 35 lbs lighter and don't have as many aches and pains. I still have hunger like before but will need another adjustment (fill) or 2 to make the hunger go away (I hope). I was given the option of lapband or bypass and chose the band mainly because of the lower risk of complications. The band can be removed if needed but if you follow the rules you should not have any problems. By going to a clinic that does both surgeries you can be advised by the surgeons as to which surgery they think will work the best for you. Take care and good luck. Terry

Hi terry just wondering I have heard the term "fill" with the lap band, what exactly is that?

Hi Bj: Here is a link that can explain the band better than I can. http://obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/cmsID,8209/mode,content/a,cms/ I'll try and give the short version ..... the band is placed at the very top of the stomach/ bottom of the esophagus and has a adjustable bladder that can close (tighten)the size of the hole(stoma) into the stomach. This is ad gusted by "filling" the band with a saline solution thru a "port" that is placed under the skin/muscle somewhere between the ribs and navel area. Different Drs put them in different places. Mine is a couple of inches below my ribs on my left side. These adjustments are done with a needle that puts in or takes out solution from the band to loosen or tighten the "stoma" . You have to get adjusted till you get the right amount of restriction but still be able to eat food without getting stuck. If the band is too tight you will have major problems with vomiting, acid reflux etc. If it is too loose you can eat (and are hungry) like not having the band at all.Getting properly adjusted is critical to having success with the band. Most people need 3-5 adjustments to get it right. Hope this helps......I apologize for not being very good at explaining all this. Terry

Hi Terry What does stuck mean? I am looking at this as well, you are apparently the go to guy, for info. Do you think this is better than Rny or the others. Less invasive seems like a better idea to me. Any other info you have or websites that you think may be helpful I would sure appreciate. I am going to try the Calgary doctors first I think, less travel time etc. Thanks Terry Debbie Bredin

Hi Debbie: If you don't chew your food into small enough pieces it will get "stuck"in the "stoma" which is the opening between your new "pouch" and your stomach. This stoma is what is controlled by adjusting the band. If you do get food stuck you will be uncomfortable /in pain till the food goes thru the stoma. As well you might have what is called "slimming" which is when your body makes mucus to try and lubricate the stoma and pass the food into the stomach. If the food stays stuck this mucus will come back up and is not pleasant at all. As well you might end up with what bandsters call PBing(productive burp) which is a polite term for The only difference from a PB and a regular vomit is that there is no stomach acid in a PB as it is just the content of the pouch, not the contents of the stomach. Here is the link to the band forum and if you read thru the posts you see that many people have problems with this and you have to learn to eat slowly and chew well or you will get food stuck. http://obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand/a,messageboard/board_id,5359/ As far as if the band is better than RNY - bypass surgery....... they are different surgery's that suit different people. I do not know much about the bypass but the support group in Edmonton and has mainly bypass people and all are very happy with the bypass. By going to a clinic that does both surgery's your Dr. can advise which surgery best suits your needs. There is RNY bypass forums on this site as well as the band forum that will give you a fairly good idea as to what works for other people. You will find that each board thinks there surgery is the best and the other is c--p but I am much more liberal and think that each surgery will work best for different people. Let me know how things go with the Calgary clinic as I am very interested in hearing from someone that is in the Calgary program. Terry

Jody, If you are willing to come to our Clinic in Ypsilani Dr. Jon Schram does both operation's, but... Ohip will only pay in the US for RNY... Please let me know where you are in the process and how I can help. Barix Clinic is the leader in weight loss surgery, and would happy to help you. Please let me know where we can go from here. 800-282-0066 ext 4985 Cindi Elder