Decision time.

I had planned on having lap band surgery but after my meeting with my surgeon and going to support group meetings I've come to the realization that By pass is really the way to go. I'm 62 weigh 305, have high bp, high cholestrol & type II diabetes. I picked lap band because it's the least invasive. Truth be told, I scared to death of an operation. But after hearing from everyone that bypass helps more with eliminating my problems it seems like the only sensible way to go. I am hearing that lap band does not get you off these medicines. Anyone else suffer this same dilema or have knowledge of lap band & meds?

Tough decision to make - but I do know that most type II diabetics come out of the hospital "cured" after the RNY bypass (a miracle for sure!). The lap band is less invasive, but you have to go with what is the best choice for you. I don't blame you for being scared, any surgery is scary! The lap band could help you eventually, the RNY will help you immediately - it is a tough decision - I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide! Tammy

Thanks, Tammy. I just want it over with. P

If Dr Aranow says by pass is your better choice- than believe him, given your age, he wouldn't push the RNY unless he really felt it was a better option.

Hi, Thanks for the response. Dr. A says it's my call--he's not pushing the RNY. P

I am 56 and had a bypass 2.5 yrs ago and don't regret it at all. I am a thyroid cancer survivor and have to take meds for the rest of my life. I have had no ill effects to date. All my levels are good if I am compliant. Compliancy is key. With reference to lapband and getting OFF meds, I think that is not accurate. I know many in my group who had lapband and are off 95% of their meds. I think asking those on the Lapband Forum would be advisable as well. Good luck. T.

Sorry I am late in posting but I just wanted to tell you that I have the lap band and left the hospital off of my bp and cholesterol meds after surgery. I have not needed my bp med but am back on my cholesterol - I have too many bad genes as far as that goes! I also know of many type II diabetics that are no longer on meds having the lap band. I have type I diabetes so I will never be rid of my insulin but my insulin requirements have been cut in half and then some. Everyone is different and you have to do what is best for you. I think you should pose your question on the lap band board and see what kind of responses you get. Good luck on your decision and your journey. Whatever you decide will be a good decision for you and that is what is important! Nancy K

The last studies I've read (and talked to my surgeon about) suggested that it is not entirely known why the RNY promotes a "cure" for Type II diabetes for many people-- but, even when you control for the same weight loss with the lap band, the RNY does seem to promote for more people a better result for eliminating Type II diabetes. Also, you don't need to simply choose between the invasiveness of an open RNY and the less-invasive LapBand. There are many skilled surgeons who perform the RNY laparoscopically, which helps in reducing pain issues and improving post-operative mobility (which, in turn, reduces, certain complication risks). For me, I started at 510 pounds and was on high blood pressure medication. It was stopped after a little less than 30 days post-op (when I had already lost over 90 pounds). My blood pressure has been normal ever since.

Hi Steve, Congrats on the weight loss. My doctor will only do the open RNY. He's told me that the choice of lap band or by pass is my choice. P