Lapband or RNY

Hi Everyone, Just signed up @ OH.com. I'm sure this question has been asked hundreds of times, but I'm confused right now and need some advice. I was going to set up my surgery date for RNY yesterday when I was told that my medical insurer now covers lapband. I had originally wanted lapband but since I wasn't covered for it, I came to terms with RNY. Now that I have been given a choice I'm not sure what to do. I'm going to talk with my surgeon on Monday, after which they want to set up a surgery date and apply for approval for the surgery from the insurance company. I started this whole process (or journey if you prefer) back in October of 2005 so I have been researching for a while but mostly for RNY (since that was my only choice at that time if I wanted my insurance to pay). I guess my biggest fear is what if I make the wrong decision. Is that possible? Once I make my decision and have the operation I'm stuck with it for the rest of my life. Some more info about my situation: My biggest downfall is portion control. My favorite foods are pasta, rice, potatoes and bread (the carbs). I can sit at a meal and eat a whole pound of pasta with no problem. I do have a bit of a sweet tooth but have little problem using artificial sweetners as a subsitute. I do like foods relatively high in fats like cheese, chips and french fries but again its the amount I eat that's the biggest problem. Well now that I've rambled on for a while, I'd appreciate any comments or help. Thanks. anthony

Anthony This is probably not the answer you are looking for, but each of us has chosen our own path....and surgery for our own reasons. With that, I am not able to say what is the best for you because I had the RNY and do not have any personal experience with the Lap Band. While I was researching surgery options, I was told I was actually on the smaller end of the scale and the MD had initially suggested the band until he learned about my family history of heart disease, diabetes, etc. With that knowledge he told me that based on recent statistics, weight loss with the RNY is better for long term success....this was a few years ago and I don't know what the stats are now. What I can tell you is that whatever road you chose, it will not always be easy...both are tools and you must make a committment to yourself to change your life, learn how to eat to fuel your body and make new healthy lifestyle habits, including consistent exercise. So much for a clear cut answer, SORRY! I wish you so much luck and success! C

Anthony, I can say I did think about Lab Banding and a friend of mind had it done and I saw that she was able to eat sweets, eat ice cream and not have any problems. So I knew I needed RNY. I need to NOT eat that stuff. I could live on ice cream and milk shakes but with RNY you can NOT have those. Thank GOD. Plus I wanted the weight off fast. But each person must make their own choice and be happy about it. Just sit down and weigh each one and then decide. Good luck with it.

Hi Anthony - A lot of us know exactly where you are right now and have each made a different choice because we are all so different. Portion control can be helped with either of the surgeries that's is for sure - However, (and this is a big however while you're going through it like me) - the bypass will give you that portion control right out of the gate - you will instantly lose large amounts of weight at the beginning - while the lap band for a lot of people (not all - some get restriction right away) is a slow start because you have to get the restriction to create the right portion control. Each surgery has shown success (and unfortunatly failure) - I am 7 weeks out with the lap band and have only lost 10 pounds post op - that's with excercise and eating right - but I just got my first fill at 7 weeks out - there are others who have had the lap band that are 7 weeks out and have lost 40 or more pounds - so it is different for everyone...........The statistics say that at about 2 years out, all of us end up in the same place (turtles and hares). It's also a hard decision to make because what I consider a pro for the band you might consider a con - like I wanted to be able to have something sweet once in a while without punishment - some people want that safety net - it's not a right or wrong answer - it's a matter of soul searching. I know that I have thought to myself several times now - if I had the bypass I would be so much lighter right now - but then I remember all the reasons I chose the band over the bypass - I was on the fence for quite a while. For me the band was a less invasive procedure and I really like the idea of adjustments for life. I'm sure the surgeon can be a big help with your decision and since you've researched the bypass over the last 7 months you really need to educate yourself on other options (there are more then just the band or the bypass too for you to look at). Time is on your side - you can sit back and take it all in before you go forward - that is always a decision. Whatever you decide - you have to be commited to losing weight - there is no magic to this - all WLS is a tool not a fix. Excercise, water, and eating healthy is something that you have to set your mind to............. Some people can not eat rice or bread after the band - this might be a huge pro to you or a huge con - but either way it might not matter what you've based your decision on because that might not happend for you. Some people chose the bypass specifically because they want to have dumping if they eat chocolate to keep them away from it only to discover that chocolate is completely okay for them to eat! Best of luck with any decision you make - and congratulations for taking charge of your life and your fat and doing something about it! Best Regards, Tammy

Hi Anthony, Like everyone who's responded...what you decide is a personal choice. I also studied both options and decided for me RNY was the way to go. I too love CARBS and sweets...those are my "triggers" and I chose the RNY purposely to help curb those foods that cause me to go on a feeding frenzie. I had NOOO problems sitting down and eating a huge bowl of pasta with butter & olive oil.. I just hit my year anniversary...and rice does not sit well with me..I've tried it several different ways and my pouch wants no part of it. I do have a bite or two of pasta on occasion and I'm satisfied. Do I miss having these things...not really how I feel out weighs any foods I"m choosing not to have. There are LOTS of sugar free treats on the market and since my RNY I've become quite creative with making sugar free/low sugar desserts. Moderation is key for me. The RNY helps me stay honest with myself and portion control...I find if I have too much sugar free items...it makes me very sick to my stomach and I feel "off" for a few hours...(I imagine it's a form of dumping that can take place just like with sugar) Each individual is different with RNY/Lap band with different tolerances. Again RNY for me personally was the right choice. PS...Cheese is one of my mainstains...it's high in protein and low carb...I choose lower fat/2% variety to help keep the fat intake lower...thank GOD for cheese it's one of my favorite snacks since RNY. As for bread...I'm choosing not to have it right now...however I do eat crackers with cheese as a snack. Best wishes to you as you continue your journey... Mickey

I am mulling over the same thing. I wanted lap band but at 278 that would put me at 200-185 when I am done (relatively speaking). RNY would put me in the 150 category (which would be ideal for me). My weight should be 126. So, the more weight you need to lose, RNY maybe the best option. If you have less than 80-100 lbs. to lose, than LB maybe best. Your doctor will help you decide. Laura

Hi Anthony! Whatever decision you make, do it b/c you honestly think that it is best for you. I had RNY and while many people choose it b/c of the food limitations that many people have, I have been able to eat whatever I want (for the most part) since day one. I still have to make decisions about what I am going to eat, even after RNY. This is not to discourage you about surgery. It has been the best thing i have ever done! But I don't want you to believe that either surgery is gauranteed to keep you away from sweets. In the end the choice will be yours, irregardless of which surgery you choose. Best of luck!

If I were to go on BMI alone- I would say you need to go for the whole Monty and do a RNY, based on the overall statistics- you will drop more of the excess weight. That's average statistics- we do have lap banded people on here (Bette for one) who have dropped a significantly greater than average amount with lap banding. If portion control is your only issue with food- it may be that you would be just as successful with a lap band as a RNY- I think that you need to decide for yourself what your goal and your commitment is. Lap Band is somewhat less invasive, creates no mal absorption issues, and has an easier recovery IMHO, and RNY is a bigger lifestyle change overall, and there are more risks, but also for some greater benefits. Why don't you got to some local support groups and hear what the post ops have to say. Get as much input and feedback as possible and then think abou tit while you go thru the rest of the process. Goos luck!!!

Hi Anthoney Come to join at WLS Picnic Party on June 24th. You will meet people who have lap banding and RNY and it is good place to ask tons of questions. We are happy to answer your questions. We are not against each other who had lap banding or RNY. It is your decision and you are the one to use tools to make sucessful . the tools are Exercise, eat right foods, go group support group and talk with people who had this surgery over the phone. Without tools, you won't make successful. FYI you can regainweight back from both (lap banding or RNY) if you do not use your tools. Hope to meet you on June 24th! Take Care Kathy K