Which procedure is better for WLS

Hello everyone, Today my consultation day was moved up to July 7th. I'm so excited. I can't seem to make up my mind up on which surgery to have. I really want to have the lap band, but heard that you lose more on the RNY. I would like to lose the weight and keep it off. Keep it off without looking unhealthy. I plan on going to the gym after surgery. Even at 333 bls. I can keep up with the best of them. I know that I will probably become one of those who will stay working out in the gym. I would like to tone up as I lose the weight. In my skinner days before children. I use to love lifting weights. Can someone please tell me which procedure is better. I have four small children that I care for at home. I have no one to look after them if something happens to me; Therefore I need to have a procedure that's effective and still keeps me in the mom role.

Cherina - many have asked this question...and truthfully the only that can answer that very question is you...with the aide of your surgeon, since it's all a personal choice. You have to consider your health history, how long that you've been obese, and what weight loss you want to achieve. I can personally tell you that the RNY has been a blessing in my life and the right decision for me...since I was obese since childhood, and got bigger in adulthood. I also like sweets and am a compulsive overeater...so the RNY dishes out the punishment I need (and get) when I become uncompliant....this pull me back on track. I'm sure others will write with their experiences and what worked for them. Of course I also workout hard and TRY to eat right keeping carbs on the down low...which also helps. I believe in exercise and w/o and healthy eating however despite my efforts I didn't lose the weight and the way for me was WLS......we all have a journey to get to the healthy side....you just have to find the one that works for you - and Im sure in your heart you'll know which one! Keep us posted!

I think Ruth said it quite well. What is best for me or anyone else may not be best for you. On a personal level, I chose RNY b/c I wanted the malabsorbtion as well as restriction and it was the right choice FOR ME. I also chose RNY b/c that was the only procedure my insurance would approve. I'm 17 months out, down 141 lbs, below both the surgeon's goal & my own personal goal and feeling good. As I said, RNY was the right choice for ME. Do your research, read, read, read, & ask lots of questions. You'll know when you've found the right doctor and which procedure is best for YOU! Good luck on your journey! Vickie J.

This is a very tough question and like everyone else has said the only one who can best decide is you and your surgeon. Now with that being said I can give you my experience with the band since I have had the band. I can tell you that you have to be totally committed to having the band in order for the weight to come off. It is HARD work and you really have to work with it. It can also be very very frustrating, and you do hit a lot of plateaus. Until you can reach your sweet spot it's a rough road. Yes in the beginning you think things are wonderful, but after that inital honeymoon phase, the real work begins. It's not as easy as people make it out to be. I was banded in 7/05 and my band was removed and I was revised over to the RNY. My band was removed due to my body rejecting it. I didn't fail it, it failed me. Now, don't get me wrong. I think the band is a WONDERFUL thing. My hubby was banded 11/28/05 and has lost 90lbs already and with no fill so far. He is an exception right now, and I think he is finally ready for that first fill. I just want people to be aware that the band is not always what people think it is. I think a lot of people go in for the band are not fully aware of how dedicated you have to be. The band WILL NOT restrict junk food, carby food, and of course high calorie liquids. You're on your own when it comes to that. It will ONLY RESTRICT SOLID PROTIEN FOODS!! People think it's great you don't have to give up any food, but that can be a real downfall for a lot of people and then find themselves back to their old eating habits once again. I'm sure I'll probably get flamed for this, but I've seen too many people with the band, not really realizing what they got themselves into. Like I said earlier, I think the band is WONDERFUL, it's a GREAT TOOL if you use it the right way and can really stick to the program. Well I can go on and on, sorry for the long winded response, I just wanted to throw my 2 cents in!! Jo Ann

There are alot of factors in deciding which one to use. Please do your research and homework. I am 29 and had RYN and am now pregnate. which has alot of factors in it. I suggrest for you to find say 3 ppl on the board aroound your age and talk with them. Maybe even make up a questionaire and ask them to fill it out. WLS effects not only your physical, but the emotional and mental you. It will effect your sex life your family life things you never even thought about. I will be glad to help you if I can. best wishes, heather

Cherina- You should also consider there are other procedures besides lap band and RNY. There is the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and the Duodenal Switch. I will be going to Omaha in July to have the DS with Dr. Anthone. The thing to remember with any of the procedures is that it is prudent to ask a surgeon who does the procedure about the procedure. The analogy that is used many times is you do not ask a ford salesman about a toyota, he is not going to tell you great things about a toyota because -- he sells fords! Likewise if you ask a doctor that only does the RNY about the DS, he is likely to tell you that you will have bowel issues for the rest of your life and die of malnutrition. Neither of which are true. Do your own research and listen to your own heart. You have to look at your lifestyle, and your eating habits. Everyone thinks their surgery is the best and their surgeon is the leading expert in the world. There can be serious risks and side effects to any of the surgeries even the band which is touted as the least invasive and safest surgery. Yet, the band can slip or erode and do nasty things to your esophagus and stomach. I wish you luck and know that whichever procedure you decide on we will be here to support you. Red