Lapband vs RNY

How does a person decide which WLS to choose? OPEN FOR COMMENTS Thanks DollyC

Aloha Dolly...
The only way you'll reach an educated decision on what is right for you is by reading about all the different types of Weight Loss Surgeries. Attend siminars, call surgeons' offices, read, read, read!! Everyone has a comfort zone. Each surgery has its own post-op regimine that you will likely be following for the rest of your life. This decision should not be made lightly or quickly. Do you want restriction or malabsorbtion? Do you want your intestines re-routed? Do you want part of your stomach removed? Are you willing to commit to a devise that will need attention regularly? So many questions and so many opinions. Read them all. Also, learn the pro's and con's about each surgery. Read people's profiles here on the different forums... the Lap Band, the DS, the VSG, the RnY... they are the main 4. This website offers a lot of advise... good and bad, so you'll sometimes have to sort it out.

Once you have gathered enough information, you will know which one is right for you. It should be your choice just as who you chose as your surgeon. Make a list of questions... none are silly or trivial. If you're not totally comfortable with a surgeon after a consultation or they try to convince you to have a surgery or procedure you're not comfortable with, don't be afraid to consult with another surgeon. Don't limit yourself to having a surgery because it is the only kind that particular surgeon does. Find a surgeon who performs the surgery you want. It should be someone you have confidence in and a procedure you believe in. I feel that those are the basics for success.

It can be a little overwhelming sometimes. Most people feel the procedure they had is the best... of course! That's why they had it! Again, it is that belief in what they did that will make them successful.

Good luck on your journey and never hesitate to ask questions. This is a very serious step... a life altering change. It is also an amazing adventure!!!!! Many of us have gotten our lives back and live healthier lifestyles and are happier than we've ever been! We've reduced our risks of potential heart and liver disease, diabetes, and some cancers. You don't always get a second chance at life, but for many of us, that is exactly what we've done.

The decision is all yours.  Mine was based on my finances and HMSA coverage.  HMSA would only cover a sleeve if my BMI was over 50 and since it was not it was out of the question.  The DS would be done out of state and also HMSA don't cover that either so that was out.  My only two choices was the band and the rny.  Well I didn't chose the band because fills would be $250 for every fill and I don't have that money (btw fills are covered now by HMSA), I was afraid that I could eat around the band and the last was I didn't want that sick feeling when you don't chew the food and people seem to feel sick all the time. 

I made my decision to do the rny.  This was the best decision that I have ever done.  I don't feel sick before, during or after I eat unless I eat too much.  Most times this is when I don't measure.  I can eat anything that I want to put in my mouth.  I don't eat anything white or drink alcohol.  I am by the book.  I don't drink 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after.  It is suppose to be 30 minutes before but I have a hard time waiting to eat.  There is no maintenance of the rny.  I do follow up with the Dr. every 3 months and take my vitamins everyday.  I don't even feel I had surgery.  O ya one last thing.  I love to see changes. With the band changes is rather slow and I am an impatient person.  I want thing now.

Good luck and remember no surgery is better than the other.  It is all up to you on how you use your tool.

Aloha,
Asia

My story pretty much is the same as Asia's actually (nahealani)..suprising we not related!  Nah, but i based my decision on pretty much the same thing too.....HMSA covering it and i personally didnt want anything foreign in my body that i would have to keep refilling or whatevers so i chose the RNY.  My BMI is only 40 so HMSA will not cover VSG with that BMI range.  The decision is entirely yours and Makena is right...do your research...very important! Good luck