Why one vs the other?

Hi there, Just curious if you have heard of the Duodenal Switch ? Thats one I had...its on this website too if interested in researching the differences in it from the rny and lapband ;) HUGS and HEALTH ~Lisa

I'm not as familiar with it but my concern with any type of malnutrition / mal absorbtion is how it affects medicine absorbtion.  For me, I'll only do the lapband becus of that. Thanks for the info though jack

I also chose the RNY for many of the reasons people have already listed, especially sweet tooth and faster weight loss with larger weight loss longterm (even though there is some debate on that!) My insurance wouldn't cover the LapBand because of my BMI.  Quite honestly, I knew I wanted the RNY from the start.  I also think the LapBand is a great choice for those who are right at that borderline BMI of 35-40. I did consider the LapBand for about 30 seconds, but the upkeep with fills and everything seemed that it would be a pain in the butt.  The research I've found about LapBand and the revision rates also kinda freaked me out. I know the LapBand has improved a lot over the past couple years, but I know the RNY works.  AND I also think that if you want the LapBand, get the Lap Band.  The key is working which ever tool you choose. 

Hi, Jack: There are so many schools of thought on RNY vs. Lap-Band vs. Duodenal Switch!  What's important is that you choose the surgery that is right for YOU - not for anyone else.  YOU will be the one dealing with the day-to-day challenges of your surgery. I had the DS, but it IS controversial - mostly due to the malabsorption issues.  I take a lot of vitamins and eat a lot of protein (100 grams or more a day).  Dr. Hess, the pioneer of the DS, has several long-term studies that show that as long as a DS patient is compliant with taking his or her supplements, he or she will not suffer ill effects. That said, it may not be the procedure for you - just as the RNY or Lap-Band wasn't for me.  And the reason I say these procedures weren't for me is because I was a binger pre-op and was terrified I would eventually go back to my old ways - NOT because the RNY or Lap-Band are bad surgeries. Some people want the Lap-Band because it's less invasive than the RNY or DS.   Some people want the RNY because they want the restriction.  Some people want the DS because they want to eat larger quantities without consequence.  Of course, a lot of this is oversimplification - everyone has their own reasons for chosing their procedure. My advice would be to research the heck out of ALL of the procedures.  Once I did this, there was no turning back - I knew that the procedure I chose was the right one for me.   Good luck!!!  (P.S. - If you're wondering why I'm posting in the IA forum - Grinnell, IA is my hometown!  )