Lap band vs RNY in La.

Seems most of the posters on this board are RNY patients. I am waiting to have Lap Band surgery. Are your Drs recommending RNY. What made you choose RNY over Lap Band?

Lap band was not even an option for me. First, I had to fight the insurance for RNY based on my GERD. My gastrointerologist would not support me for the Lap Band, felt like it would not help with the GERD. Also knowing my history of weight loss and how I could work around diets and diet aids I just didn't feel like the lap band would work for me. I knew I had an addiction to sweets namely Little Debbies. If I had the band I would have been able to still eat all the sweets and knowing me I would have justified it. With the RNY, I can't do sugar. For me this is what I needed. This was the best choice for me.

Thank you for your reply. It sure looks like the RNY worked for you. Congrats on your weight loss. I am using Dr. Merriman too. Sure hope he lets me go with the lap band. I have myself all physced up for this, I will just die if anything prevents me from having the surgery. Called this am and Kim ha my packet (probably alomg with 100 others) on her desk. So I am just waiting.

Dr. Merriman is great, I just went in today for my 1 year post op appt. I know he does a lot of the lap bands. If this is what you want it should not be a problem. I know at some of the support group meetings it seems I am far out numbered by the lap banders. So if that is any indication he does alot. The waiting game was the hardest part of the whole thing for me. Keep me posted on how things go. Wishing you the best, Jodi

Thanks, I will keep you posted.

My tendency to cheat through diets also led me to choose RNY. While I'm not particularly into sweets, I am a total carbaholic, so I hope that I'll dump if I ever overdo it on simple carbs. In addition, I figured that since the job through which I had insurance to cover surgery was temporary, I probably should go for surgery that's a little less high-maintenance. That said, I've seen lots of highly successful bandsters who don't need frequent adjustments and who are very well able to refrain from cheating through their bands. It all goes back to your own personal preference. Good luck!

Thank you so much for your info. Because of my age (62) I am kinda scared of the more invasive surgery. I'm hoping I have an easier time with the lap band.

Hi Brenda, After my doctors explained the differences between lap band and RNY, I chose RNY all the way! With RNY, you don't have the hunger afterwards; with lap band you do. That's one thing I was so worried about. But I had my surgery on 11/14 and have not been hungry at all! With RNY, you lose at a faster rate than lap band. I am losing 2 lbs. a day (average). With lap band, you lose at a much slower rate. Good luck with whatever you decide to go with. I had a coworker you had the lap RNY at age 58 and she did great! Deidrah

Thank you for your answer. I can see where each one has it's own pros and cons. So glad you are doing so well. Keep me posted on your progress. Good luck!

Hi Brenda, I had the lap band surgery 9/26/06 in Mexico...Because my insurance wouldn't pay for it and in the US it would of cost me anywhere from 16-20k, I paid 8k in Mexico and couldn't be more happy with my decision...I was 204 I'm now 183, 22 pounds down...They are correct about not losing as fast but this surgery is less evasive...My mom and mother-in-law had the lap band a year ago and each are down 80 pounds in a year...My mother-in-law was 238 and is now 158...My mom was 280 and now 200...The lap band for me is saving my life...I get full faster than ever and I feel satisfied...I don't miss certain foods...Some food like light bread just won't go down unless it's toasted...But that's ok with me... Oh, by the way Medicade/Medicare paid for their surgery... I had my surgery on a Thursday and was up the next day and walking about and at work the following Monday...My mom was 59 and mother-in-law 58 and they were up and about the next day too... Go with your heart and your doctors recommendation... PS You have a beautiful smile... ~Rena DOB: 9/26/06 204/183/140