Question

I am new to this cite and am looking into WLS.  I have completed the info session at GBMC with Dr. Moen, waiting to get an initial consult. At first I was between the LapBand and RNY but have been reading different profiles of those who have had DS and am starting to question which surgery is best.  Can anyone help me with which surgery is better/more effective for the long run? I want to have as much info as possible and don't want my efforts to be for nothing 5-10 years down the line and gain weight back.  Thanks  C

Hi C, I'm not sure that any one surgery is better than any other (although some will say what they had is better).  For me, LAP RNY was what I needed and was best for me.   You need to ask the Dr. when you have your consult what the differences are between the surgeries, how many he's done (of each kind) and which one does he think would be best for you and why.  You need to do your research and explore all your options before deciding.  This site used to have wonderful educational videos that you could view that would break down what was involved in each surgery.  Check it out and see if you can view them.   I believe that if someone is able to follow the program that their Dr. lays out for them, they'll be successful with this.  It means laying down old habits (bad food choices and lack of exercise) and picking up new ones (protein first, exercise, supplements, etc.)   Good luck on your weight loss surgery research/journey.

I agree, I think each surgery has it's own benefits. And alot goes into making the decision. Which will the ins pay for? Are you will to pay out of pocket, if the surgery you choose isn't covered?  How much total weight do you have to loose? Do you already have a DR that you are dead set on using? Do they do all types of WLS, or just a few specific?  These are just a few of the questions that you need to ask, and there are so many more. Honestly it is a very personal choice. The battles I have seen remind me of women who fight over childbirth. Some will say natural, some say epidural and some say C/S. I think it just comes down to what works best for you and your family.  Do your research on each procedure, and then sit down with paper and pen, look at each procedures positives and negatives. Then you add all the "life factors" like ins coverage and such. I also prayed about it and then I made my choice.  For me personally, I had 2 DR's picked out and I knew I wanted the RNY I also knew  that I dis not want it laproscopically. I have a fatty liver and have had a tumor to which my abdominally muscles had to be removed. So I wanted to only cut through the mesh in 1 spot. I talked to the 2 DR's and both could do an open, but 1 had a 8-9 in*****ision, 1 had a 3-4 inch. I went with the 3-4. My reasons for choosing the RNY over the other procedures were mainly because I knew the band was not for me. I am allergic to everything- including some forms of plastic. So I didn't want to chance that. The DS,  and this is just my opinion, was not for me.   Best wishes in making the choice that works best for you.  And WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!!

Terry and Dianne, thank you both for your responses.  I have watched and read this cite for quite some time and as I see things change, more questions arise.  That's what I like, I am getting to learn quite a bit.  I will continue to research each surgery type and I hope to have a consult with GBMC SOON!!  (I originally wanted DVR to handle my surgery and it was this cite that I found out that he was leaving) I think Im just waiting for the insurance clearance. I am excited for all those who have benefitted from their surgeries and look forward to becoming a loser as well.    Thanks Again, C 

DVR helped me make the decision. I am sure that Dr. Moein will also help you. I had some health issues that pointed towards lap RNY as the best surgery for me.

Best wishes as your WLS journey progresses. Hugs, Mo