DS - RNY - Lap Band

Hi Everybody.  My name is Al and I am new here and looking into the different types of surgeries that are offered and the different results that people have had.  I think I am leaning towards the LapBad procedure but I like the results that I see from the RNY and the DS a lot more.  I may be limited to what my insurance will allow as well. Anyway, I want to introduce myself here and say Hi.  I have been reading these message boards for about a week now and you all seem like a friendly and helpful bunch.

Hi Al, Welcome to the Michigan Board.  As to the type of surgery,to have that's up to the surgeon that you choose and your BMI.  Be aware that the DS is not performed by many surgeons in Michigan. The lapband and RNY are performed by many.   Whether you have lapband or RNY, may depend on your starting BMI.   Weight loss with the lapband is slower than with the RNY and you will require some fills for the lapband.  At least one fill and probably some others.  Research the surgeries carefully.  There are separate boards for each type of surgery so  you might want to check those our also. Jeanne

Thank you for the reply Jeanne.  My BMI is just about 53.  After some more research I think I going to rule out the DS.  I have not been able to get too much information on Surgeons that do the DS in the Metro Detroit area. AL

As Jeanne says, Welcome to the Michigan Board.  She gave you good advice, do your research, and then be comfortable with your choice.  I had orginally thought I wanted a lap band, due to its advantage of reversibility, if needed.  My BMI was over 58, and my surgeon pointed out that because of that, I was probably not a good candidate for a lap band.  Meaning, I just had too much weight too lose.  Even if I lost 50% of excess weight with the lap band, I would still be 100 pounds overweight.  Three years ago,  a DS wasn't an option for me, for two reasons, first, my insurance would not have covered it at the time, and second, there were not enough qualified surgeons in the metro area for me to feel comfortable choosing one.  I think that has now changed.  Those who have had a DS speak of the virtues of their surgery with almost religious zeal.  They may very well be right, and it sounds like the DS has been a good decision for them.  Even though I am very happy with the outcome of my RNY and my surgeon, there are some drawbacks to the RNY.  But there are advantages and disadvantages to each of the surgeries, so you will have to decide which is best for you.  How much do you need to lose?  How committed are you to taking nutritional supplements forever?  You are the only one who knows what foods you are able to give up, and how hard you want to work for your weight loss and health. Debra M. 351/132

Hi Debra.  Excellent reply, thank you very much.  I did read some of the DS board and see what you are saying about the "Religious Zeal".  Personally, that kind of put me off a bit.  I read a thread on that board where someone was attacked because they said something about her RNY.  Almost seemed childish.  I am hoping (as a personal goal) to lose about 150 lbs.   According to my doctor, He would like for me to lose about the same.  I was surprised, because, I expected him to want me to lose more.  I am 100% committed to doing whatever it take to get healthy, and if that means taking vitamins for the rest of my life, then that does not seem so bad.  A small price to pay to see my kids grow up. Al

Hi!  Welcome to the board. You are me 8 months ago!!!!! I didn't want rearranging of my bowels but the Lap Band didn't give the results I wanted.  I went to my surgeon's seminar and he discussed a 4th option.............. VSG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy! The results are proving to be equal to RNY!!!! There is a VSG board on OH here.  Check us out! Also, you may view the surgery, as well as other WLS at ORlive.com. I have no regrets about my decision!  Feel free to ask any questions. I wish you the best on your journey.  The choice is a personal one and you'll know when you've found the right one for you.

Hi Laura, I had not heard or read too much on the VSG until now.  That you for the introduction.  I will include this procedure in my future research. Al

Hi Al, Welcome to the board.  I'd like to suggest reading several profiles of people who have had the different procedures.  But yes, do your research.  It is a lifetime commitment. Best of luck to you. Carey

Thank you Carey.  That is exactly what I am here for now.  I have been getting a lot of the information that I have been looking for on this web site as well as many other sites.

Hi Al, Dam, we came acrossed as Friendly?  Man, we are slipping, we meant to be judgemental and condescending. LOL.  Do you have a list of what procedure your insurance covers?  Just wondering, it may really reduce your choices here.  Also, just curious if you have fulfilled the prerequisites for the procedure [which ever one you choose] that your insurance requires?  I am anxious to know how far you are in your WLS journey.  Man, I ask Alot [for tina] of questions!!!  Anyway, I am gonna chime in here and tell you of my story.  because i heard you say 'belinda, tell me your story'..... just over one year and 3 days ago, i had Rny surgery at the barix clinic in ypsi.  i am a type one diabetic.  though i still have diabetes, dam cure escapes me, I am only on 1/3 of my insulin.  i have lost 120lbs and am still losing.  i no longer take 4 of the 7 pills i was on.  and i can pretty much fly up a flight of stairs now.   I ask you to start posting with us on the morning coffee post.  Its safe there, we dont bite.  and you can get to know each one of us there.  and ask any questions.  we also have lap banders and vsg and all that post there. take care and good luck, belinda