Gastric Banding or Bypass?

That is the Question... lol
I thought I had my mind made up.. But now I'm confused... I have tried to weigh out both. Which one would be best for me. But now I am having a hard time deciding. After going to the seminar I found out that dumping isn't a bad thing and it wont hurt you. I also found out that gastric is laproscopic just like the band at the center I will be going to.
  I have been at first totally against the gastric because of my fears of leaking and the death rate to lap band. Then I also found out that the place I will be going has a Excellent track record with 2 ever recorded deaths Out of over 5,000 surgery's. None being lap band patients. I did not get the chance to ask how many they have performed but will.
  I'm sure everyone gets nervous for any surgery and the risks. But I also know that 90% of the weight loss surgerys done in the nation are gastric... The weight loss surgery of choice in which it is the opposite in Europe.
  I also know there are ways of cheating either bypass. And that leaves me with a question.... To anyone who has had surgery. If you have had the lap band does the small amount of sweets you do take in really enough to mess up your entire program? I keep thinking that it really would be hard to since your stomache is so small and you can't eat very much.I mean my biggest issue is feeling Full. And I could down 5 little debbie snacks and never have any satisfaction. I don't see downing that after either surgery. But will a bite of sugar really hurt you? In moderation... I do have a sweet tooth. And this is why I ask and I think this is soooooooo important. With gastric I will get unplesant effects from eating sweets... The doctor said some people have down to the number of m&m's they can down before they dump.I also found an interesting fact about those.. lol. That if u eat 3 of them you will have to walk the lenghth of a football field to burn the calories off from them. 
   So now here I am thought I was decided. Now torn... Any feedback would be of great help.. Thanks much....

Only you can decide this. I went through this not to long ago. I am going with RNY its because its what I feel will be best for me Dont be scared. Both surgeries have their pros and cons. I have a sweet tooth. And I feel that if I do  dump on sweets it will help with the life long change to stay away. I feel I also need the malabsorbation along with the restriction. Its up to you. Each surgeries has their chance of death. But you will also die from morbid obesity. Also RESEARCH your doctor. Make sure your getting a great surgeon. Good luck in your search!!

thank u for answering.  I also want to make the best choice for me. One that will have a better chance at working for me and looking into all the aspects is important. The doctor I chose did a friend of mines surgery and she is doing great and wouldn't have it any other way. She had the bypass. And it is very true. Eventually obesity will kill me. And the risks of the surgery outweighs the risk of living life like I am....

don't forget to reasearch the DS <~~~ Link!

Your surgeon doesn't do the DS so he will not give you an accurate representation of the DS (I know this because he was to be my RNY surgeon until I heard about the DS!)  I consulted with the best DS surgeon going (we are so lucky here in MN to have a pioneer of the surgery that people travels thousands of miles to have him do their DS) and then re-approached Dr. Johnson with my findings....I was shocked at their "take" on the DS - it was all erroneous information...

at any rate, you would be well advised to consult a surgeon who does ALL the options availalbe - Dr. Buchwald (who I'm particuarly fond of) and Dr. Ikrammadin (I'm sure I misspelled his name!) are two I can think of....

Check the link I gave you above to DS Facts and visit us on the DS board too!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU whatever path you choose!

Only you and your doctors together can determine which surgery is right for you.  Remember that many RNY patients do dump on too much sugar (and some w/ too much fat) but many do not dump at all.  Do not let that be your deciding factor as you will be very disappointed if you are not one of the dumpers.  I chose RNY as I wanted both restriction and malabsorption to help me lose weight quickly.  Originally I decided on the lap band, changed my mind and wanted VSG, couldn't find a surgeon skilled in VSG here in MN and insurance wouldn't cover it and finally decided on RNY.  It took lots of research and soul searching to come to my decision but I am very happy with it!

I guess I will be the one to represent lap band on this post. I use to Frequent this site alot but as you loose weight you start to not spend as much time on here which is unfortunate for trying to help others.  but anyways I have lost over 200 lbs with the band and have had it for over 3 years so if there is any questions you want answered from a person that has a band hit me up I will be glad to answer them for you.. 

Wow 3 years and 200 pounds, your doing great!

You've heard from an RNY and DS person so I, a bander, thought I would chime in also.
The first thing is you need to make the decision that is best for you! Whichever surgery is decided on, think about what is going on now and years down the road. I'm unsure of your age, but if you intend on having kids, you should look at that also. (I am past that point but I know I've heard younger others talk about it.) There is so much information on all the types and on all the pros and cons of each! 

I decided on the LapBand because I did not want part of my stomach removed or moved and I did not want the malabsortion (sp). The idea of having extra hardware inside me does not bother me at all. This tool I have has improved my quality of life in so many ways. For me, I can eat just about anything I want. Yes, that does include sweets. I choose to not eat them. I have chosen a new life style and in that life style is healthier foods, better choices and exercise. For me, the Lapband is the best choice. I love that I've made this decision!  
As far as Dr Johnson, I know a few people that had him and they love him!

Good luck with your decision.

thanks all for your feedback on all of it. I guess I will think about it. I have time. Have to diet for 3 months for insurance reasons...  I appreciate it... thanks again

It's a tough choice, but I love my band! It is exactly what I needed. I ate too much and needed something to restrict the amount of food going in. I knew that I'd be able to control the quality of the food coming in, just not the quantity.

I like that it's adjustable.... and that 3 years out I won't be fighting a looser pouch. I have lots of years to fight obesity so that's important to me!

Death rate with band is VERY VERY LOW. The leaking rate is also very very low. There are lots of complications with RNY too... especially further out. All the surgeries have their issues.

So far i have had no problems with my band. Park Nicollet did an amazing job and has good aftercare. I hear Unity Hospital is an even better program for the band... especially Dr. Baker.

Those are my 2 cents. :)