RNY verses Lap-Band

I am right now leaning towards the RNY but I was just wondering what made you decide to do one over the other.  I know its my decision of I want but I would like know why?  I also want to tell yall that I think that yall are wonderful caring supportive people here I dont really have the support I need for the surgery so I do come here alot for that! Amanda

Hey Amanda -

I'm so glad that you are finding this to be such a warm, supportive place to come. I hope we'll get to meet in person some time, but in the meantime I'm glad to have to opportunity to get to know you 'virtually.'

I started out leaning towards the LapBand for several reasons: No malabsorption issues, much lower mortality rate (re: surgery), the ability to have the band there to use later if needed. Issues such as slippage of the band and tortioned ports were only a minor concern to me. I ultimately chose the RNY because it has an 85% rate of reversal of diabetes and the malabsorption factor for iron works in my favor due to a medical condition I have that causes my body to store iron. The fact that it has a statistically higher rate of excess weight loss was a pull as well. Having the dumping syndrome was another 'pull', but it doesn't matter for me, because I never did dump in the classic 'sweats, shakes, vomiting sense' ... I used to have some issues with what some term as a 'food coma' where you get really tired and feel yucky, then sleep it off, but I don't even have issues with that anymore. So I don't think that factor of the RNY has really made a difference for me. I think the other thing is that it's the 'gold standard' for WLS. That said, I have seen a number of folks be very successful with the LapBand and I think it's a great choice for many.

Wishing you every success as you continue your journey.

Barb

Hey, Amanda! Most people I've talked with who've chosen WLS did a lot of soul-searching and research before making a decision, based on their individual medical issues, needs, weight-loss goals, and research into the various procedures. I chose Lap Band because I have the opposite of Barb's issue with regard to iron storage (my body doesn't store iron well) and the Lap Band doesn't interfere with absorption.   What are the points about RNY that cause you to lean in that direction?  Perhaps talking about that a bit will help you solidify your decision and identify questions you'd like answers to before you move ahead.

I researchered both and decided on the RNY because of the long term success and because I didn't want to have some foreign object in my body that needs "adjustments".    I think both are great and it is a very personal decision that you have to be comfortable with. Good luck!  Alice

I discussed both options with my doc and decided on RNY because of the amount of wt i have to lose.   I had my surgery on 2/19 and am doing great.   Lost 31 lbs since 2 weeks post op which was about a lb a day.   I have read many studies and while it takes a little longer to lose the wt to begin with, studies i have seen are that 5 years post, both are about in the same place. take care and good luck, Pam

After discussing the options with Dr. Enochs and my PCP, I decided on the RNY - factors included:  my BMI, diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea, and the fact that I wanted a more permanent solution - I was afraid I would slip into my old "food desires" with the lap band.  I think you need to choose what will be easiest to live with and what will give you the greatest success (based on your goals), along with what will be easiest to comply with.   Good luck with your decision!