Considering WLS not ...

Considering WLS not sure which way to go yet. Sounds like GB is more successfull but riskier. Just curious if anyone that was banded would have preferred the GB, or are you happy with the current decision. Which one is more successfull at keeping the weight off. Just trying to get info. Current BMI around 46 need to loose 125

Hey John! I'm pre-op and getting the RNY. Can't really help you with your decision and questions on Lapband, but wanted to welcome you to the board. I went with RNY, because it is more successful and I didn't want to have to worry about slippage and having to go in all the time for fills. Good Luck to you and welcome to the Wisconsin OH Board! Pam

the only thing I can tell you is I had rny on nov. 15 2005, I havelost 127 lbs and my sister had the lap band and she did not lose as much, but she lost. She can eat sugar and sweets and I cannot, so that might be the difference. with the lap band is is less invasive of a surgery. I am happy I had rny. I would do this again in a heartbeat. hope this helps. Betty

Thanks for your info. John

I had the band almost 3 months ago and am down 31 pounds. It depends on what you're looking for....the one post is wrong about successfullness. Both surgeries are very successful. The band takes a little adjusting and the weight is slower..more like a healthy rate that the professionals reccommend 1-3# per week. I'm ok with the slow loss because I'm hoping my skin will recover better and I won't have it sag as bad. I also haven't told anyone but my parents. So If I dropped 30 pounds in a month, that would be obvious. So lap band is easy to hide from others. I'll tell people down the line. Anyone you ask will say their surgery is the "best choice" and the other has risks. They both have risks...yes the band can slip but that RARELY happens...just like death rarely happens in RNY but either way it can happen. You have to go to the doctor for fills but I'm ok with that. My fills are included for life and I go in monthly and it's not a big deal at all. In 5 years...both surgeries have success rates about the same. RNY will get it off fast...and band is slower...but at the end of the race it's the same outcome. Both can gain wait back if they don'****ch out. Band is less invasive, quicker recovery time and you can still enjoy almost all foods. Yes, I don't dump when I eat chocolate and treats....and I'd probably have lost more if I cut my treats out. But those treats keep me sain some days! I cannot imagine never eating cake or cookies again. But now I eat one cookie, not 7! But 90% of the time I eat my proteins and veggies like I should. If you want to lose weight really fast...just go for RNY I guess. If you want to do it at a little healthier rate and still treat yourself here and there go for lap band. I had about 125 to lose too...only 95 left! In the end whatever decision you make you have to choose on your own, and it'll be the right decision. And don't let anyone tell you one is more successful than the other. There are many successful and unsuccessful bandsters and RNYers.

hey malia, what ins. do you have that you get your fills for life.i got my first 5 along with the surgery.then after that,i was on my own.i felt all along the fills should be included,after all,thats where the success comes along.thanks,barb

I was actually self pay and my surgeon offers free fills for life with the whole deal. I really think it's a great thing. This way I have no reason not to be successful if I follow up with the surgeon.

Your post implies that losing weight at a slower pace is healthier than losing at a faster pace. I've yet to find any medical research that supports that. What medical research does support is that any reduction in weight (from an obese starting point) is an improvement - it doesn't matter how fast or slow you lose it. John - Research as much as you can so you can base your decision on sound fact. There are benefits and drawbacks to every type of surgery but as Malia said, in the end everyone will lose weight! As you make your decision, you might consider your personality and what you are hoping to accomplish as you go through the surgery process. Best of luck to you!

Just wanted to let you know there is another option out there. VSG...Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I have that one. There is a forum for that surgery on the website too. I am or was SMO...I have not checked the charts since I had surgery. I am almost 3 months out and down 70lbs. The surgery -- They cut out the stretchiest part of the stomach in a vertical line and the tummy is the shape of a small banana. They don't touch anything else. In my case they removed 80 percent of my tummy. This is purely a restrictive surgery and does not include cutting into the intestines. Right now the most I can eat of any dense type food is 2 to 2.5 oz. Along with the part of the tummy they remove they also remove a large part of the hormone ghrelin which is what makes us so hungry. I am not saying that this is the best surgery..But I just wanted you to know that it is also an option. I am so happy with my choice also and feel that I will succeed for the first time ever! Good luck to you on your journey John! Cathy

John, You'll get all kinds of answers to your question. Only you can make the final decision. There are pros and cons to each type of surgery. Do as much research as you can. The book, "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" has a lot of really good information to start with. Be sure to check with your insurance company and find out what they cover. My insurance only covered RNY and the pros and cons weren't worth the self-pay cost for me to do anything else. Good luck with whatever you decide. Judy