LAPBand vs VSG...

I believe I am narrowing down my search.  Really concerned about malabsorption (of food and meds) and think restricition only is the best for me..  Both of these surgeries can be revised, so that makes me feel a little better, although with the VSG, once my stomach is gone, it is gone, but, I can add RNY of DS if I am not losing the weight.  I am concerned, as I mentioned before, that since I will be probably be self-pay, of the complications and maintenance of the LAPBand...also, with the slow weight loss..I may need to do revision anyway, so why not just do the VSG and get going on my new life??  Any thoughts??  I am going to UW for info session next week, although I do not believe they do VSG, but, I feel it couldn't hurt and actually meeting staff will be the next step after researching and trolling boards for what seems like forever!    Thanks for all the info and support.  This newbie really appreciates it!!

At this stage, you don't need to choose a surgery already. There are so many differences, not to mention reasons to have either one. It does concern me, though, that you are already talking about adding a second surgery if one doesn't work.  Don't set yourself up for failure. Having WLS is not a cure or magic. It's like having a second full time job for the rest of your life. Those who don't treat it like one, are the ones who end up gaining back weight. Having the VBG was me new beginning in life, and I think about my surgery, what I eat, exercising, portion control, nutrition, vitamins, chewing, chewing, chewing, fluids, etc. every day.  It consumes a good part of my day mentally, and I'm glad it does.  I'm not going to fail at this and I remind myself that whatever surgery someone has, it is only a TOOL.  The real work is done by me. Go through the steps, the multiple appointments with psych and nutritionists, and THEN have the doctor help you figure it out.  If the doctor and his staff don't put you through the paces, you may be disappointed and left on your own. Ask lots of questions, and good luck!

I hope you have made a decision by now.  Which ever one you choose should be OK as long as it is done properly and you follow the diet.  You can read my posts about my nightmare with the lap band, but that does not mean the lap band doesn't work.  My problems have been identified by one of the best bariatric surgeons in this country as "surgical error".  The documentation goes on to state that "he has substantiated beyond any doubt that the problems began at the time of the placement of the band . . . the band was not properly placed".  That doesn't mean that the lap band doesn't work, it only means I had an inexperienced surgeon (Kevin Wasco).  There is also a person who I know  who had the GSV done by Kevin Wasco earlier thsi year.  This was a revision of her lap band and he told her she was an "excellent Candidate for the VSG".  She proceeded with that surgery and ended up with internal bleeding.  She said she was so sick she thought she was going to die, and is first feeling somewhat better now.  How odd we both had the same surgeon and had long term complications?  I don't think which type of surgery you choose is as important as the surgeon and/or facility you are going to use.  Had I done my homework, I would be far better off today.  I hope all goes well for you.    

oh, yes.  I believe you shared your story on another post.  I have decided on the VSG and will be going to LapSF with either Cirangle or Jossart.

I have an acquaintance who had a RNY at Theda.  I do not know who her surgeon was, though..but she has nearly died a couple of times due to serious complications...stuff like her intestines twisting and atrophy setting in...gangreous infections..she went septic and had to have a lot of her intestines and some muscle removed...rupturing hernias..her insides are basically being held together with surgical mesh at this point.  I don't know or understand all the details, but.....Good grief.     

I hope your nightmare is over soon.  Take care!!!