gastric bypass vs lapband

Hi,
I am new to the group. I had a visit with my family dr and she suggested I get the bariatric surgery (gastric bypas surgery) She didn't seem to be fond of the lapband. And not sure if the lapband is covered by insurance. She told me to call my insurance and see if they cover the surgery they do. All I have to pay is the copays. But also need a referall from my dr and then the surgeon needs to do prior authorization. My BMI is 50. I have diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, high blood pressure, high cholestrol, varicose veins (need them striped), heel spurs. Also dr sending me for a sleep study as well. Also my diabetes is start to effect the kidneys as well. I have osteroarthritis in both my knees but my right knee is bad. And had a cortisone shot a week ago go for the left on the 30th. And this dont' work knee replacement surgery. It's one health problem after another. Then my acid reflux acts up times too. I am going to a free seminar by Dr. Thomas Chua on Jan 8th. I guess you have to attend there seminar before even getting seen at there clinic. So good thing to learn more about this surgery. Being obese really has taken a toll on me and my family. I also have 2 children ages 11 and 14 who have weight issues as well. I don't want them to turn out to be like me. A couple weeks ago my right knee was so bad I had to go to the er and all they did was give me anti inflammatorys and pain pills. I couldn't get off the toilet or the chair without assistance from my hubby. All I could do is cry. I am 44 yrs old and feel like a 60 yr lady. I am falling apart. I want to be here for my kids and hubby. And if I don't do something now I am afraid my health problems will get worst.

Thanks for listening. Hope to hear from others with there experiences and how you made the decision between gastric bypass surgery vs lapband..

Robin from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I can tell you the major reason I chose RNY over the lapband.  It is called cheating.  With a lapband, I could cheat.  I could eat the wrong things with the lapband.  As long as I chewed enough to get it past the band then I would be home free. 

With RNY, that is impossible.  The stomach and intestines are "re-plumbed" so that if I cheat and eat the wrong things, I pay for it.  I need this enforcement until I can train myself.  I have been doing very well since my RNY on Nov. 25th.  I am on stage two foods and not having any hunger or pain issues at all.

My list of pre-op health problems were growing as well.  So far, my type 2 diabetes is now gone.  I will be going to the doctor on Dec. 29th and get a blood panel doen where I hope that my cholestrol is normal and I can drop that pill as well.

Stick to it and get through the surgery and many of your issues will go away or be reduced.

 

My insurance wouldnt pay for the band.  That was my decding factor, however I was nervous about the whole re routing, but like the other gentlman I knew Id be able to cheet, I wanted to get this weight off and I want it to stay off,  for me my mind set is that I am going to be able to re learn how to eat,  Im doing very well im 4 months post op and down 66 lbs. You need to do whats best for you and when you get that appt. with your surgeon talk about it with him, if you also want to know about people who have had revsions ect... id post on the main RNY board.

This is all a personal choice that you have to make.  I have taken the Lask RNY.  My reasons are that It will help me get to my end goals faster and help me to become the healthy person that I know I have inside of me.  I'm able to get rid of the most or all of my medications and to help me with my other medical problems.   You have to do what is right for you...

What is the lask RNY and how does it differ from the gastric bypass? I thought the gastric bypass you lose more weight and the lap band is slower going with weight loss and also can cheat on the lap band. Or I am reading wrong on the boards. I am confused.

Happy new year!