Can't Decide Between Lap Band and Bypass...OPINIONS, PLEASE!!!!

Why 1.5 years?? It took 31 to put it all on right? If you are this undecided you really need to do a lot more research and truthfuly and honestly evaluate not only "why" you want surgery but what your eating habits are and which surgery will work best for you. Good luck.  If your ins covers the surgery they will cover the fills.

Hi there, WOW you've got quite the transformation! Can I ask your starting height and weight? How long did it take you to lose your weight? Are you at goal yet? It looks like your husband has new, younger, hotter wife!

Starting Height:  5'8", Current Height:  5'11" (I can wear heels now and the taller I look, the thinner I look!)  Starting Weight:  325, Current Weight:  190.  My doctor's goal weight was 175; for a normal BMI, I should weigh 164.  My goal weight was to get to a weight that I had energy and to become happy & healthy - and to have a 1 be my 1st digit.  The other part of my goal was to finally get pregnant - so working on that goal now!  In the mean time would be great to reach 175 by my 2 yr anniversary.  With the band it averages to 1-2 pounds a week. which it has been 21 months so I've averaged over 6 pounds a month and have met the 1-2 a week.  Some weeks you'll have nothing and others 4-5 pounds.  At the beginning you think 1-2 a week will take FOREVER but if I didn't have the lap band 21 months ago - would I be 130 pounds down - no I'm sure I would've weighed more!  And the time goes by faster than you think! P.S.  Thanks for the compliment - you made my night! 

WOW--- your before and after pic is AMAZING!!!!!

Thank you, Amanda!  You are already beautiful before the WLS!  Good luck on your journey!!!

My surgeon has stopped doing Lap Bands because he says it doesnt work-- and not worth the risk ot the patient. "Then, I said, screw it the RNY is probably better for someone with so much weight to lose" I read that lapbands work well for folks who are 100 lbs or less overweight. And RNY for folks who are 100 lbs and MORE overweight. So RNY would be helpful for you. In the end--- it's a hard decision to make. I went back and forth myself till I researched more and spoke to my surgeon. I'm pre op still and comfortable with my decisions. Best of luck to ya!!

Oh, Lordy! Just as I was leaning more toward the Lap band! This is so tough. My mother is really pressuring me accepting the Lap Band 'first."

Your mom does have a point. I know for me that I dont have extra time to try out the lap band first. I've been putting off a lot of things in life because I cant do them at 341 lbs--- one example: finish school. Some have had great sucess with the lap bands while many others have had to have a revision done. Not sure what the failure rate is for lap bands but the failure rate for RNY is 30% (failure as in not meeting your surgeons goal which is usally  to lose 50-75% of your excess weight). Take your time-- it IS a hard decision for sure.

love2read, You sound just like me!  I was changing my mind at the drop of a dime!!  Take it from me, it can be emotionally draining to do this and may eventually cause you to throw your hands up and say, "Forget it"!  I was to that point a few weeks ago!  I had had many set-backs and was going to give up when I decided God knew what I needed more than I did and I just prayed about it and gave it to Him.  This set a series of events in motion for me.  I had been having trouble securing a doctor in my town who used an in-network hospital.  A surgeon who saw my post on OH, e-mailed me and informed me he would do my surgery at the in-network hospital.  When I went to the appointment, again questioning WHICH surgery - I was informed he would NOT do RNY at the new hospital; only the band!  This made my decision for me & I am so grateful!!!  So, I do not know if you are a Christian or of another faith, or if you are incluned to pray, but if so - maybe you will get the clearest answer there!!!  In the meantime, here are some pros & cons to consider:  Obviously this list is what came from my personal pros and cons list, and is not all inclusive!   RNY GOOD: RNY is faster (and I wanted this weight gone yesterday) Malabsorption makes weight loss a little "easier" RNY BAD:  Numerous complications; many severe and/or life threatening Hair loss, dry skin, etc. Extremely rapid weight loss IS a shock to the body Weight re-gain is a very real possibility Mortality rate is higher Malabsorption may cause more complications long term LAP-BAND GOOD: Reversable & Adjustable (to help keep re-gain at a minimum) No malabsorbtion Less invasive; less time off work Lower complication rate & complications are GENERALLY not life threatening Limits "volume" eaters (raising my hand) LAP-BAND BAD: Slower weight loss (and it is not instant... you have to get to restriction) Higher failure rate (some are not successful) Higher risk of additional surgeries (port revision, erosion, slippage, etc.) Food getting stuck, discomfort, "finicky" bands GERD (acid reflux) Again, these are MY thoughts and maybe making your own pro/con list would help.  Best of luck to you!! Tonya 

Hi Amanda, This is so tough! I wish my doctor would just make a formal recommendation one way or the other to take it out of my hands and get my mom off my back--BUT I know he like all other surgeons is concerned about malpractice suits. I am at least 305 pounds, maybe more like 315--my scale only goes up to 300! It sucks big time. I can't do many things and it's been taking me 2 years since my first surgeon visit and I STILL haven't made up my mind.