What is RNY and is it better than Lap Band?

Help..  I dont understand the difference.. which is better?

Hi, This is a question for your surgeon and your conscience, after you do some research on what each entails.  I opted for RNY (aka Gastric Bypass) over the lap band.  The idea of having to go for a $100.00 fill every so often, having all that plasic inside me and basically revert back to post-op diet after every fill, turned me off.  Now there are probably a whole lot of people who opted for it, because it is reversible, doesn't involve cutting the stomach and has a much quicker recovery time.  Your surgeon can give you the technical differences and recommend which he thinks is better for you and why (if he doesn't offer the whys, be sure to prod him). Go to some support group meetings and throw your question out to the troops - you will get different opinions from everyone there.  It all boils down to a personal decision.  For me, I needed to make a permanent change in my life, temporary fixes at this stage of my life (I'm 60, ugh!) just are not an option.  I had my RNY April 24th of this year and have not regretted it for a minute.  My surgeon, Donald Hess, is a saint and his staff are all excellent, so if you are not happy with yours, give him a call. My current weight loss is 103 pounds since I started in his program last October.  Good luck with your decision - be sure it's an educated one! God Bless, Laurie

Up near the top of the page you will find a "Surgery Types" link. There is detailed info on the different options.  Lap Band has a much lower mortality rate than RNY and you lose weight slower in most cases. Weight loss down the road is the same. You should read up on the differences and talk to people that have had both and finally a surgeon. Be careful to find a surgeon that does both types of surgery. A surgeon that only does RNY is very unlikely to suggest a Lap Band. To answer your question, the Lap Band is "better". ...in my opinion. .

It all depends on you and your commitment. A few people had some good ideas on def asking the surgeon and researching the two.. but i will give you my opinion anyways In my opinion RNY is so much better than the lap band because it has been proven that the Lap band is -slower weight loss (which can be both good and bad) -You will only lose  45 to 55% of your excess body weight  (RNY 69 to 84% )  -With LAP-BAND “… weight loss was insufficient in slightly over 40% of the patients…” Suter, M., et al. Laparoscopic Gastric Banding: A prospective randomized study… Annals of Surgery, January, 2005. -MYTH:

LAP-BAND is much safer than Laparoscopic RNY Gastric Bypass.

FACT:

The mortality rate with LAP-BAND is boasted to be about 0.05%. Mortality rate from recent data at six reputable centers doing Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass (including ours) which comprised a total of 2389 patients was 0.08%. This difference is not even statistically significant!  -With the lap Band you could have issues like flipped port,  your body may reject the material...etc There is a wealth of information on the internet, I am PRO RNY obviously, but thats because i am realistic about my situation. I was oriinally going to go with the lap band.. but then switched after becoming more educated...  Good luck and ultimetly do whats best for you

Hey thanks for the info everybody... It_is_So-happening I read your blog and I am lebanese too!! Kee feek?

Oh my goodness!!! marhaba mniha!!!  kifik inteh??? where are you from?

Mniha.. I live in Bradford MA.. how about you??

Hi Happening Your information on the LapBand is old and outdated. Recent studies show weight loss at three to five years out is the same. Mortality rates for RNY are very controversial. Independent studies have returned numbers up to 5%. 1% to 2% are the most excepted numbers. Can you post a link to the 0.08% study you quote? You can find more info from the links here www.sunset.bearisland.org There is a link to a Medscape article of a study that gives a 1 in 66 mortality for RNY.

There are many myths and flat out untruths floating around about both surgeries.  One example: while the band is technically reversible it is MEANT to be permanent.  The lifestyles are very different as well.  My best suggestion?  Go to a band support group and a bypass support group and learn the pros and cons from people who have actually had each surgery. As for me, I'm with the band and I couldn't be happier!  I never considered the RNY.  Just my personal choice. Best of luck whatever you decide.

congratulations to you on your 100lb loss that is amazing.. I am worried about sagging and all that, but I am sure I am going to love being thinner more than that is going to bother me..