What is RNY and is it better than Lap Band?

To me it is not a matter of what is better but what is better for YOU. I chose the RNY because my BMI was on the higher end, I am insulin resistant so I benefit for limiting carbs and simple sugars and I did not want to have to go back for fills.  There were some other factors but those were up there. Research and think about what you need in a tool to be a success and keep the weight off.

No surgery is "better" than any other. The question is which would be better for me....and that my friend can only be answered by you and your doctor. Surgical procedure: RNY - the surgeon enters the abdominal cavity either via lap incisions or open surgery. They use a special cutting stapler that sections off a small pouch from the top of your stomach (the remaining stomach is left inside of you). Then they cut your intestines to by-pass a large part of them and attach the shorter limb to your new stomach pouch. Lap Band - normally done via lap incisions. The doctor introduces the band the band through the incision and wraps it around the top part of the stomach. The bottom of the stomach is pulled up over the band and stitched in place to keep the band from moving. The port is attached to the outer layer of muscle under the skin and fat. Method - RNY is a restrictive and mal-absorptive procedure. This means that not only do you eat less but you also absorb only part of what you do eat. Some (about 30%) people dump on sugar (hot flashes, dizziness and trips to the bath room).  To some this is a good thing but it does not happen to all patients. Lap Band is purely restrictive - you will eat less but everything you eat gets absorbed by your body - lower risk of vitamin and mineral problems down the road. The most recent studies show that average weight loss at 5 years between the two are equal and that mortality rates for the RNY surgery are higher. There are pros and cons to both surgery and only after reviewing your eating habits and personal preferences can you and your doctor decide which is best for you. For me it was the band or bust. Based on my personal interactions with with band and bypass patients and my own fears and strengths I knew that I would get banded or I would remain obese, but that is me. Good luck with your decision. Lynn

thanks for the info.. I think you look amazing and I hope to be as successful someday..keep up the great work..

I have a question....what is meant by "mortality rate"?

The mortality rate is the number of people that die as a direct result of the surgery or complications to the surgery.

  OOOo...ok. Thanks