Had consultation, now confused

Just got back from my group consultation at Barix.  I went in pretty sure about the lap band.  Though Dr. Brader did not try to talk anyone out of their decision, he stressed the fact that the makers of the lap band have a full fledged marketing department and that all their comparisons between bypass and the lap band really compares the lap band to open bypass not lap bypass.  He then compared facts about lap bypass to the lap band and their similarities regarding recovery, complication rate etc.  Now I'm more confused than ever.   Who else had a hard time deciding which way to go? Sonny 

Hi Sonny, most people go the lap band route because of the cost and the fact that that it can be reversed.  I was at the point of no return and when I looked at the stats it was obvious that the people who had lap RNY not only lost the weight faster but were also far less likely to gain it back.  That was what did it for me.  But it really comes down to how dedicated you are.  There are plenty of men here on this board who have succeeded with both.  I think it comes down to more the support and life change than it does the type of surgery. I've been very fortunate so far.  No real complications from my lap RNY, down a total of 85lbs today in 3 months since surgery (includes 7 lbs pre-op loss too).  I couldn't be happier with the results.  It really comes down to preference, cost, and surgeon in the beginning, but the support long term.  The approach I have taken is that it is a sprint to get the weight off and a marathon for the life change.  The sprint is required for me so I don't get discouraged and give up when I hit the plateaus.  It's worked so far, but I have a long way to go. Good luck.  I'm sure you will get plenty more feedback from the group. Greg

Sonny, I understand where you are coming from. Its a hard decision. No WLS is perfect and each has to decide whats best for them. I had the band and have done well for myself. Let me know if you have any particular question about the lapband

My doc says that bands can "in theory" be reversed, but in reality, adhesions makes it a very difficult procedure.

Not to say one is better than the other, people seem to succeed with both.

Dave

Sonny, Not to ‘make it more difficult,’ But- Don’t be "Sold" on any of the procedures. There’s also DS if it’s available for you. All of the procedures work differently and for different reasons. Finding the one that best suits YOUR needs is the "Right One." Yes? They all offer a second chance – "Do Over" to get back to a Healthy Weight. They can all be "Out Eaten" if a person doesn’t use the chance to Re-Establish A new Lifestyle…. Keep thinking it through…and asking for more info… In the end, go for what you think will work for you best. Best Wishes- Dx

i know of just one important distinction and I'm not advocating either. the difference is that if you have co morbidities like diabetes etc. the rny will do a much better job of getting rid of those problems due to the way your guts get routed. so someone like me who was on all kinds of meds, the rny made the most sense and of course i went from ten injections of insulin a day to nothing! plus no more cholestrol, bp, gerd and diabeties meds. i don't think the lap banding can claim that but it's becoming the most popular procedure and is getting better all the time. had i not had all those other medical problems i would have opted for banding. they say you lose more weight on with the rny but i think that's bull**** all the guys on this board lose the same amount of weight i did and just as fast. i think the real issue is to get your head and ass wired together. that's how you'll succeed no matter which route you go. it's just a tool as they say. damn, i hate it when i say that cliche all the time but it's so damn true! Carbonblob

Sonny, Like yourself, I wrestled with the decision for a very long time. You are doing the right things now. Learn all you can about the different options, talk to as many people who have had the procedures as you can. In the end, you have to the weigh the knowledge you gain against your own situation and make the best decision for you. Good luck. JP

Hi Sonny, I am in a similar situation, I am fairly certain that my insurance will only cover the band or the lap rny, no ds, no vsg, just those two and if the insurance doesn't cover it, it ain't happening. I feel as if I absolutely want the rny based on all I have learned and knowing myself and my habits I feel that will work best for me. I think research is the key. I have a question of my own about this since I haven't even met my Doc yet.  Will the Doc determine which is best for me or will it ultimately be my choice? Thanks guys and good luck on your decision Sonny, All the best, Chris

Hey Chris,  My Doc told me all the options and asked me what I was wanting and then told me what he thought would work best for me. At a later meeting he asked me what my decsion was, so ultimately it is up you.  pan head