Two confusing words...Lap and Band

Thought I would share a few thoughts on a couple of words that can mean different things to different people.  I am not an expert, though I have had RNY and have been on the boards here for about 1 year.  The first word is Lap.  Lap Band is a WLS procedure done for reducing weight.  It is different from RNY  another WLS (weight loss surgery) procedure.  The RNY procedure can either be done; #1. "open", where they cut the belly open to do the procedure, (this is usually done with very very heavy people, say 400# or more) or #2. Laparoscopic.  Laparoscopic RNY usually requires 5 small holes made to do the procedure (quick note, the hole nearest your belly button will hurt the most after the procedure, it is where the camera is placed).  With the laparoscopic procedure people may say "I got lapped".  This does not mean they got the lap band, it means they had an RNY but it was done not having to make the large cut (open).  You following me so far??   Now for the word "band"...Again Lap Band is a WLS procedure.  It is very popular and people will say "they got banded" or they "had the band done".  Here is where it may get confusing.  People who get the RNY procedure (its real name is Roux-en-Y) can chose to get (if their Dr. does it) a small selastic band placed around their pouch.  This "band" will help prevent the pouch from expanding over time.  This can possible prevent a person from regaining their weight because the pouch will remain smaller.  I hope this can end some confusion you may have with those 2 words.  I am sure many of you old timers may have more to add, but I thought it would help new people here on site...Brian in Turlock CA    PS...I am wondering if I made it more confussing than it ought??  I posted this on the Main Board too.  After reading it I wanted to add lap banders use 100 different terms for their procedure, (no one has laid claim to this name...Sorry I'm wrong, Lap Band is a registered trademark.  But all these terms can get so confusing, it must be frustrating to the newbies here...Brian

If I may throw more fuel on the terminology fire,.... my surgeon put a plastic band around the esophagase, at the opening or top of the new pouch to help require food to be well chewed and in smaller quantity before even entering the pouch.  Open RNY. It helps me get that full feeling sooner and regulates how much and how fast I eat anything, and minimizes stretching the new pouch.  I did have to have the band stretched some at the 3 month mark as the opening had almost closed as the pouch healed.  No problems since then that aren't expected as part of the new digestive tract deal.  Good effort at trying to take our slang english for granted,...especially by the pre-ops looking in for enlightment.  

There's no confusion in my family - they call my "lap-band" a  belt .   Hey, how's your belt doing?  is your belt tight today?  have you gotten your belt tightened lately?  When are they going to adjust your belt?   Can you eat this with your belt? So I decided there's no point trying to teach them any different, so I got me a belt here.