Bypass or Lap Band

So up until yesterday I had my decision set on bypass, and today I am lost.....  Yesterday I visited with the Medical Director, Nut, and Psyc and all three seemed to push the Lap Band over the bypass.  I had not even research the Lap Band because that was not an option that I was looking at, and now it is.  Anyone have any advice on  which to chose?

First, congratulations on taking action to make things better! There are cost/benefits to each type of wls; some are surgical risk, some are long term outcome, some are dependent on one's own personal history, outlook, and strengths. There are more options beyond bypass and lap-band, too. It's a big decision, though, and you do yourself better if you can get yourself educated about all the possibilities; a bit of work, yes, but a big decision that carries a small but finite risk  of injury, and even  death. The choice must be your own, informed decision, since you carry all the risk.  Sounds like some more research is coming your way! Did they give you a sense of why they thought the band might be better for you? Rob

They seemed to push lap band because I am in my twenty's, lower 40's on the BMI,  and because I have been able to loose 24 pounds just off the pre surgery diet.

That is a very individual and personal decision.  Why were they pushing you for the one over the other?  I had the option of either one and I chose the bypass for a couple of reasons.  It seemed that many of the Lap Band patients I encountered in pre op group meetings and on this board seemed to lose slower and didnt seem to ultimately lose as much as the bypass patients.  A big decision factor for me was when I learned that eating meat can be difficult with the band especially when eating red meat becase of the constriction at the opening of the stomach being so constricted.  When I told my doctor about this concern and told him that meat was my favorite thing he said there wasnt much point in looking at that option.   The other thing that bothered me a bit was the fact that you have a contraption inside of you.  I am sure you would probably never feel it but it just seemed strange.  But that was really the least of my worry with it.  The thing that I liked about the Lap Band was that the operation is alot less serious and the recovery is easier.  Again, I think you need to look at your personal situation and weigh both sides.  I can tell you that if someone was much older and really overweight, I would probably recommend the Lap Band because it would be safer then a bypass for that person considering they are already so high risk and have a much better chance of getting complications.  In a case like that you dont worry as much about the final result but you are looking for the safest possible way to reduce someones weight to extend their life before its too late.  If you get a chance, post what their reasoning was for pushing you towards the band.  I would really be interested to know.  Good Luck. Dan

There have been many good discussions of this topic in the past.  Type Lap Band vs RNY in the search window or even Lap vs RNY.  Lots of comments available.

People seem to be succeeding with all of the surgeries, and the lap band seems to have the same long term success rate as the RNY, with perhaps less weight loss for most the first year (I think?). Getting the scheduled fills seems to be the key to success and having to get the fills is what dissuaded me from getting the band  The closest doc is 4 hours away.

With all of them you have to go on a big diet and exercise plan until you reach your goal weight.

Best Wishes,

Dave

"With all of them you have to go on a big diet and exercise plan until you reach your goal weight." Well said Dave!! Agree 100%

Thanks, Neal!

For some people, the first 100 RNY lbs. is a gimme, but after that it seems to be who can diet and exercise the best. One more question about RNY and the Lap Band might be, how easy the weight comes back afterwards. At 18 months, and with RNY and exercise it seems to be really difficult to regain.

Dave

take a visit to the ds forum, and check out the third option, I learned about it because i cannot have either of the other two. Read the reshearch, carefully.

I also spent a lot of time looking through the options.  In my case the doctors would not suggest one over the other.  As was said here before, they said it was a personal decision.  I chose the bypass for several reasons, the fact that you usually lose quicker initially and also the fact that (in most cases) you will get sick if you take in too much sugar. I always lost weight well over a period of 8-10 months on any diet)after the initial period I was even more fantastic at gaining it back).  In this case I wanted to use the tool to really help me change old habits and start living a better and more healthy lifestyle (and the sugar deterrent is a plus). Best of luck to you as you go through this process.  There are an awful lot of people here for you. Brian