Lap band or RNY?

I have seriously considered getting WLS for a little over a year.  Now that I have medical insurance I am prepared to make the 1st step and go to the seminar.  My question to you guys is, what would you think is the better option?  RNY seems to lose more weight at a faster pace, but the mortality rate scared the crap out of me.  Just trying to get some help here guys.

You need to tell us about yourself...Height, weight, body frame.  In general if you have more than 60-80 pounds to lose you really should go with the RNY...Esp if you have problems with high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or other co-morbidities.  The mortality rate is very low with the RNY.  Remember that the Lap Band is a for profit company who may not be having your interest at heart.  Also many many people with the Lap Band regain much of their weight.  RNY has some regain...but not as much as the Lap Band.  Brian  PS  Please go to the Lap Band Forum and ask those who are a few years out...how they are doing...

I would also add age. Because Lapband takes significantly longer to lose weight, if you are 50+ RNY might also be a better choice.

Not that it is not a good choice for younger people, but as I am over 55, I did not want to put up with the fills, and the extended length of time.  I wanted my co-morbidities dealt with promptly

You should be asking this question after you go to a seminar and have at least the knowledge that you recieve there.  And do go to a seminar.

Thanks guys, sorry I didn't divulge all the info, 30 years old, 6'3, 395.  Played all sports in high school, graduated @ 250 and slowly the weight crept up on me.  By the time I was 23 I had gained 100 lbs.  Went on a scrict regimine of basketball pick up games for 2-3 hours a day (6 days a week) coupled with 1 hour on the treadmill and 1.5-2 hours of weight training.  I was succesfull and lost 80 lbs in 10 months with diet & excersize and kept it off for about 2 yrs.  I got lazy and the weight once again crept up on me again, I know the 1st step is looking for a seminar, but I wanted to know what everyones take is.  I had a family member that had the RNY and had a lot of complications in the first few months which made me look into the lapband option. 

Have you considered vsg?  Do some research and come back with more questions, we're always here to help! 

Your story sounds exactly like mine, same age and background, except I was 6'6", 450 lbs - about the same BMI as you. Anyway, I chose RNY after doing ALOT of research on the different types of surgery.  I didnt spend much time considering the band after talking to my doc, some post-op banders, and reading about how the band has a very high rate of mid & long term complications...something like 80% of people need to have it removed within 5 yrs.   There are other reasons as well as to why I chose RNY but I wont get into that since this should be a PERSONAL decision, but I suggest you do ALOT of research, not only on the "type" of surgery, but on the SURGEON...that is the MOST important. Wish I wouldve done that...!!  In my opinion, you should focus on either the RNY, or if you want to battle your insurance company...VSG which is less drastic than RNY (stomach reduction but no change to your intestines)  or DS (duodenal switch) which is more drastic than RNY...both of which most insurance companies still consider experimental.

My wife also had RNY 4 months ago and she was only 100 lbs overweight...she is currently 9 lbs away from goal and has had absolutely ZERO complications or regrets. HER doctor is excellent.

If I were you I would look into the RNY or VSG.  Both can be converted to a DS later in your life if necessary.  Read, read, and read some more...

I had Lap Band almost two years ago. To date, I have lost 184 pounds. I was also considering the RNY and the two biggest factors for me were the recovery period and the mortality rate. I was back to work in less than two weeks.

Why would you not consider the duodenal switch at your BMI? IMHO Lap Band is a poor choice at 400 pounds