Lap Band or By Pass?

I am new here on the board.  I have my first appointment with Dr. Choban next Tues. I have been to the orientation meeting at Mt. Carmel West and I have paid the $300 administration fee.  I have my list of tests that need to be ran but have haven't had any ran yet because I need referrals from Dr. Choban's office for Tricare.  Tricare can be  very  picky about referrals.  

My question is:  I still haven't decided which procedure would be best for me.  How did you all decide?  I can see the pros and cons to both.  Did any of you let the doctor decide for you?  Any input would be appreciated.

This was a decision that took a few years for me. I considered RNY then chose lap band because I personally felt more comfortable with it. My reasons for having lap band are probably all the ones you have read in doing your research. Nothing against RNY, I have a friend and niece who both have had that surgery and they have done great. My PCP supported me on either - he was just happy that I chose to have surgery. He's seen me battle my weight since I was 12. The surgeon didn't try to make my decision for me but that could be because he does mostly lap band. Either one is a major committment - you still have to watch what you eat and exercise.

If you want to see what my Lap Band journey has been like, feel free to read my blog.

Good luck with which ever surgery you decide to have!

 i personally chose the gastric bypass over the lap band because it is forever and there is not a ton of maintenance like the lap band plus my insurance didn't cover all the adjustments or the removal of the lap band if something went wrong, but also i choose the bypass because it was right for me and fit my lifestyle, you have to do what is right for you research both i cant emphasize that enough do a TON of research and decide what is best for you dont let anyone else make that descision for you

Kay

I was totally intent on getting the lapband, went to the seminar and couldn't figure out why anyone would do anything other than the lapband.  Then I severely broke my ankle and ended up in a hospital bed at home for 6 weeks.  During that time I did lots of thinking and researching and started leaning toward the RNY.  I decided that alot of people are not happy with the band and decide to change to the RNY later.  I also wanted something that had a higher success rate.  I wanted to lose my weight for sure now and forever.  I know that nothing is a sure bet but the RNY does have a higher success rate. 
You need to do lots of research, talk to people, talk to your doctor and think hard about it.

good luck with whichever you decide!

I chose the RNY.   I needed the "cheat police" that the RNY provided.   I also like the amount of wt I would lose with the RNY.  -I did not like the price difference between the 2 procedures.  if i was going to spend that much money, i wanted to lose more wt.  My doctor would not decide for me...it is a decision we have to live with every day.

Do more research on both so when you meet with Dr. Choban you will have your questions written down and ready to ask.  She will help you decide which surgery is best for you.   She preformed my daughter's lap band 5/28. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Why do I over eat?
How do I over eat?? Sweets, carbs, slider foods, ICE CREAM, MILK SHAKES??
Do you want to lose faster or slower?
Do you want to have to go for fills all the time??
Look at ALL different types of WLS, RNY , Band, BPDS, Sleeve, and then see which one is right for YOU.

As for me I chose RNY. 
I  didn't want to go all the times for fills to find 'the sweet spot' for a band.
I wanted to LOSE NOW now 1 or 2 pounds a week.
I knew several who had the band then had it removed and the had RNY.
I know not all RNY's dump but I wanted that to keep me 'honest' and at almost 5 years out I do still dump.

Good Luck with your choice,
Robin

Is there any chance you would consider the sleeve?  I was set on the lap band until I went to the sleeve forum.  I haven't met anyone there that wasn't happy with it.  Just a thought.  Good luck with your decision...

I haven't had my surgery yet but I have chosen RNY.  My reasoning is because I like all kinds of food, nothing particular.  I prefer meat/potatoes over sweets.  Anway, the problem for me with the band is you still have the stomach available if you get past the band.  For example, I loooooooove mashed potatoes.  Something easily slid past the band into my big leftover stomach.  Because I like all kinds of foods, I felt I could easily "cheat".  The RNY gives me less control over cheating.  If I overeat, I throw up.  That's the sad truth of it.  I understand that I can only control my eating knowing I will 1..Throw up or 2..Dump.  I think you have to look into yourself for the answer and after researching both, choose what is best for your past behavior.  Good luck!

Thank you all so much for your replies.  You have all really helped me.  I  will be coming up with a list of questions and making my decision on Tuesday when I meet with my doctor.  I am so glad I found this message board.

Thank you all again.