lap band or bypass?

How do the doctors decide which is best for you? I'm learning about both and to my understanding, it looks like the lap band is way easier on your body...but it takes longer to lose weight. Am I understanding this right? I have a very high bmi, over 60, would lap band be something I should consider? thanks!

Hi Bobbie. I am in the same place you are and funny, I was going to post tonight to ask the same question. Glad I'm not alone here. I'll let you know if I find out anything different. Have a good night. Danelle

My opinion would be that a lap band would not be my recommendation due to your BMI. You can probably find a surgeon who will do a band on you, but that doesn't mean it's the best operation for you. If you were my patient I'd recommend a laparoscopic RNY. Your weight loss results will be much better. Good luck, Dr. C The Deaconess Surgical Weight Loss Center Cincinnati, Ohio (513) 559-2545

You may also want to thing about Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD)/Duodenal switch. From what I have heard and learned this is a very good way to go for those with very high BMI's. Here's a link to learn more about it, just put the www in front. newlifesurgery.org/overview.html I had RNY with Dr.Hadley but they also do BPDS. I know there BPDS message boards here at OH. Good Luck with what ever WLS you have. Robin W

Bobbie - This is a tough decision for everyone. After researching all the options, I just knew that banding was perfect for me. When my friend at work finished researching, she just knew bypass was perfect for her! It's funny how everyone is different and has different priorities. I chose banding because it is so less invasive and had a much faster recovery time. I have two little girls and didn't want to chance not being there for them or having to constantly go into the hospital to have things corrected. I know this is not a frequent occurrance, but it does happen. My friend's bypass went perfectly and she is doing great, but I still wouldn't change my decision. I did have 100 pounds to loose and was willing to take that as a slightly slower journey to be able to still enjoy the foods I liked before-hand. I do not mean junk foods, but you just seem to have less food reactions (meat, veggies, salad, etc) with banding unless you are filled really tight. If you haven't already done so, go over to the Lap Band Forum Message Board and read over some posts. When you see people who have been banded for a while, read over their profiles. There are some awesome stories and wls successes. There are quite a few people who started out with a high BMI and are very happy with their decision and loss. Best of luck to you in your research and wls journey! Pam

Thank you all for the help. Dr. Curry, I think you seem very smart and I think I will be scheduling a consultation very soon. Danelle, if you find out anything that will help us...let me know, too! Thanks to you other 2 also for the information.

Bobbie, I think that RNY is definately a better choice for you with your higher BMI and good girl for listening to the MD's on this one. It is a personal decision, but they honestly have your best interest at heart. If I am not mistaken, I believe that they are trying to not do the duodenal switches as much as they are the RNY...correct me if I am wrong Dr. Curry. Your doc (whomever you choose) will help to guide you with your decision. Basically they will lay the facts out and go from there. I wish you the best with whatever you choose. Please continue to post here and let us know how things are going. We will support you no matter what your choice! Hugs, Valerie

Hi Bobbie, Not to discourage you from doing what you feel is right, but...I've talked to a few people who have had the lap band and they did not seem happy at all. If it's a "plumbing being disturbed" issue that you are concerned about then I guess the lap band is the way to go. But a friend of mine had the lap band done and she averaged about 5 pounds a month of weight loss and that's with going back and forth getting her band filled every 3-4 weeks. If you think about it you could probably lose 5 pound a month on your own. But most of us get discouraged by busting our bottoms to lose weight and only losing 5 pounds a month. Personally, I need something that's going to remind me (dumping) that I can't have certain things(sugars & starches) at least until I learn how to eat to live instead of always living to eat. Hope that helps and good luck in whatever you deceide. Best Wishes Temeka