cant decide RNY or LAP!

so ive done the research, i have.. ALOT!!! u know the drill...I was all about the band, but I continue to see the dramatic success of RNY, and I am so ready to make a commitment to a change in my life that I want to make the right choice. What are your thoughts on how you made your choice, etc?

Well, my decision was both personal and because of my insurance... First, my insurance doesn't cover lapband...but, they do cover RNY. Second, I am in the fire department as a paramedic and plan on becoming a firefighter and I was concerned about displacing the port for the lapband during training or on calls.

Something that I was lacking in life before my surgery was self control. I needed the controlled diet that the RNY gives you (ie...dumping on certain foods). If I would be capable of eating the same crappy foods, just less of them with the band, then I would have, and that is not something that I wanted for my life.

At first I was all about the band, then I was all about the RNY, now I am all about the DS. My insurance covers all three. I have researched this stuff inside and out. I know all the benefits and the risks associated with all three of these surgeries. For me, nothing felt quite right until I found out about the switch. When I read up on it, I figured out that it was the one for me. Each of us are different though and each of us has their own desired results from the surgery. Have you been to any support group meetings? That was an invaluable resorce for me. I listend and talked to people who have had all three different surgeries and listened to all the pro's and con's. Ultimatly, I know myself better than anybody else does. When I heard the people talking about what they went through (and each has it's own CONS don't be fooled otherwise) I figured out which of the Con's I would be most happy dealing with for the rest of my life. I knew that dumping was not for me and that I would push the boundries. I heard people talking about dumping and still eating ice cream ANYWAY despite the pain. I knew for me that the band (although a great concept) could not do ENOUGH to get me to where I outta be. So that is how I made my decision. My best advice talk to PEOPLE, listen, lurk on the message boards for the different surgeries. That is really your best bet to find your best option. GOOD LUCK!!! Krista

i personally wasn't interested in the temporary nature of the lap band. i mean, it only works when it's tight and in there good, so why not make it permanent with RYN? but the deciding factor for me was the number of revisions that people get from the lap band to RNY. also, my surgeon said pretty soon the lap band isn't gonna be an option much anymore as the RNY is the "gold standard" for WLS and has the best sucess rate stats for five years out. for some body types though, DS is the better option due to the increased malabsorption rates. really, your doctor will be a great source to determine the best procedure for you. the most important thing is to realize this is a TOOL that you can use and sucess is determined on active changes you make in your life by eating less, exercising more and making healthier eating decisions. IMO, determining what kind of surgery to have is easy, all the life changes after is the hard part.