Question:
What type of surgery is best for bmi of 40-45

   — Anne-Marie R. (posted on February 2, 2003)

February 2, 2003
I can't say what is the best, since I only had one, but I had LAP RNY and am very happy. My BMI was 42, I'm 5'2" and was 250lbs. 8 months later I am 147lbs. with a BMI of about 27 (almost "normal") and very happy. I do know that you lose weight much faster with RNY or VGB, as opposed to lap-band. Lap-band also has a much lower success rate, something like 50% people are successful, where as with RNY 90% are. Goodluck to you, I know it's a tough decision!
   — Lezlie Y.

February 2, 2003
Sorry, i meant I think you lose more weight and faster with RNY and DS, as opposed to lap-band! oops :)
   — Lezlie Y.

February 2, 2003
I had a BMI of 40 and wanted the DS. My surgeon refused it because he said that surgery is more for "super" obese people. I ended up getting the RNY and am happy with the success so far (2 1/2 mos. - 40lbs). I stayed away from the lap band because of the long term success rate.
   — jengrz

February 3, 2003
My doctor said the same thing about the DS. My BMI is around 40 and I am having a Lap RNY in 2 weeks. He said he saves the DS for extremely morbidly obese patients. I am hoping to lose around 110 to 115 pounds.
   — Fixnmyself

February 3, 2003
I think this is something that only you and your surgeon can decide. I had a BMI of 40 and an open BPD/DS on 4-11-01. I weighed 278 lbs at the time. I absolutely love my DS. Now, in all fairness I was to have the RNY BUT FOR ME(*note for me) it was potentially life threatening due to a prior surgery. My surgeon would only do DS. I can't imagine life with a RNY. Not that anything's wrong with it but with MY schedule and MY lifestyle this is what works. Yes, many surgeons do DS on super morbidly obese but if you research it and decide it's right for you than you need to discuss this with your surgeon and why. The DS might be the right thing for you and you shouldn't have to settle. However, you need to speak with the surgeon and find his/her opinion and why.
   — Linda M.

February 3, 2003
I chose the lap RNY and have been very happy with it. I didn't research the DS beforehand, but feel confident that I would have still chosen the RNY simply because I did not have that much to lose and with my proximal RNY the loss was mostly due to restriction of intake, not malabsorption. If I'd been bigger, I might have considered a surgery with more malabsorption (DS or distal RNY) but I felt that it wasn't worth the risks later on for the amount I had to lose. If you do go with a proximal RNY you do need to take advantage of the honeymoon period because the pouch capacity increases with time and you can't count on the malabsorption to keep losing weight. I lost all my weight in 10 1/2 months. If I wanted to get any smaller now I'd have to diet. BUT I am happy the size I am! (230 lbs/22W/2-3X to 130 lbs/6P/Small) :)<p>Also, make sure that whatever surgery you choose, your dr is well experienced and comfortable with it. Much of the success rate is tied to the experience level of the surgeon. Good luck!
   — ctyst