Question:
Anyone have opinion on the new trial Adjustable Lap Band? What about it vs. Lap RnY ?

The New Adjustable Lap-Band vs. The Lap RnY: HELP! I desperately need advice soon. I was approved & scheduled for a LapRnY this wees, but got dropped from the schedule due to an error. Now I have two choices: I have a chance to get the new adjustable lap band surgery with a quicker recovery time & less complications. Other the other hand ADJ. Lap-Bands have slower weight loss and lower weight loss overall (about 50% of excess weight or so. The pros are it's completely adjustable (can be loosened if I later marry & want children) and it's fully removable or can be tightened if I don't lose enough. But the restrictions on food and drink are not as severe as on the RnY. Or I can have my original RnY with the faster, more permanent loss but on the other hand I am risking more complications down the road. Help! I've given it much thought but can not decide. I have to make a decision quickly. Anyone out there had the Lap Band? Or anyone that considered it but chose something else? Please share whatever you know or what you think about it. Hurry, please!    — S. S. (posted on March 29, 2001)

March 31, 2001
Hey SS i know exactly how you feel. I too am torn between the two. My surgeon Dr rubienstein has done about 55 of these lap bands and has about 25 more to do(sorry all taken)as of today 3/31 i am chosing the lap band. I spoke with a lady in my support group who just had one two weeks before and was at the meeting .My other friend who had open rny(only kind my surgeon does)still hasn't been at a meeting and it's been about 5 wks. My surgeon's np told me that because of my small size (under 300 lbs) and the dedication i have to weight loss programs (ie weight watchers,jenny craig) that I'm a good candidate for lap band. Our support group has alot of people in it that have either or one orthe other.So I think SS it's important that you think of this as a tool for weight loss. and how dedecated YOU are any way.good luck if you need email me and we will talk about it
   — L. A.

May 6, 2003
I know several people who have reach their goal weight with the band. The statistics the Dr.'s quote is very flawed due to poor fills, etc. If I were you I would talk to some people that have had it and check long term. In fact they say now that after 3 years the Lap-Band and the RNY are the same. You can lose weight for a long time with the band where you have a window of opportunity with the RNY. But goodluck to you with whatever you choose. You will make the right decision.
   — Melissa D.

May 6, 2003
See my profile, I went thru the same thing. My surgeon says if your a higher BMI or like high calorie liquids as a pre op your bnetter off with the rNY. His loss rate for band is about 50%. I choose the RNY and am VERY happy.
   — bob-haller