Question:
Has anyone had the lap band? Are you happy or suggest the RYN???

   — vanessa21 (posted on December 22, 2006)

December 22, 2006
I have had lap band. The reason a doctor will advice you on what type of surgery is right for you is how much you weight and if you have other life threating medical issues. I weighted 225 and had high blood pressure and arthritis so my issues were not that serious. I have heard of others who have weighted 280 and had lap band. Your doctor actually makes the decision of what surgery you qualify for. Good luck.
   — janddhager

December 22, 2006
It is really going to depend on several things. One of which will be your insurance, what you are looking for in reference to your weight loss goals. For example I had the LapBand for the following reasons; I did not want to have my stomach cut. I wanted to lose the weight slower, so that I could continue to exercise, and hopefully avoid plastic surgery. I am still in child bearing years, and may want to have another child someday. Lastly I was a self pay and a difference of 10,000 is a major factor. Now, my father just had the surgery, and he wanted the LapBand, but his insurance would only cover the RNY. I have seen 1st hand the effects of the RNY as both my mom is 2 year out and my brother is 16 months out with the RNY, and now my dad is now 2 weeks out. All having had the RYN, they all had it done because of insurance coverage. The only one of them with any real medical issues was my dad; he has High BP, Diabetic, and Sleep apnea. Not to mention the other medical issues like the joint pain, he has already had one knee replaced. Now, with our doctor he allow use to choose the type of surgery and then work with our choices, if they needed to be changed, such as my dads. I am very please with my personal choice, however when I see their weight loss of my family, I am a little jealous, but, I know in time I will loose the weight. Good Luck with your journey!
   — Marie B.

December 22, 2006
both surgeries can be very effective, but you need to research them and decide what will be the best for you. there are alot of differences and the doctor will let you know which one he suggests. like the others have said it also depends on your insurance as to which one they will cover. i'm planning on having gbs in the spring and the reason i chose gbs over the lap band is because i dont like the idea of having a port implanted on my side for the rest of my life, also from what i understand the weight loss is much better with the gbs. there are also alot of people that end up having gbs after having the lap band and i figure why not just do it first. hope this helps
   — RNlvnCARSON

December 23, 2006
Aloha Holly! I weighed 316 and had diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and arthritis. I had the lap band on 9-5-06 and have lost 52 pounds so far. I am ecstatic with the lap band, and have no complaints or regrets. I no longer take diabetes meds or hypertension meds. As for which is better... that's up to you. My doctor explained all about each procedure and left the decision up to me. Being a nurse, I didn't want the malabsorption aspect of the RNY. Im very happy with my decision to do the lap band. Im happy to be able to share my experience with you.
   — gtali1954

December 23, 2006
My doctor and I decided that RNY was right for me because of my medical problems and it was no guarantee that my diabetes would clear up long term with lapband. Also, I am a bit of a "cheater" and the lapband was not restrictive enough for me. Also, I didn't want a port on my body and going for fills periodically. However, this said, my doctor has many successful patients losing nicely with lapband. This is the least radical of all weight loss surgery. My advice, do lots of research and discuss your sitatuion with several doctors to see what they suggest. Good luck.
   — Sheri A.

December 25, 2006
Vanessa, I am 3 weeks post op from having a Lap Band and I love it! I have to force myself to eat and I've never been that way in my life. I've lost 25 lbs. so far. It has changed my life so drastically for the better and I'm so glad I had it done. You have to follow the diet and exercise plan strictly. (especially the diet). It hasn't been too hard during the holidays. I don't miss sweets and carbonated beverages (and I used to be a junkie of both) like I thought I would. The only real problem I'm having is constipation. They said it's normal because you're not eating as much food. Therefore, you're not having as many bowel movements. Thank God for laxatives but I don't want to become laxative dependent. I take one only when I feel horrible. Hope that helps! Mary
   — mec566