Question:
lapband rny? which is worth going under anesthesia for success?

Is the lapband really a setup for slipage? I am so confused maybe more than ever. Please help me decide. Thank You    — angel4 (posted on February 23, 2007)

February 23, 2007
I've heard pros and cons to both. Personally, I went with RNY...in fact I am 8 days post-op. I decided RNY for a variety of reasons: 1. success rate - long term. 2. immediate results. 3. lifestyle changes. 4. in my opinion a better "tool" to use. 5. I've seen/met several people who had lapband and then had a revision to RNY as the lapband was not working for them. 6. My surgeon is world recognized. 7. My insurance would pay for it. 8. have had 3 friends who have had the RNY with the same surgeon and all swear by him and the procedure. It's a personal decision and only know what's best for you. Hope my comments helped. Best of luck!
   — jammerz

February 23, 2007
HI, I agree with the first poster to your question, there are pros and cons to both. I personally went with the Open RNY, and am about 16 months out, I have lost 133 pounds (check out my pics in my profile..) it is so amazing. I feel great and have had no complications, just alot of lifestyle changes, which I really needed anyways. Good luck to you on your decision!!! April
   — April

February 23, 2007
Hi, I had my lap band surgery on Oct. 6, 2006. I love it. I have had no problems. My surgery was very easy done on a Friday in at 10:30am and I was back at my hotel by 3pm. I was flying home on the Sunday. Also my weight is comming off very fast, at least I think so. I have lost just over 80lbs. I couldn't be happier. As for slipage, you have to take care of yourself and follow the guidline as with any of the surgeries. I haven't had one nor do I anticipate ever having one. However, if I was to have complications I have a great surgeon who has said he would take excellent care of me. As for permanent weight loss, that is why I had this surgery. I feel great, eat almost anything only in smaller amounts. Drink lots of water and make sure I get my protien in. I am not sick as I listen to my body and don't over do it. I did the lap band because it was the safest for me. It is reversable should I ever want it gone, that was another reason I went with it, but I will never have it removed. I have no regrets only that i hadn't had it done 20 years ago. Good luck to you with what ever WLS you decide to go with.
   — Bee

February 23, 2007
There are pros & cons to both procerdures.....As far as slipage my surgeon 'staples' the band in place to help prevent slippage. Ofcourse it can still happen, but a lot less likely. I have heard that people who have rny have more long term problems. I also know of atleast one person who has gained all the weight back from rny. I got the lap band in december and have lost 20 lbs -which isn't a whole lot of weight, but I would rather do it slowly. I am happy with my decision. This board is a wonderful source of support! Hope this helps!
   — suzyins.d.

February 23, 2007
Constance, things happen with any type of wls surgery, it doesn't mean it will, but the risk is there. There can be imbedding of the band, and also slippage, but most people who insert the band also sew the stomach around the outside of the band to secure it. The problem with that is possible imbedding of the device or if your body decides to reject the device it can cause infection or problems. I spoke with one woman who wanted to convert to RNY after a lap band and could not because there was too much damage to her stomach. It does happen, but it doesn't mean it will happen. I find that people who do bands sell that program and surgeons who do rny sell that program. My surgeon did both types of surgery well and had a good perspective on both. Neither is risk free. I choose rny and was glad I did. Keep researching and don't move forward without being sure what you are willing to risk and have the support to follow through. Take care. Patricia P
   — Patricia P

February 24, 2007
The band is more easily reversible than roux-en-y (RNY). Also the lap band can be relaxed (opened up) if you want, when ypu get into those periods of wanting to eat more for the holidays or some such occasion. These are some of the reasons I opted for RNY. I didn't want to leave the "back door" unlocked and open, allowing me to cheat or just say goodbye to the whole thing if I got weak somewhere down the road. (And we ALL have our weak moments -- that's how we got to be obese to begin with!) I decided that if I was going to commit myself, body and soul, to better health it would have to be RNY. I'm over seven months past surgery, and I have had some complications along the way that required me to be hospitalized twice. I'm still glad that I went with RNY instead of lap band.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 24, 2007
This is my 2nd posting in answer to your question. Here is a recent posting from someone who is not happy with her lap band. I think it says it all. ****Posted Date: February 22, 2007 - 5:49 AM PST Posted By: Lauren Clardy Subject: Relflux and band was emptied. New member but had my band done 5 years ago, I had .7 in and was gaining weight went in for a fill..He filled me too much and I had relux and night time psuedo acalagia, ie throwing up. now he took everyhting out and wont put back in for a couple of months. I am already back up to 190!**** Lap band, in my humble opinion, should be called lap "band aid".
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 26, 2007
I did Lap RYN on 1-16-07. So far I have lost 42lbs. I decided to do this surgery because I love to eat sweet foods. This surgery keeps you from eating this kind of foods. The lap band does not. Also RYN helps you lose weight faster. What help me to make my descision is doing alot of research, talking with my doctor and this website. This website has help me alot. Take care and I wish you best of luck.
   — barfiep01