Question:
Riding the fence here. How do you decide which bariatric procedure is best 4 u?
I expect to have surgery (either lapband or gastric bypass) in Feb or March. There are pros and cons for both procedures. I'm 45 & need to lose about 120 lbs. Want to do what is best for me... just don't know which that is! Guess I don't want another failure (like all my previous dieting attempts). Thx! — Redlocks (posted on December 7, 2007)
December 7, 2007
I was approved for both by my ins. I ended up choosing RNY b/c I didn't
want to keep going back for fills and I have a sweet-tooth not good for
lapband. Plus I figured some day there would be another surgery for the
band since I'm sure it can't stay inside you for life? At least I don't
think! People here are really loyal to their choices......you'll have to
do the same!
— Pam S.
December 7, 2007
I was the same way when I was thinking of getting mine done I was gonna go
with the lapband b/c it was not as dangerous operation but my ins would not
pay for the lap so I went with the bypass and so glad I did b/c finding out
that with the laplots of food do not bother you like it does most ppl who
have the bypass b/c now i I eat something with to much sugar or fat in it I
dump on it so I know my limits but I also know some ppl with the bypass and
sugar does not bother them b/c one man I know and wehad a icecream party
thing at church ppl made home made and he ate 4 bowls full he is also
dieabetic so I do know know how he did it but I find my self lucky that
that to much of that stuff makes me dump it is a hard choice to make what
operation to have best of luck to you
Huggs Beth
— Beth67Mathis
December 7, 2007
With that kind of weight loss that you want to achieve and professed
"failiure" throughout the years, I doubt the lap would satisfy
you. It is NOT permanent and requires maintenance, etc... I chose a
gastric bypass procedure, the BPD/DS was my choice and luckily my insurance
covered it. Some do not. Everyone needs to do their research about the
vast differences of the procedures and the most common "side
effects" (such as "dumping" with RNY, etc) and issues you
will deal with as a post op and decide what they can and can't handle and
what "weight loss tool" will fit their lifestyle best and afford
them the quality of life and expected long term results they want as a post
op. There are plenty of resources here to research and ask questions of
your peers as to the WLs they chose and why and how successful they have
been and satisfied with their choice. It IS your body and you are altering
it forever. Just make sure you know how and why and can then work with
what you will have. You need to be honest with yourself too about HOW you
eat, WHY, etc... LOL!! WLS is a tool, first and foremost. Research and
learn some more here and Good Luck on this Empowering Journey!
— ChristiMNB
December 7, 2007
I think you need to really research. I first went to a wtl seminar at a
hospital that only did RYN. They talked down the lap. Said it took
maintance, etc. Then I discovered this site. say that there more wtl .
centers close and so went to their seminar. Talked to a dr. where the did
both. Oh my gosh, I am so glad I did. I was so ready to get it done,
take away all my choices on sugars, etc. Loose fast. Just wanted it now
now now.
My Dr. said, when having less to loose, no real immediate health issues,
the lap is a good choice. However it was totally up to me. I read and
read. Each person will believe in what they did as the correct decision
for them That is the way it should.
I just know that my decision for lap band was right for me. Yes, i have a
real desire for sweets, etc. The idea that the band will help me with
smaller portions, but I still have choices. I know, I know ! I could eat
and eat, possible but, boy was I so glad I didn't do the RYN. I felt
scared with even what I had done but am now realizing that my life isn't
full of all the issues RYN 's deal with. So I am glad that I don't have to
do. It is strange how I felt different after surgery than before and the
need to just get it off right now. Probably the wrong time to make
decisions.
REad read read on both lap and RYN forums. They are great. You will find
what is best for you. It has to be to work. good luck in your decision.
— mjt
December 7, 2007
Because the three main weight loss methods (RNY, Lap-band and the DS) all
have different risks and benefits, you need to evaluate what your eating
behaviors are and then see which method will best help you deal with those
problem areas. The volume eater will do well with the band, but the grazer
who has a real problem with sugar will probably due best with RNY. Of
course, the DS offers the best long-term results for sustainable weight
loss but does have maintenance issues (like all the methods) that can be a
problem for some.
So, the bottom line is to evaluate the path you took to your obesity issue,
consider your ability to stick with the maintenance components of your
surgical method and think about what hinderances are provided to keep you
from cheating.
— SteveColarossi
December 7, 2007
RNY would be better. Lapbands have a higher degree of failure, and many of
those patients end up getting the RNY as a final route to permanent weight
loss. I've lost about 140 pounds in 1 1/2 years and that's in the same
"ball park" amount that you're looking for. I a guy who is 6'
3" tall, and used to weigh 340-345. I'm now down to 205.
— Dave Chambers
December 7, 2007
i just had to go through all this as well;.i was all prepared and had
researched the lap-band. after meeting with my doc, he suggested the
r.n.y(gastric bypass) because of my diabetes and other health issues. My
surgeon told me that the band is ideal for someone who is female,only
around 100# to loose, and truly commited to working hard at the weight
loss. everyone is usually happy with their choice. just do the research and
go to suooort groups for both and then make your decision. good luck!!!
— JACKIESMOM
December 7, 2007
Lap band can be very good, it is for me. I don't regret my decision at
all. It is permanent! There should be follow up with all WLS. You
have to check out all the boards, ask questions, read a lot of profiles.
Figure out just what you can live with and without. All WLS take
commitment and great life changes on your part. Good luck with whichever
surgery you choose.
— Bee
December 8, 2007
Since you are asking for my personal opinion.....I chose RNY because it
seemed to me that you get it done, its done, no fills no learning how to
empty it and eat all you want......all the things lapbanders do to get
around it. If i could do that i might, dunno. I'm glad I had
RNY.....its not easy, its a challenge to progress, but it is a helpful tool
to get my health and my life back. Good luck in your decision!
Happy Holidays. KR
— Kathy-R
December 8, 2007
If your type 2 diabetic or at risk for diabetes the intestinal bypass part
of the RNY tends to fix that. its being looked at for non MOs as a
treatment for type 2 diabetes. I picked RNY because I LOVED sweet stuff
like milkshakes I would of been a band failure..... best wishes on whatever
you decide
— bob-haller
December 8, 2007
Great job on doing the research of what will work best for you! My husband
had the Lap Band put in 11 days ago and he has lost 20 lbs so far. He chose
the Lap-Band because it is adjustable. In the future, if he hits a plato or
starts gaining weight, they can always adjust it. I also am having the same
surgery this Saturday. My Mom-In-Law had the RNY in April and is eating
regular meals now and also enjoys carbonated drinks, (she has about another
100lbs to lose), we don't want that, we like the restriction of that band.
Another friend of my named Linda had the RNY around the same time and she
already hit her goal, she looks amazing. She is also very strict on her
diet. If you want, there is always a way to ruin either of these surgeries,
you just have to commit yourself to a life long change with tons of
benefits :o) Good Luck!
— MySonsMama
December 8, 2007
I'm sad to see that no one mentioned the VSG, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.
I had it 6 weeks ago. I did alot of research. I had to pay for it myself.
My insurance would only cover the RNY and the lap band. I came out of
retirement for a year to earn the money to cover my surgery. There are
sooo many reasons why I think it is the best way to go, but I don't know of
any insurance that it covering it at this time. If you want more info just
contact me. Good luck, Pat
— pjennjr
December 8, 2007
Hello Ann,
Wasn't a hard choice for me. It all boils down to is what is acceptable
for you. You are ready to make a change and now it's time to make a
choice. I'm like others I didn't want to do the lapband because you always
had to go for fills. So I did the bypass -- I've lost almost 100 pounds.
The bypass works for me and I'm loving it.
— the7thdean
December 8, 2007
I chose lapband first because it is so much less invasive and the fatality
rate was around 1 in 200,000 instead of 1 in 200 as the RNY was. However,
after doing more research I realized that it wouldn't work as well for me
because #1, I need to lose about 200-220 pounds and with the lapband stats,
I would probably end up only losing half of that and have to do the rest on
my own. #2 is because I had to be honest with myself and when I found out
that it would be a lot easier with the lapband to cheat and drink sodas and
things like that, I knew I couldn't do it - I do not have the willpower for
that. So I finally decided after much deliberation that if I'm going to put
my body through a major surgery, it better be for GOOD and it better be the
one that will work for me the best. Which was the RNY. So that is what I
had on 11/26 and so far, everything is going great. You just have to decide
if you will be able to have the discipline and willpower that it requires.
With 120 pounds to lose, it would probably work great for you but it would
come back to the will-power issues since there is so much more allowances
for cheating. Good luck!!!
— itzmetami
December 9, 2007
Be sure you do your own independent research and do not rely on one site
only for your information, because if that site is Obesityhelp Q&A, it
will surely be misinformation. :)
1. The average patient cannot unfill the Lapband to eat more.
2. No WLS patient can drink milkshakes regularly and expect to reach their
goal.
My purpose here is not to start a flame war; it is to hopefully start to
put some of these myths to rest. To get people thinking before they parrot
old legends and outdated information, when newbies are here seeking the
latest information to make the most informed choices.
Loyalty to your surgery is all well and good, but PLEASE, people. I am
BEGGING here. PLEASE, only speak on the surgery you had. Cheer as hard as
you can for the RNY if you love it, and leave the Band information to Band
patients. I promise to do the same for you.
— Jeanie
December 9, 2007
Jeanie I will respectfully point out I was getting the band till a new
bander out one week talked to me on the phone and said a life changing
thing.... sure I would of rather had a whopper today me and my mom go to
burger king every sunday after church but being only a week out I had a
milkshake.
— bob-haller
December 10, 2007
Bob, also with respect (and you know I do respect you) .. as an attorney
would say, coming from that Band patient, that's testimony. Coming from
you, it's hearsay. ;)
— Jeanie
December 10, 2007
I would also consider the duodenal switch weight loss surgery procedure.
Please check it out and decide which one is best for you. Go to the DS
forum here on OH or check out duodenal switch.com. You owe it to yourself
to check out all 3 before you make final decision. My best to you.
— KRWaters
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