Question:
which surgery to have?

I have finished my 6 months and the coordinator asked me which surgery I wanted. I frooze. First I thought band (less drastic) then my research suggested the more sucessful is GBS. I was hung ho two months ago and now that the time is here my fear is preventing me from making any decisions.    — karen D. (posted on June 18, 2009)

June 18, 2009
I have actually had both surgeries- LapBand and Gastric Bypass. The Lap Band for me personally was miserable, I could never get a fill that my body was comfortable with- either I was always throwing up or able to eat anything with no restriction. I actually gained almost 40 lbs on top of the weight I started at when I had the Lap Band. I had Gastric Bypass about 3 months ago- and while the weight is coming off slowly, at least it's coming off, I eat significantly less all the time, and I feel sick if I have too much sugar so it helps me to avoid those foods. My recomendation is the bypass- but only you know what is truly best for you! Good luck!
   — jtaormina

June 18, 2009
When I saw my surgeon first in Jan. I was leaning toward having the band but he pretty much talked me out of it then and there. After doing alot of research I see there is much more of a success rate with the RNY. I I have my surgery in less than 3 weeks now and I am getting so excited. Can't wait to be on the losers side. Good luch in whichever you chosse. I suggest you do your own research plus get the advice from your doctor.
   — demolady1956

June 18, 2009
If you click on my profile, I have posted in my photos a comparison chart for all of the surgeries. I am sorry for how it blurry, but you also might have to enlarge it after you print it. I want to share this information with everyone. If you go to www.lapsf.com click on all the links on the left side you will find one that has surgery info that is where I got this information. They did my RNY and did a great job, no problems even after 3.5 yrs and 90 lbs off and stayed off. If you can't see the info page good enough, please email me at the OH site and I will copy and paste it to your OH site.
   — Kristy

June 18, 2009
Go for the GBS. My sister and I both had ours by Dr. Alvarez (who has performed over 970) on 5/26. She was back to work on postop day 5. She has lost 38 pounds and I have lost 30.5 pounds the last time I weighed. (and it's only 24 days postop!) Felt great, still feel great. I researched extensively and came to the conclusion that the vertical banded sleeve gastrectomy is the ONLY way to go.
   — sgusty53

June 18, 2009
I felt like my metabolism was messed up from so many years of yo-yo dieting and the malabsorbtion feature would benefit me. I was 240 at my top weight 224 at surgery, and now at 16 months out 116. I vote RNY! And I would do it again. But you and your Doc have to decide which is best for you. Good luck!
   — lesleigh07

June 18, 2009
Wow! I have the same question and I am so glad to see there are so many people on here that are pro gastric bypass. That is my surgery of choice but so many people I know (all who have never had or will never need this surgery)tell me I should do the lapband. My research led me to the gastrci by pass nad so did my surgery. I am currently in month four of my six month diet and a little confused but there is some great information here.!
   — texasred

June 19, 2009
I had at first wanted the band because I agree it is less drastic. When i went to talk to my doector they told me about the VSG Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. It is more successful than the band an it is less drastic than the GBS or even the band in some ways. It is also considered as the first stage of GBS so you can easily follow up with that if you feel you are not successful enough. With VSG they just remove the large portion of your stomach so you have a small bannana sized stomach. The portion they take out has the hunger hormones in it so it really helps you feel less hungry but they do not reroute anything so you don't have the complications of GBS. It is definitely worth checking into. I don't want to confuse you by adding another choice but this has been a great choice for me. I have lost 55 lbs in under 3 months. My doctor does suggest exercise for maximum weight loss. I'm doing ok but I need to up my exercise and fully intend to to get better results. I hope you find what will work best for you.
   — Lisa von Wallmenich

June 19, 2009
For me, I would go with either RNY or VSG. I think the band woudl be good if I only needed to lose 40 lbs!! I am in the process of appealing VSG because most insurance do not cover that, so if I am denied VSG again I am going to go with RNY which was my first choice. By the way my surgeon introduced me to VSG and OH gave me a little be more info on it. To me, the band would be like going to Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers so why bother, but that's just me!
   — Papoose79