Question:
Gastric Lap Band VS. Gastric Bypass?

After about 3 years of research, I have decided that WLS is the right thing for me but I am having difficulty making the decision concerning which type will be best for me. If Anyone can give me a little insight, I would be greatful. I know that the band is less invasive which will leave fewer scars but you also have to go to the doctor alot more often to maintain the band, fills, ect.    — melaniejean81 (posted on November 3, 2008)

November 3, 2008
Hi Melanie, I had WLS on sept 6, 2006. I have lost 120 lbs and am at goal weight now. I started out at 286. I was originally going to go with the the lapband. However, I had several co-morbidities. Diabetes 2, sleep apnea, high bp, high cholesterol. Taking about 9 meds. My doctor convinced me that the RNY would be more appropriate for me. He said I would be off my meds in 3 weeks as opposed to possibly 6 mos on lapband. I conceded and got the RNY. At the same time my friend went for the lapband. she had hers 1 month before me and to date she has lost only 75 lbs. She works hard at it. she does go get her fills and she has had far more problems than I. She says she wish that she had gotten the RNY, now. Everyone is different. for the record, gastric bypass done laproscopically is the same procedure as the lapband, only an hour or so longer to do. that was the selling point for me aside from the obvious. the same scars for both procedures!. however, right now, you cant even tell where they did the procedure on me. I wish you luck on whatever you decide. It is a fact that both procedures work if you use the tool in the manner it is intended. Deb
   — dessary316

November 3, 2008
I had to make the same choice ... had gastric bypass March 2008. Have lost 130 lbs so far. I have several people that I know that have the lap band ... some are 4 years out. ALL have problems with it ... most vomit everyday ... can't hardly eat meats ... but still want to eat everything. For me, the gastric bypass not only limits the amount I can eat, but it also has changed the way I think about food. Nothing sounds good ... most foods seems "too heavy" or "too sweet". So for me, I eat pretty much what I want ... if I want a cookie ... I eat a cookie and after a bite or two I am done ... just too sweet. The changes to my body have changed the way my body wants food. I never deal with "dumping" ... thank God! Now more than before the surgery, I am so glad I chose the bypass over the lap band. It is a little more dangerous at first, but am so loving the results. I would have to say that the only time the "nothing sounds good" part bothers me is when I am wanting something to drink. Since everything seems too sweet ... this is when it really gets to me. Smoothies, cokes and juices are just too sweet for me ... milk it nasty too ... so I pretty much just drink water and tea ... sweet tea ... that is about it. Gets a little old sometimes, but nothing else sounds better ... so that is what I am stuck with. Oh well ... the fact that I have gone from 330lbs to now tittering around 199/200 ... it is all worth it! Good luck as you begin your journey ... you will be so nervous and scared the day of ... be strong and just think about the thinner ... more healthy you that you will become sooner than you will ever believe. Be ready to exercise too ... it will help you get stronger and healthier so much faster.
   — Tammy Cardwell

November 3, 2008
HI Melanie, I also had the same decision to make. I went with the lap band, and had my procedure July 9th, 2008. To date I have lost 74 lbs and I am extremely happy with my decision. I do not have any problems.
   — Kim K.

November 3, 2008
I was going to go with the lap-band, until I went to the informational seminar. I then learned alot about each procedure, and with that education, and help from my surgeon, I was able to choose the one that was best for me. I chose RNY, because of several reasons. I am not saying alot of people haven't been successful with the lap-band, But these are my reasons... The first is I learned, that the amount of weight lost by percentage is statistically a little higher with RNY, than with lap-band. The amount of time weight loss, is kept off is longer. Weight re-gain is less likely. There is no foreign object in my body to have to tweak and adjust. Either procedure done laprascopically, leaves the same scars. I also, liked the malabsorbtion feature of RNY, because after being a "yo-yo" dieter for so many years, I knew my metabolism was really messed up. I am 11 months out and have lost 100 lbs from my highest weight, and 85 lbs, since surgery. I was a "light-weight" with a bmi of 41. I am really happy with my results, I would do it all over again. I have had no problems. I know what I can and cannot eat, by trial and error. My relationship with food has changed forever. If you haven't been to a seminar, I would recommend you do that. They are so good to answer all of your questions. Good luck in whatever route you choose, at taking charge of your health and weight! Lesleigh07
   — lesleigh07

November 3, 2008
I had RNY WLS 2-28-08, lost 172lbs and very happy with this route. The lapband surgery did not seem as restrictive and I am not disciplined enough to be successful without the restrictions that I get with the RNY. (That is why I got as obese as I was before surgery.) I was also told that I would no longer be considered a diabetic which has happened. Your choice may also be influenced with the rate in which you want or need to lose wt. RNY has an initial boom where the lap band is slower but eventually suppose to be as effective. Not all, but most of the lap band pt's that I know have had more problems than I ever have and they have to continually go to the doctor to get the band adjusted. One advantage to the lap band is that it's reversible and the post-op time is much shorter. When you go for a consultation with a surgeon you may ask his opinion. As for scars, even though I was well over 400#'s my surgeon did my RNY by laprascope and I have 5 VERY small scars on my abdomen. So the incision and scarring may depend on the surgeon also. If you live in the Chicagoland area, I would highly recommend Dr. Gerald Cahill who works out of Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park IL. Do what you think is best for YOU and what you can handle. Congrats on your choice to have WLS and only the best of health to you!!!!!
   — AuntPamcakes4six

November 3, 2008
http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/lapband/about/options.htm This is a web site that compares both the surgeries, maybe this will help you. I had lap band, 4-16-08 and I am down 65 pounds and off insulin, back on oral medications. The gastric bypass (if done Laproscopic) has six incisions and the lap band has five if done Lap. The fills are done when you need one, when you are not losing the weight. You have to go to the gastric bypass surgeon a few times also. I was going to have the gastric bypass but my cardiologist said no but yes to lap band and I am very happy I did it, wish I had done it sooner. Good Luck on whichever you choose. Diane
   — dyates2948

November 3, 2008
My only suggestion would be to visit each of the different type surgery forums here on OH and ask as many questions as you can to help you in making your decision. No one can tell you which surgery is best. There are many successful LapBand, RNY, VSG and DS patients and each are happy to share their trials, tribulations and successes with you. For myself, after attending a seminar with my surgeon, I elected the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I'm a little shy of 4 months out and have lost 66 pounds since my consultation 6 weeks prior to surgery, 12 of those were lost pre-op. I could not be more pleased. Good luck - do not let any persuade you into "their" surgery - this IS a very PERSONAL choice that you must make after you do all of your research! Good luck and I wish you great success.
   — JodieBlonde

November 3, 2008
Good job for doing your research! I too vaslilated between band and bypass. Ultimately I chose GBP and don't regret it at all. There was not enough long term data out there on the success of the band, however the long term results of GBP was tried and true. I see band users "cheating" around it all the time and the weight loss is not fast enough or significant enough to satisfy me. In my support group they are very frustrated by this, and many convert to GBP down the road. I have kept my weight (all of it) off for 3 years. The GBP does require that you be an advocate for your own health however. You must be diligent about your calcium, Iron, B12, and multi-vit supplements. Do your reseach and go to some bariatric support groups and listent to the "newbies" to see how they get these supplements and all their protein. Ultimately, I think GBP is the best, most permanent, way to go. GOOD LUCK!!! :) Darlene
   — dadebrito

November 3, 2008
HI! I had bypass surgery back in june and have 5 tiny lil scars. I think you may confusing lapband with laproscopic ..my bypass was done laproscopically and not one large incision. Anyway, deciding between the two is easy if you look at how much weight you have to lose, and if you have any med problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. I know bypass 'gets rid of ' sugar and hbp in many people. I do not know about lapband. I also know that with the lapband you can eat anything, so you must disipline yourself. Bypass does that for you...in a manner of speaking...you cannot eat sugar, many foods won't agree with your new system, etc. I made the right choice for me. I needed to drop 110 lbs and I had high BP. I am currently off all my meds and have lost 64 lbs. I feel good, have tons of energy, workout for an hour and walk for an hour about 5 times a week. I never seem to get out of breath. I don't miss foods anymore. Eating is more of a chore than anything, but I still haven't gotten my appetite back...so when I do, it could be harder. But I have used this time to relearn to eat, to recognize head hunger and learned my body's quirks. I hope you make the right choice for you. This is a person thing..don't let others influence you unless it is your physician. Good luck ! hugs, kim
   — gpcmist

November 3, 2008
Hi, I had the Lap Band done on Aug. 7th of this year. I have had no complications to date and have been very successfull with my weight loss to date. My starting weight was 389 and as of today I am at 304lbs. My surgery day went great also. I was in surgery at 1010 a.m. and out at 1140 a.m. and home by 3:30 pm. I really believe that most of the success anyone will have no matter which surgery they choose will depend on their mind set. The gastric bypass surgery allows most to eat most anything they want. Some deal with dumping and some do not. Some also deal long term with vitamine deficiencies and have to take supplements or even have to have injections due to malabsorbtion. Myself and five other friends that I know have had success and only have to take 2 regular chewable multivitamins, at least 1500 in calcium a day and make sure we get enough protein each day. I can eat very good and healthy foods. I have had two band fills so far which have been no problem. The only additional medical work will be 6 month recheck of lab work. Then I am told yearly after that. Any WLS needs to have regular folow up not only for your health but for your mental wellness. I was very lucky and had no comorbidities and look foreward to an even more healthy life. The increased energy and mobility is unbelievable! Good luck with which ever you choose, but, make sure you change the way you think of food first and foremost. Jay
   — campboy40

November 4, 2008
I have to pipe in here and say please also check out the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. You can find a forum (VSG) on the OH site. It is not high maintenance like the band, and not nearly as many long term health/malabsorption issues as the bypass. It is very quickly gaining ground in popularity as more and more people learn about it. I have lost 100 lbs in 7 months.
   — corky1057

November 4, 2008
Hi Melanie I had the same problem. I originally set out for the Band but changed after I learned more about it. Someone told me the band does not alter, but only bind. I was afraid I would be able to "eat around it" and still be able to eat the same old stuff. I am really happy with my RNY - I am not hungry and do not crave junk food. I like it because I can't eat around it or cheat... that is why I chose the RNY. Good luck! Rachelle
   — ItsMeRoRo

November 4, 2008
Boy you'llgeta lot of answers wit hthis. Of course ultimately it is what you feel will owrk best for you. I chose lap band because: 1) There are fewer nutritional problems. A good multivitamin and occasional protein supplement is all you need for lap band 2) There are fewer medical complications with the lap band 1% of people that have lap band have complications directly related to the band, 3-4% of bypass have complications directly related to those procedures. 3) I am a bulk eater. Doesn't matter what it is I eat huge amounts, have to be stuffed to feel satisfied. Not a huge sweet eter, prefer meat. This is perfect for the band. Do not need the dumping that comes with most by-pass surgeries. 4) It is reversable, and has minimal complications if removed. Gastric bypass can still have mulpile issues even if they try to revese it. 5) Slow healthy weight loss. I was morbidly obese at 303. But not in a life threatening position I had to have rapid weight loss. My body & my mind have had time to adjust going to 190 lbs. 6) The band is there for a lifetime. If treated well you will always have restriction to prevent gaining back of weight. Drawbacks: 1) Little to no weight loss the first 4-5 months while getting adequate restriction. This time is known as "Banbster Hell" for a reason. 2) Returns to the Dr for fills every 8-12 weeks @ $300 a pop which is not covered by my insurance. 3) For those that are sweet eaters, there is no "dumping"
   — Donna O.

November 4, 2008
Boy you'llgeta lot of answers wit hthis. Of course ultimately it is what you feel will owrk best for you. I chose lap band because: 1) There are fewer nutritional problems. A good multivitamin and occasional protein supplement is all you need for lap band 2) There are fewer medical complications with the lap band 1% of people that have lap band have complications directly related to the band, 3-4% of bypass have complications directly related to those procedures. 3) I am a bulk eater. Doesn't matter what it is I eat huge amounts, have to be stuffed to feel satisfied. Not a huge sweet eter, prefer meat. This is perfect for the band. Do not need the dumping that comes with most by-pass surgeries. 4) It is reversable, and has minimal complications if removed. Gastric bypass can still have mulpile issues even if they try to revese it. 5) Slow healthy weight loss. I was morbidly obese at 303. But not in a life threatening position I had to have rapid weight loss. My body & my mind have had time to adjust going to 190 lbs. 6) The band is there for a lifetime. If treated well you will always have restriction to prevent gaining back of weight. Drawbacks: 1) Little to no weight loss the first 4-5 months while getting adequate restriction. This time is known as "Banbster Hell" for a reason. 2) Returns to the Dr for fills every 8-12 weeks @ $300 a pop which is not covered by my insurance. 3) For those that are sweet eaters, there is no "dumping"
   — Donna O.

November 4, 2008
Boy you'llgeta lot of answers wit hthis. Of course ultimately it is what you feel will owrk best for you. I chose lap band because: 1) There are fewer nutritional problems. A good multivitamin and occasional protein supplement is all you need for lap band 2) There are fewer medical complications with the lap band 1% of people that have lap band have complications directly related to the band, 3-4% of bypass have complications directly related to those procedures. 3) I am a bulk eater. Doesn't matter what it is I eat huge amounts, have to be stuffed to feel satisfied. Not a huge sweet eter, prefer meat. This is perfect for the band. Do not need the dumping that comes with most by-pass surgeries. 4) It is reversable, and has minimal complications if removed. Gastric bypass can still have mulpile issues even if they try to revese it. 5) Slow healthy weight loss. I was morbidly obese at 303. But not in a life threatening position I had to have rapid weight loss. My body & my mind have had time to adjust going to 190 lbs. 6) The band is there for a lifetime. If treated well you will always have restriction to prevent gaining back of weight. Drawbacks: 1) Little to no weight loss the first 4-5 months while getting adequate restriction. This time is known as "Banbster Hell" for a reason. 2) Returns to the Dr for fills every 8-12 weeks @ $300 a pop which is not covered by my insurance. (At least until you hit goal) 3) For those that are sweet eaters, there is no "dumping"
   — Donna O.

November 4, 2008
In my research I decided that the LapBand was just as intrusive if not more so. The regular doctor's visits to get the band tightened can be intrusive on their own merit. I did the RNY surgery, mainly because I'm a Diabetic and this surgery, in a short length of time, will cure Diabetes. The scars are minimal and once it's done... it's done. If I wasn't a Diabetic, I still would have chosen the RNY because of the constant trips back to the doctor for adjustments and other things that might go wrong (which are more plentiful than with RNY). That's just my opinion and why I made the choice I did. You have to make your own choice and I hope that it's right for you!!!!
   — pattschiele

November 4, 2008
Good Morning Melanie :) I, like you, did ALOT of research into WLS. I ended up having Open RNY Gastic Bypass this past June. I've lost 95lbs to date, and I couldn't be happier. I think, that it all depends on you. If you're looking to lose alot of weight in a short amount of time, and then eventually even out, then gastric bypass is for you. I wish you lots of luck. If you have any more questions, please feel free to e-mail me. Good luck!
   — Bostonbabie34

November 6, 2008
i had to decide if i was strong enough to let the band work or if i would fail at it too. i knew i had to do something that forced me to do right. i had failed at every diet i tried. i didn't think i was strong enough to ever let my stomach go back to normal! but it has to be about you and how you feel. 09-08 was my surery date and i have lost 50 lbs, now. no regrets.
   — peggy R.

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