Question:
RNY vs. Lap Band?? What should I choose??

I had my mind set on which procedure to have. When I finally met with my surgeon, His assistant was kind of talking me into the lap band. his office was all about the lap band, they even had my packet prepared for the lap band, when I I know that in my intake I wrote down RNY.I do not know what to do??? I am 5 ft and weigh 210lbs.Can anyone help?... please!!    — MARIA P. (posted on July 1, 2009)

July 1, 2009
You need to be firm with your surgeon about what YOU want. If you don't feel comfortable that he/she is experienced at doing the RNY, find another surgeon. It is my experience from several friends' having been talked out of the surgery they wanted, that they didn't do at all well with the surgery they got. If you want the bypass, don't let them do the band. Period. If they are inexperienced doing the bypass, find another surgeon. I promise you, you'll be much happier getting the surgery you feel is right for you!
   — Erica Alikchihoo

July 1, 2009
First of all you need a surgeon who will tell you the facts and be honest, but also that will support your decison as long as it is research based. I would just suggest 3 considerations: 1. Are you self pay? 2. Have you polled some patients of both surgeries? 3. What do you think is best for you? I had a lapband 23 months ago and have lost 107 pounds, which is a few pounds more than I actually needed to lose. My therapist suggested that I have the RNY because I am a chocolate eater. The band doesn't offer the physical issue of dumping with sugars, so I can eat it. I have to be the controller instead of the chocolate. Many would say that money shouldn't be a consideration, but I had to be pragmatic. And, since I paid the 15,000 dollars it was more doable than the 23,000 for the RNY. But, more than that, I didn't want to reroute and cut what God had put there. After my surgery I have met many lapband patients. Some are VERY successful, but some didn't lose as much as they wished or have regained the weight. I walk 5 1/2 miles 5 days a week and I weigh everyday. I want to be able to get a handle on any weight gain. These strategies are working for me. I LOVE my lapband and am thrilled that I chose it. Whatever your decision, get plenty of support-surgery clinic, support group, OH, family, and friends. WLS is the BEST thing I've ever done for myself. I love it!!! Good luck!
   — gouldsfiya

July 2, 2009
If you have medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. I would definitely seek out a doctor experienced in RNY. Lap band doesn't change anything chemically. It only alters the amount you can eat at one time.
   — GingerKS

July 2, 2009
I saw that you live in Mass. My cousin lives in Otis and she went to a WLS clinic in Worchester. You get the surgery you want. Maybe you should shop around.
   — Muggs

July 2, 2009
hi u should really think hard about the lap band. I have it and i wish that i did more research on it. I hope to get this band out of me soon. Look up fail lap band and think about,i wish i had before i gotten the lap band.
   — JANIECEMOM