Question:
Im 53, BMI 44, need to lose 100 pounds, Dr. want to do RNY,

I think I can be sucessful with a lap band. but what if he is right and I have regrets. I don't know which one to get. help.    — karrenn (posted on April 14, 2009)

April 14, 2009
I know 10 people to have WLS 8 had rny and 2 had lap band, the 2 with lap band lost only 40 lbs and have both learned to eat around the band... Many, many people are successful, but so many go on to have the rny, because of the ways to get around the band... Are you afraid of the permanancy of RNY??
   — lori042499

April 14, 2009
hi there. I too know people with the lap band to only end up with the rny years later. I wouldnt do the band, the weight loss can be very slow for some, although some people it really works for. Good luck with your decision.
   — sassy1696

April 14, 2009
The issue is - what do YOU want? A friend of mine wanted and had prepared himself mentally for the lap-band surgery, for lots of different reasons... no dumping syndrome, you can eat all the foods you used to eat (just in moderation), no malabsorbtion issues, and other things. But, the surgeon talked him into having the RNY because it would get rid of his diabetes quicker...and he's had nothing but trouble with it since. Within 9 days, he was back in the hospital because he couldn't resist eating regular food and caused a huge blood clot to cover his anastamosis (where the intestine is connected to the stomach), so food couldn't get around it, and everything he put in his mouth came back up. He's done the same thing two more times, and caused strictures that had to be opened up. His relationship with his partner is suffering because when his partner cooks something to eat that smells delicious but my friend can't or shouldn't have it, he gets mad at his partner!! If you think you can be successful with the lap-band, and it's what you truly want, then stand up to your surgeon. Just be educated about it - the weight comes off slower, and you don't GENERALLY lose as much as with a bypass, but that's YOUR decision to make, not his. Good luck to you!
   — Erica Alikchihoo

April 14, 2009

   — ads2e

April 14, 2009
I agree with above posting that you need to talk with your surgeon regarding why they specifically think the rny would be better for you. I had rny because I feel I may need the extra help of possible dumping syndrome and the initial faster weight loss to help me stay focused on establishing long term habits of exercise and good food choices. There are numerous stories of people who are more successful long term with the band than rny and vice versa. It all depends on how we use our tool and that is what I am daily trying to establish for myself for long term. The need for supplements and close followup are a price I am willing to pay for the aspects of rny that I see as advantages for me. You have to be comfortable with your choice and your path. All WLS works, and all WLS can fail. I went on Amazon.com and bought books by several long term successful weight loss patients to see what techniques they had in common. They all continued following the eating rules set forth by their surgeons, exercised, and kept diet journals. I feel confidant that we can do this long term. Talk with your surgeon, decide what you are comfortable with and then work to get your head around making the tool you choose work in your life. Hope this rambling helps. Kevin
   — hapkidodoc

April 15, 2009
I lost all my excess weight in 15 months (109lbs in total) from a relatively low start of BMI 43. Have kept it ooff without any problem for 18 months. Love my band!! Kate
   — Kate -True Brit

April 16, 2009
After pondering that same question myself, after a few informational seminars, I decided to have the VSG (vertical gastric sleeve)procedure. It is a relitivly new procedure that a large part of the stomach is removed, it is somewere between the band and RNY. Do some research here on OH. I had to go to Mexico (no insurance) to have my surgery, Dr. Alverez is highly reccomended by me and many others. He is listed here and his website is www.endobariatrics.com he has a GREAT staff. I am one week post-op and back to work and feeling pretty good already. I'm happy I opted for this instead of the band! no maintenance and nothing inside me! and none of the several other side effects of RNY either. Let me know what you finally decide. Goodluck! Jim S.
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 16, 2009
I'am 52 and had the RNY Last January and I've lost 54 pounds. One of my coworkers had the lap band 6 weeks before my surgery and lost half of what I've lost. I would do the RNY again in a heart beat. So Glad I did the RNY.
   — Dixie Pedersen