Question:
Scared now.. Please help with Banding vs Other WLS

HI it is me again. I went to my surgeon and he told me what I wanted to hear! "Which surgery would you like". I choose the Banding because of the recovery time. I am the only one working in the house (DH was laid off) and my job is very important. Now though I am wondering if Banding is really right for me. I know lots of people don't "like" banding here but I really need some ideas complaints happiness or why you didn't choose/why you did choose the Banding vs Other WLS?    — Nicole R. (posted on April 9, 2003)

April 8, 2003
When you say banding I hope you mean the adjustable band. My profile was all about the band early on, but I decided on the RNY. My surgeons loss rate with the band is not nearly as good as the RNY. The adjustable band isnt approved by the NIH either. What convinced me is I loved chocolate milk and shakes pre op. Such high calorie liquids is sure band failure:( The band requires a lot more willpower if you ask me. Then too I was concerned having that port in me might bug me mentally. I didnt want to have a second surgery, so I opted for the RNY. Another thing was I honestly wanted to be a RNYer. Our support group members apperareed so happy and healthy. You should attend support group meetings to see what I am talking about. You might check out Barb Thompsons great book on WLS, she is a member here and info on the book is at the very bottom of my profile.
   — bob-haller

April 8, 2003
I decided on RNY after initially looking at the band because of my insatiable sweet tooth. With RNY I won't be able to indulge without getting sick. With the Band I was terrified (knowing me) That i'd find a way to defeat it. I'm still pre-op, my tentative date right now is May 29th. Good luck with whatever you choose.
   — lorien

April 9, 2003
You know, each of us have to make the choice based on what we think is going to work best for us. If your surgeon only does the RNY open, you are right, there will PROBABLY be more recovery time involved than with the banding. However, I have noticed that there are many people who go back to work after 1 week with the lap RNY. For me, personally, I first looked into the band and then decided that if I was going to go through major surgery that I wanted, what seemed to be the most "sure thing" FOR ME. Not that both procedures don't/won't work, because they do...just differently. But, I know I have tried many restrictive diets (under 1000 calories a day) in the past and still had trouble loosing weight in the first place...so, I felt that I needed the help of the malabsorption of the RNY. So, maybe ask yourself, what kind of eater am I? How have my weight loss attempts in the past gone? Have I been sucessful with calorie restriction diets, short term, in the past? Are the risks associated with RNY vitamin/mineral deficiencies something I am willing to deal with forever? Am I willing to tell myself no (with the band or if you don't experience dumping)? Am I willing to drink the water needed with RNY (not that it isn't important for a bander)? Am I willing to put protein first with the RNY forever? Am I willing to be totally compliant to the doctors guidelines for either surgery? Which one might I be more apt to comply with? Well, I hope that helps some at least. I wish you peace with what ever decision you make!
   — eaamc

April 9, 2003
The main reason I did not choose the lapband was because insurance did not cover it. Also, I wanted the surgery with the highest success rate and RNY had the best chance of that. Also, the portal in your skin also made me uncomfortable. You can go to a support group for lap banders if you'd like to get their perspective, though. There is one at www.spotlighthealth.com, go to morbid obesity, and support groups to find it.
   — Cindy R.

April 9, 2003
I had the Lap Band Surgery done 3 weeks ago. I have lost ten pounds. I was back to work in one week. I have had very little pain. I would recommend it to anyone. If you want more information please feel free to email me.
   — tfennel

April 9, 2003
Hi Nicole, I was banded six months ago and I have never been happier, nor have I once regretted my decision to go with AGB instead of RNY. I have lost 47 is six months and gone from a 22 to an 18. I know that had I decided on RNY I might have already been close to my goal, but the reasons I picked the band were right for me. I wanted to loose slower to maybe prevent having to have excess skin removed. I had bad reflux before the band and now it is gone(it has been gone since I woke up from surgery). I didn't want to have the malabsorbtion problems that come to some with RNY. Some people have fears about the port site but it really isn't a big deal. Mine is toward the bottem of my breast bone and it bothered me a little for about a month after surgery. It rarely crosses my mind unless I am having a fill. Please feel free to email me direct if you have any questions. Gennifer Dr. Spivak 09/30/03 282/235/170
   — Genn2973

April 9, 2003
Hi Nicole, I had VBG 1/28/03 because ABG was not covered yet by my insurance. To date I have lost 38 lbs and have been very pleased with my choice. The advantage over VBG is no staples to have to worry about disrupting but other than that VBG works just like ABG. Eat too quickly or don't chew well and you will find your self spitting up the food again. The advantages as I see is that if you get good weight loss everything is ok, if not you can have the band adjusted to allow more food or decrease food. The one thing to consider is some insurance companies to not pay for the adjustment. Most have ajustments twice a year so if that is a factor you might consider it. For me I did not want malabsorption or dumping, my Dad had a unwanted gastroplasty because he had ulcers in his stomach and his stomach ruptured. He suffered from malabsorption and dumping and could not keep enough weight on. Even tho this happened many years ago, the look on his face after he ate have stayed with me. I did not want to do an RNY right out if VBG would work for me. If it does not work I can always have a revision later. I am not against any of the surgeries as long as a person is well educated and informed of all of the realities. Like we all say wls is a tool and only a tool, what you do with it is up to you. If you need to talk email me any time at [email protected]. Best of luck! Alma
   — Alma W.