Question:
how does one know which is better for you. RNY or VBG?

I KNOW HOW THERE DONE BUT AM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR ME? THANKS FOR YOU TIME EUGENE    — Eugene P. (posted on September 7, 2001)

September 7, 2001
Only you and your doctor can decide which surgery is best for you. Check out this site that has an excellent article about the different types of weight loss surgery, how they work, and what the risks are. <br>http://www.wlscenter.com/Gastric_Surgery_Article.htm The previous poster (Anonymous) seems to be slightly confused about the differences in these surgeries. "Gastric bypass operations that cause malabsorption and restrict food intake produce more weight loss than restriction operations that only decrease food intake." The RNY (Roux-en-Y) has both a restrictive and malabsorptive result. VBG (Vertical Banded Gastroplasty) is restrictive only.
   — Jonathan M.

September 7, 2001
There are several excellent procedures available to you, and you need to research thoroughly and talk to experts about the choices before making yours. And, by experts, I mean surgeons and nutritionists - you will find a LOT of opinions from people who have had success or failure with their particular choice. That does NOT mean that you would have success or failure yourself - everyone is different. There is also a lot of misinformation from non-experts that could be very confusing. After researching all of the options for two years, I had a consult with both an RNY surgeon, and a VBG surgeon, and together, we finally decided what the best procedure for me would be. (I had OpenVBG on 06/11/01 - I've lost 72lbs - NO regrets!!)
   — Cathy J.

September 9, 2001
Have you considered DS? To me that is the best option, offering the most normal post-op lifestyle. You can research it at www.duodenalswitch.com. Whatever you decide, good luck!
   — Chris T.