Question:
How do I decide which surgery is best- RNY or lap-band?

There is so much information that I am feeling overwhelmed. Lab-band has a 34% success and R-NY is higher but the thought that my insides will be all rerouted scares me.whatis the best way to decide?Feel free to respond to [email protected]    — Nilsa F. (posted on February 18, 2002)

February 18, 2002
There is also a BPD/DS. Stands for Bileo-pancreatic diversion/duodenal switch. The way to find out which is 'best'? Find out as much as you can about each of them. It seems like most on this site have had RNY, but there is a lot more information on the web about all three types. Decide which one best fits in with your way of eating and life style. There is no one 'best' for everyone.
   — garw

February 18, 2002
ditto to the other poster, research this yourself, and decide whats best. If you eat alot of sugar, then others feel that becasue you will dump with a RnY, that you will not keep eating it, plus, if you eat often, the malnutrion of the RnY will save you from all of those calories. Meanwhile, like you have stated, because the band is not as intrusive, it should be easier to recover from, and may cause less problems, and it can be reversed, if need be. I have met two bandsters who have both lost more then 100 pounds, in 13 monthes, and have not lost any hair due to malnutrition.Plus, they had the surgeries done in Mexico, and only spent about 6 thousand, including air fare.There are pros and cons,,,im still thinking myself, after I had my group consultation,and submitted my insurence papers, and while I wait for my approval, Im still not sure,,,so good luck to you,
   — amy T.

February 18, 2002
The success rate for the band is higher than 34%! I have researched both surgery types and I have used the following resources: ExtrodinaryBandsters@Yahoogroups, this site, of course, the International Obesity TaskForce (great links) and by reading hundreds of posts by site members here! Obesityhelp has a great library--I've spent hours there!!!
   — jenn2002

February 18, 2002
I recomend: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SmartBandsters
   — [Anonymous]

February 18, 2002
I do believe that the success rate for the Lap Band is considerably higher than 34%. I pondered this for over a year and I opted for rny based on the following understanding. The Lap Band is most effective for volume eaters who do not crave carbohydrates. They need only be concerned with reducing the quantity of food the eat. Rny works best for people who crave sweets and other carbs. It also restricts volume; so it covers both needs. Many people who fail Lap Bands and then opt for rny's regained their weight because they manage to graze on sugary foods through out the day. Personally, I chose to accept the malabsorption properties of rny and the "rerouting" because sweets and junk food was my problem. My boyfriend chose Lap Band because he never ate sweets, and rarely ate between meals. He just ate much too much food at mealtimes. We're both happy with our choices.
   — [Anonymous]