Question:
How can I decide between VBG and bypass?

I am afraid bypass is too drastic. The dumping just sounds like trouble all the time. When I called my clinic, the insurance lady told me I don't want VBG, that I would rather have bypass. I will consult with the doctor in Feb. I want to be successful but as normal as possible. Help!!!!!!!!!    — wilkywanch (posted on January 27, 2001)

January 27, 2001
Selecting a wls procedure is a very individual and difficult decision. The most important thing is to NOT make your choice based on what is "available" from the first surgeon you meet. You need to research the options, consider your needs and goals, get comfortable with what you are chosing, including the benefits and risks of that procedure. ALL of the procedures have benefits; ALL of the procedures have risks. You have to select the "right" balance of those for YOU. The BEST thing you can do for yourself is to research and UNDERSTAND the various procedures; don't just rely on the doctor you see to "know best." You CAN suceed with any of the procedures, but you must be educated about what each procedure requires in the way of post-op requirements (medical follow-up and testing, nutritional needs, etc.) Go with the procedure you are most comfortable with - and then, don't look back!
   — BethVBG

January 27, 2001
Hi Vicki, I am like you, I didn't want a drastic surgery, so I chose VBG. I am 10 days post-op, and very pleased. My eating is cut in half. I love the "Band" as it gives you internal portion control. I lost 14 lbs. so far. I had it done laparascopically and had no problems. With VBG you can cheat, as in sweets, but I am not a sweet eater. And of course, you have to exercise. I am fairly disciplined so the VBG is right for me. IF you know you will work with the band, then the Band is very good. They suggest the RNY if you know you will eat sweets and need ultimate weight control. I had 100 lbs to lose. If I had more to lose, I would have chosen RNY. I'm sur you will make a good decision by reading all the info on this site. Good luck, Barb Carlon
   — Barb C.

January 27, 2001
I ALMOST chose a VBG, back in 1993. AS it happened, I chose RNY and am glad I did. I was NOT a sweet eater, pre-op. The cravings didn't hit me til the 2nd yr post-op. Dumping is my best friend! I want to avoid it, so the result has been that I've held to my goal wt for over 5 yrs now. I'm very careful with sugar and the destructive behaviors that can cause dumping, so it's like have a guard to keep my safe from myself. The VBG has a high enough failure rate that some insurances are starting to refuse to pay for it, because the chance of it needing to be revised is so very high. The things that are scarier about the RNY are the things that make it work better and offer more safeguards for you.
   — vitalady

January 28, 2001
Hi..I'm 10 days postop LAP RNY...in the hospital there were 4 other people who had just had surgery and 2 of those had the band...all I can add is that you only want to do this once so really make sure either way. Best of Luck
   — Debora H.