Question:
AGB vs RNY

Does anyone having any information/statistics/stories/opinions on AGB (Lap-Band) vs RNY. I am seriously considering AGB over RNY at the moment, but I have heard that AGB doesn't really work? Any information to offer to the contrary? Any and all information GREATLY appreciated!    — drjakata (posted on September 18, 2002)

September 18, 2002
I am no expert but I can tell you what MY surgeon said. I was at a support meeting and he was there speaking. He went through and explained each and every WLS there is. Gave everyone the pros and cons to each and every surgery. Also told us which one was the most successful surgery. His surgery of choice is the RNY. According to him, the success stories with RNY are far greater than any other surgery. More people lose more of the excess weight and keep it off than with any other surgery. That is his opinion. All I know is that I have lost 93 pounds in 9 months and am 25 pounds from goal.
   — Kim B.

September 18, 2002
AGB is the most frequently performed WLS outside of North America. European studies have shown that, after 3 years, RNY patients lose, on average, only 5% more than AGB patients (68% of excess weight vs. 63% with AGB). With AGB, you also have no issues with malabsorption, so post-op pregnancy is much safer for you and your baby, there is significantly less hair loss (if any), and because the weight is lost more slowly (e.g., 10 lbs a month - still nothing to sneeze at), you have less risk of having loose skin and needing a TT. It is also adjustable, so the chances of needing a revision are small. The North American studies show poorer weight loss with AGB because the FDA studies used extremely conservative protocols for band adjustment. And, unlike the RNY, there is no 'window of opportunity' post-op where you have to lose as much weight as you can or else lose your chance. A good study to check out before you make your decision is by J. Dargent (1999), 'Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: Lessons from the first 500 patients in a single institution', in the medical journal Obesity Surgery (Vol. 9, No. 5, pp. 446-452). All my best! :)
   — Patricia E.

September 18, 2002
Well I nearly was part of the FDA trial, see my profile. I ended up with the RNY, and am glad I did. The Lap Band would of failed for ME> I decided when a new bander said e would like a whopper but had to settle for a milkshake. Now I loved milkshakes and was a chocolate milk addict. The band easy to eat high calorie liquid food with no malabsorbtion would of been my downfall. The RNY icky feeling is VERY GOOD THING. It reminds me not to eat much of certain bad food choices. <P> Given all this someone who really wants a VBG should seriously look at the lap band. I think the adjustable band will obsolete the VBG very soon.<P> Anyone considering the adjustable band will need more resolve than me. They will need LOTS of self control. Too many easy high calorie foods around. Just yesterday a bander who failed posted here. It was sad seeing them trying to decide what to do next. I LOVE my RNY!
   — bob-haller

September 18, 2002
As to the better european results. Eating habits, spped, volume, food choices are different in europe, which may account for their better results. Fast food isnt everywher there like it is in the US. Such differences can affect loss results.<P> These are MY OPINIONS, and represent just me.
   — bob-haller

September 18, 2002
This past May, while at my doctor's for a follow up checkup I met a woman who was quite large. I thought perhaps she just had surgery, or was intrested in having it. I had no idea that my doctor had started preforming AGB. We chatted, and exchanged our info. I found out that she had lost 35 lbs, so I thought she had surgery very recently, she said, "No, I had my AGB last November and now I wish I would have had an RNY." Also a congress woman here in Detroit just died from this safer procedure. The doctor nicked her stomach during the lap procedure, she filled with fluids, got infected and died, 3 days after surgery. I know mistakes happen with any surgery. Jeffrey Feiger is handling this one. Acid refulx is more prone in AGB. I could have had either, I researched both and chose RNY, I am happy that I did. Some people it may work better for, but it was not for me. Just my opinion.
   — Phiddy B.

September 18, 2002
Yep my GERD was horrible. Eat nothing after 6 pm, go to bed at 11:30 wake up at 3 pm choking unable to breathe. Adjustable band MIGHT have helped according to my surgeon. RNY was CURE! Havent had night reflux since pre op. What a relief..
   — bob-haller