Question:
I don't know which would be better the RNY, or the AGB?

Which and why?    — Heather H. (posted on November 30, 2001)

November 30, 2001
What's AGB?
   — [Anonymous]

November 30, 2001
I was also weighing these two surgeries pre-op. The AGB sounded appealing since your insides weren't re-arranged, and I thought the fills would solve the later weight gain potential from the VBG. So I asked this question of someone who worked w/ a surgeon in our area that was part of the FDA trial for the AGB. She said "If you're happy only loosing 30% of your excess weight, then have the AGB, otherwise, have the RNY". I did go on to read the report from the FDA re. the approval, and it did look like the average success rate of weight loss was about 30%, although I've seen much higher rates from outside the country, and I'm sure some people do much better than that. For me personally, I decided to have the RNY since the dumping would help keep me on the straight and narrow (I have NO discipline when it comes to carbs) and I felt a little bit of malabsorption was a good thing too. Good luck!
   — mom2jtx3

November 30, 2001
I researched this question at length and choose the RNY. Primarily ecause my wifes BMI was so high the surgeon thought the LAP BAND is not suitable for her. I figured we should both have the same surgery and post op eating rules. Plus I feared I might gravitate to eating milkshakes or other easy to digest foods. Lap banders are at risk for this. Truly the band is similiar to the VBG, and will likely make the VBG obsolete. I think the malabsorbtion of the RNY is a good thing and hopefully my weight will stay off. Incidently the biggest disadvantages to the band is that you loose the ability to eat bread, it just clogs the band. These patients report vomiting more often too. Although that varies. Theres a nice Yahoo group for jst the band, E mail me and I will send you the address. Nice friendly folks who can answer all your questions.
   — bob-haller