Hi everyone - I am a pre-op who is still trying to make up her mind about which WLS to have - bypass or band. I am leaning heavily toward the band for several reasons, but there are a couple of issues that keep coming up that are causing me to question that decision. I'm hoping those of you who have been through this could tell me your opinions...

The concern I have is that I keep being told by various sources that the band will probably only allow me to lose about 50% of my excess weight. I want to lose about 225 pounds, so that is not very encouraging that I would still have over 100 to lose. My question is how many of you have found that you were able to lose the weight you wanted - you lost all or most of your excess weight and/or hit your goal?

Also, I understand it's easier to "cheat" with the band because you don't have the dumping issue or certain food deterants that you get with the bypass. If I have had trouble with staying on a diet in the past, will the lap band help me at all, or would I be better to go with the bypass so I don't have as many options to sabotage myself?

I know it's all about personal choice - I would just like to know some of your experiences. I work wtih 3 guys right now who all three had the procedure, and haven't really had much success to speak of.

I appreciate any input you may have.

Thanks!

Hi ML,
I will be having the RNY procedure done on 1/31!
I chose that over the band because two of my cousins had the band and have not been successful in their weight loss efforts. I wanted all of the help I can get! The thought of possible "dumping" and the malabsorption factor due to the section of bypassed intestine.
Darien

"MagicLady", I had the rny and I'm really glad I did, but I've heard really great things about the lapband too. I don't know if any of us can really tell you what's right for you. I think that it's very possible to be successful with any of the procedures. How close do you live to your surgeon's office? How often are you willing to go in for fill adjustments? How willing are you to take vitamins and supplements for the rest of your life? These are some of the variables that could have an impact on your success and satisfaction with the procedure you choose. Only your surgeon and you can decide these things together...

Keep asking us questions, and we'll see if we can pinpoint something that could help you.

Hi there,
I had my band surgery almost 6 months ago.

I can understand how people cheat the band. I think a lot about how glad I was that I picked the surgeon instead of the procedure. Why? My surgeon's policy is that Band adjustments are free for the 1st 2 years. A big deal? Yes, it keeps me going to keep the band at the right level (sweet spot) that is working for me. If i had to pay each time, I might not do that. My surgeon wanted to take away the reason why a bandit may not loose weight. He also makes sure that if you are not having results--are you talking to your therapist, following the rules, etc. He wants us to be successful. Currently his success rate is 96%. 50% of his staff are bandits, so they are so supportive as well.

At times I have needed a fill sooner than expected and I could have easily taken that time to "get away" with just about anything, so I had to choose not to. That is what got me into trouble in the 1st place...one more bite, or I can have this just this once... etc.

We do not have the malabsorbption issues, and now I can take my vitamins all whole (some can/ some cannot, it's a personal thing at this stage). I had a fill 2 weeks ago and since I have lost about 50% of my weight, I had them bump it up. I have had trouble eating a whole meal, but I just went back to basics and started on liquids and soft foods. I am trying to work more on the feeling of my pouch instead of being hungry.

I am glad I had the band for many reasons, but this is the most important reasonm to me.

First of all, this is a VERY individual decision. That being said, I do have an opinion and would like to share why I chose the lapband over gastric bybass surgery. And let me say, that my daughter had RNY surgery over 6 years ago, and is one of the true success stories..she lost over 160 pounds. So I have watched her side of the equation. I chose lapband because: it is a relatively minor surgery...I was in and out of the hospital in one day...several hours in fact(she was in the hospital for about 4 days); recovery was quick...I was back at work in a couple of days( her recovery was several weeks...the same as any major surgery); there was no re-arranging of my intestines...nothing was stapled or removed; there is no malabsorption problems; no dumping....and I HATE, hate, hate to vomit!...in fact we are not SUPPOSED to vomit!; great follow-up program( she had very little follow-up after the actual surgery follow-up)..i see a doctor and/or a PA every couple of weeks for weighing, support, and adjustments(fills); I can continue to lose for as long as I want to...as long as I follow the lapband rules.. I know that the ads say lose 50-60% if your excess weight. I figure they are saying that to cover their backsides! I have already lost over 39 pounds in 3 months and plan to continue losing until I lose the whole 100 lbs!! It is a slower weight loss than RNY, we are encouraged to lose between 1-2 pounds a week (She lost 5-6 lbs a week and needed to have plastic surgery afterwards). So there is less need for plastic surgery on that excess skin. This surgery is also reversible if needed. You can have the lapband removed and your stomach will go back to its original size. I don't know why you would, but for illness or something else, someone might need to have it removed!!

There are probably other reasons that I can't think of right now. But I would not change my decision. So, do your research and think seriously about this decision. Because whatever surgery you have, it is only part of the solution to your problem! You ALWAYS have to deal with what is going on in your head! You can cheat on either one of these procedures...so you need to be mentally ready for a life changing event like WLS. Best of luck!!!

Welcome Magic Lady! Now is the perfect time to be asking questions.

Please visit our video page and scroll down - we have three very informative short (3 minute) videos about the banding procedure:

LAWLS Videos

You may also want to look at some of the pre-operative videos as well.


Best of luck!
Kaye

I had lap RnY in March 2003...I have successfully lost over 200lbs...@ the time of my surgery getting the "band" was not recommended for a person in my weight category (493lbs) so I felt my only choice was the RnY...thank goodness I was able to have lap RnY instead of open (MAJOR answer to prayer) RnY... However, I think you are the ONLY person who can decide which procedure will be best for you. Well, maybe you and your surgeon... He/she can help you decide which procedure will be best for your lifestyle and needs.

I would ask...How much weight DO you need to lose??? Have you taken the time to seriously answer the questions Sandi posed? They are all good questions and if you are honest with yourself I believe they will help steer you in the right direction. I agree with Carolk both procedures have their pros and cons and that both require a "LIFESTYLE" change...so are you willing to make the changes???

With that said...blessings in your search! I hope you find your answers and if there are specific questions about lap RnY you would like to have answered please feel free to pm me or post a thread and glean from the wealth of wisdom available here.