Gastric Bypass or Gastric Band? My case... - ThinnerTimes

Dybbuk · 04-21-2008, 08:31 PM

Hello everyone,

As you can see, I'm a newbie here, but have spent the last couple of months researching and gathering as much information as I can about these two procedures. I'm meeting with my physician after my college finals are over in order to discuss my options for WLS. I know that in reality both procedures drastically improve the quality of life for the patient and there is substantial weight loss for the patients who have either surgery. However, I'm trying to make a choice at the moment about what would be better for my current lifestyle, and it seems I'm running into serious cons on both sides. If anyone has a similar situation like mine, your advice would be greatly appreciated.

I know a good deal of information about the gastric bypass. My mother had a gastric bypass performed on her 5 years ago, and has lost all of her excess weight and kept it off. Her cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugars are all in check. From what I understand from many of the information sites I visited, it's kind of like the 'gold' standard for weight loss. However the things that worry me are the recovery time, and the dreaded 'dumping syndrome'. I'm hoping to have this procedure done over the summer while I'm out of college, and want to be sure I can be back on my feet for classes. I hear it's about a 2-3 week recovery, however, my mother was off her feet for 5 weeks. Is this typical, or was she just a special case? She was in her later 40s when she had it done, so I presume that it took a much harder hit on her body. Another thing that concerned me was the severity of her 'dumping' episodes. I was still in high school at the time and took a lot of care of her while my father was at work. The first couple of weeks were by far the worst, she could not hold anything down. There was constant vomiting and her system seemed to be very volatile. Periodically throughout her first year her dumping symptoms ranged from mild nausea to episodes that looked like graphic heart attacks. On more than one occasion I thought I had to call EMS. This greatly worries me, for 1] My overall well being. I don't know how my mom pulled through...but she suffered a great deal the first year and constantly apologized to my brother and I for 'putting us through this'. Now that her body has actually settled down, she lives happily and does not regret her choice... but it's something that scares me deeply. 2] I'm a full time college student taking a full load next semester and do not want my school work interfered with because of constant illness.

NOW...for Lapband. When I first heard of the lapband procedure, I thought it was a Godsend. Quicker recovery time of only 1-2 weeks, no dumping syndrome, and overall less stress on the body. I felt that this might be my ticket...but if only things were so easy.

As a college student living 3 hours from my home and physician it seems almost impossible and inefficient to make the trek back home for a doctors appointment every 4-6 weeks DURING school. I did look around in my current area for any doctors who perform this surgery, but my search ran dry because I live in 'COLLEGE TOWN USA where EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE is Athletic'

I was really hoping to have my mother's doctor because of his expertise in this field, and overall because he was a really kind and intelligent doctor. He took fantastic care of my mother, and certainly got after her when she was making poor choices. He taught her how to live better, and even she has said he was the one who saved her life. I know I shouldn't set my hopes on one doctor, and keep my options open...but right now I'm really hoping that I can have him do it.

Lastly....

I'm not sure if this is true but I have read that Gastric Bypass ensures better weight loss results than the lap band system. There was a statistic that some patients ~roughly 20% of patients who have the lap band procedure lose a total of 20-30 lbs. I know these numbers are highly affected by the patients themselves and their own choices, but I'm kind of hoping for a more permanent and lasting weight loss solution.

SO...I know I've rambled, but as someone trying to get prepared for my first meeting with my doctor I would like to have some ideas of some options. I know my doctor will give me some options too...but perhaps it might be wise to ask those of you who have already trekked down this path.

Your responses are greatly appreciated!

weza215 · 04-21-2008, 08:56 PM

Hi,
I'm preop and very close to surgery and I have been researching for months and I came across the gastric sleeve and it has less risks and similar weightloss. I think I'm leaning more towards this proceedure and I think you should look into it also. There's no re-routing of the intestines and no dumping. You absorb all your nutrients and you don't have to take vitamins like with the rny. The proceedure is they remove 60-85% of your stomach and your stomach is shaped like a sleeve. I think this sounds like my ticket but I think there is a difference in weightloss but not much. This proceedure isn't reversible but it can be revised into the rny or lapband if you need it. Lisa

Val 3 · 04-21-2008, 11:27 PM

Well I can tell you my experience with the band.

I actually went thinking I was going to do the RNY, but I have a bad heart and the DR said because of my health he wouldnt do it. My only choice was the band. I heard the same things you did, and was well "I guess I will make the best of the band"... The original plan was to have the band for 6-9m. and lose 50lbs during that time. After that I would hopefully gain some heart function back and then do the RNY.

Well I was -44 lbs at 8 weeks. At 6m out I was -85lbs. at a year I was -115. I still have a bit to lose, but I no longer have the BMI to have WLS!

About the fills, You dont have to go every 4-6 weeks. I have had my band 17m. and have only had 4 fills. I had them at 8 weeks, 5m. 11m, and at 15m. So really the same timing as a rny patient gets there check ups. (or at least my friend who had RNY the same day I had the band we ride together for most DR apts!) To date I have lost 66% of my excess weight. I plan on getting to at least 70%! So I think I am keeping up with my RNY peers!

My DH had the bypass, and hasnt had a problem. He was sore, and tired for a week, then I had to "hold him down". LOL he had surgery on a tuesday, and stayed home 2 weeks only because I said I was going to hurt him if he didnt! LOL he felt ready to go back after a week! He has gotten sick 2x so far, but both times were "I think steak is too hard for your tummy", and he eats a few bites anyways, and then pays for it! (men never listen, well at least mine doesnt!)

Anyways good luck with your choice!

AToM · 04-22-2008, 05:28 AM

I had bypass surgery on 4/1 and cut my grass (riding mower) on 4/9. I didn't weedeat due to not wanting to break my 10 lb lifting limit. I have never thrown up or dumped, however I have followed my diet and not pushed the limits either (I'm 42)

I could have easily gone back to work in 2 weeks but streched it out to 3 just to give myself an extra week off.

One thing you need to look into is timing. Depending on your insurance it can be a long process. For me it was an 8 month process. If you get 3-4 weeks off at Christmas, you could even do it between semesters.

There has been several posts recently here between the difference of lap band or bypass surgery, so you can search for those for comparisons, but I think most people agree, if you have a lot of weight to lose, then the bypass route might be the better option.

Good luck-
Todd

SueRN · 04-22-2008, 01:00 PM

Whether to RNy or Lap Band really depends on you. From what I have seen, the majority of the Lap Banders don't do as well as RNY'rs. I think the biggest reason is the attitude behind it. If your main problem is portion control, the Lap Band may be a good choice. If you have problems with portion control, grazing/snacking all day, eating hi cal foods andare an emotional eater, the Lap band will not be as effective. Another reason Lap Banders may fail is they go in with the belief that if they don't like it, it's not permenant. If you have the belief that the dietary and lifestyle changes are not permenant, you are setting yourself up to fail. This kind of goes for both surgeries. I had the RNY. My best friend did the Band. She had a longer recovery than I did and has gained back almost all the 50 lbs she lost. She had a leak in the tubing and had to have surgery to have it replaced. The port turned around and she needs to have any fills done under fluoroscopy. And yes, you don't have any cutting of the stomach or intestines, but it's still surgery and you will have the same outer cuts as the RNY. A person can be successful with both, but you really have to be stong mentally and more disciplined with the Band. And for dumping syndrome, if you eat what you are supposed to, the chance of dumping is very slim. Still can happen, but if I eat right, I don't dump. I'll be 3 years out next month. Took off 3.5 weeks but probably could have gone back to work the following week. Good luck with your decision. Sue

kellyMASS · 04-22-2008, 01:11 PM

check this out duodenalswitch.com

I have decided on the duodenal switch.There is no dumping after this surgery.

Dybbuk · 04-22-2008, 05:12 PM

weza215: Thank you for the info...I have not heard of the gastric sleeve...is it relatively new? I will check into it though. : )

Val 3: Thank you so much Val for all the information, it's what I really wanted to know! I'm glad to know the band worked for you!! hahaha...i think your husband sounds like my mom...I always tried to tell her not to eat certain foods...and she never listens to me either.

AToM: Yes...I'm afraid the timing might be off. I will have to talk it over with my mother. I guess bypass might be the better route...as long as one keeps on the diet, and follows doctors orders. : ) Thank you for your information.

SueRN: I agree, the lap band results are only as good as the effort you put in. I think you made a lot of good points...and really both surgeries are only going to work if the effort is made. Thanks for the advice, I will keep it in mind.

kellyMASS: Thank you for the link, I will check into it! : )