lapband vs rny - ThinnerTimes

tatania1 · 08-25-2005, 01:39 PM

Just a question. I have pretty much decided on rny, but I have a few people trying to get me to think about the band. I was just wondering, if anyone considered it and then why you chose rny?

Thanks ahead of time.

Aunny · 08-25-2005, 01:58 PM

I too have had a lot of tossing and turning in my mind over which surgery was right for me.
I decided against the RNY because I feel like I am not the ideal candidate for RNY. I have less than 100 pounds to lose-- granted I have 90 to lose and cant do it on my own. but I wanted a less invasive approach, I didnt want my bowel switched around. Getting back to work within a week Vs 4-6 weeks which is what was said by Dr potts at the educational seminar fits with me better. I also dont like the malabsorbtion that occurs with RNY. The band doesnt have that problem. but the band is only effective at getting rid of 40% of your excess body weight within one year. The weight loss is much slower.

The reason I liked the RNY are as follows:
Fast results. 70% of excess weight lost within a year. thats pretty attractive.
dumping- now some may consider this a draw back, i like sweets and i would like to have the added effect of sweets making me ill so that i learn to stay away from them.
easier to get insurance approval. RNY is the gold sandard (because of its age and relative success) that all other procedures are compared to.

But it is all a very personal choice and you have to read as much as you can and try to make the best decision for YOU.
Best of luck.

Dave · 08-25-2005, 02:15 PM

Malabsorbtion can be looked at has a benefit also. I've been told by doctors that the band is too easy to cheat and 1 in 6 have to be removed with in 10 years for various problems. I figure if your going to do it you might as well go all the way! I don't like the idea of re-aranging my guts either but if it solves my life long problem I'll be happy.

DonnaAnne · 08-25-2005, 02:36 PM

Believe it or not I have had both done. I had minimal results with the band and I am having much better results with the by-pass. Believe it or not you still get sick with the band. I feel 100% better with the rny but that may just be me. You still have all of the head games with both. You are still a slave to the scale. If I had to do it over again, I would NOT do the band and would of done the by-pass first. Either way, good luck and keep us posted.

Aunny · 08-25-2005, 02:43 PM

your quote of one in 6 bands needing to be removed seems very high to me, but i dont have the data. However, you are right the band is easier to "cheat" with.
Either surgery is a tool, and with each you must learn and employ new eating habits to keep from falling back onto old habits.

DonnaAnne · 08-25-2005, 02:49 PM

The doctor did remove mine but it was because it wasn't doing me any good. Yes, I cheated with the band and I can't tell you why. With the new surgery it has opened my eyes that the only one that I'm cheating if I cheat is myself. It is a new world when you have any type of surgery. Listen to your heart and you will make the right choice.

veroniquetalk · 08-25-2005, 05:57 PM

I considered the lap band because I had less than 100 lbs to lose, too. However, I decided against it because I personally know 2 people who have had that band done and you can't tell they have lost any weight at all. Also, I liked the idea of not absorbing so many calories once I had reached my goal weight. Plus, I was told you can feel the device they leave under your skin that they use to adjust the band with - YUCK!

2Bhealthy · 08-25-2005, 06:10 PM

Drs Potts and Callery say that there really is no significant malabsotion with the RNY.
they only bypass maybe 1 foot of small intestine. Nothing like with the duodenal switch.

Aunny · 08-25-2005, 06:13 PM

That is true, it is very unlike the switch. But you still have to take a multivitamin, b12, and ca supplements for the rest of your life. Which granted is a smalll price to pay- but something one should consider before having the surgery.

Dave · 08-26-2005, 08:01 AM

Aunny, I got the 1 in 6 from the last doctor's informative class I attended. I thought it sounded high myself but he did say this was during a 10 year period and for various reasons.

The taking of vitamins could be a pain but really it's something we should do anyway. I don't know about you but I'm not fat just because of genetics. I don't eat that well either. I hardly ever eat fruits and vegetables. If I did I would probably be in much better shape. So I know I should take vitamins anyway since I don't get much good from frozen pizzas and sweets!

As long as your insurance covers it the band sounds like the way for you to go. If it doesn't work hopefully they will give you a second chance and let you have the bypass if you choose to go that route. I've just never read anything really good about the band and since I need to lose 150 lbs I really don't think it would be useful in my case.