lap band or rny?

[gcastxox 7]

I'm getting surgery the end of may but i can't decide which one to get. how did you guys decide?

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

I'm getting surgery the end of may but i can't decide which one to get. how did you guys decide?

I started with the lap-band....because it seemed so easy. Reversible, help my appetite, etc. I was miserable with my band for 2 1/2 years before it slipped, herniated my stomach and requiring emergency removal. My 'so easy' lap-band had done so much damage and scarring that my surgeon could not convert me to an RNY and sent me home to heal for 6 months....I'm now2 weeks post-op from my RNY.

The band works for some. I was not that lucky. Even following the rules I had problems. Even with a band that was empty or almost empty I had problems. If my allergies were acting up or I had a cold I wouldn't able to eat for days. The week I started my period I couldn't eat. If I was stressed out I couldn't eat.... I would live off warm fluids and that is all...I developed horrendous reflux eventually getting so bad I would wake up at night with stomach acid coming out my nose. I also had near constant chest and shoulder pain (which was gone the second I woke up post-op after my band removal!). My surgeon is now doing very few bands due to the complications.

I won't say don't get a band but I will say proceed with caution and be sure to educate yourself fully on it!!!! Good luck with your decision!!!!

HW 312, pre-op (lap-band) 294, pre-op (RNY) 255, surgery date 2/11/13, goal weight 154, current weight 234.8

[gcastxox 7]

oh wow I'm sorry you had so many complications! And goood luck! i had always thought i wanted the lapband before I went to the seminar but then after that I just felt like the rny was right. i feel like the bypass will help me stay on track more if that makes sense. andsince you've had both of the surgeries how would you compare your immediate post-op pain of both surgeries?

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

I had a longer hospital stay with the RNY because I wasn't passing gas and my surgeon is picky. I honestly don't recall a huge difference in pain between the two. For both I took pain meds for 3 or 4 days after I got home and that was all. I took a couple extra days off after the RNY. I was definitely a little slower getting around after the RNY.....that said 16 days post op and have been back at work full time several days and I'm going camping with cub scouts this weekend....so I'm okay