Question:
To the VBGers and Bandsters

I know that most of you are RNY advocates. However I would prefer to have Lap Band or VBG.I seem to keep going back and forth as to which I prefer.Is the amount of weight loss and the rate of loss fairly similar between the 2 surgeries?    — Lisa F. (posted on May 14, 2003)

May 14, 2003
Get the band. The VBG failure rate is over 80% in 5 years. Band is making VBG obsolete.
   — Sam J.

May 14, 2003
I almost had the VBG in 95 and didn't know that it doesn't cure GERD (reflux. FYI in case you have that. The rny does cure it for most people.
   — ZZ S.

May 14, 2003
I DID have the VBG back in 1995. Seven years later I was revised to the RNY due to a staple line disruption. I was pretty happy with the VBG weight loss - about 100 pounds in a year. 30 more the second year. I gained back about 90 of the 130 I lost. Since last July I've lost about 80. If doctor's could find a way to transect the VBG pouch like they do for the RNY pouch, the failure rate due to staple line disruption would go down.
   — Ali M

May 14, 2003
I dont know how the 2 compare in weight loss, but I was banded just 8 days ago, and have a weight loss of 19#. My Dr. does both surgeries, but mentioned that the Adj. Lap-Band is taking the place of the VBG. I would HIGHLY recommend this procedure. I am already 100% recovered, and feeling fantastic! Keep in mind that in any circumstance (pregnancy, weight gain, plateus, etc) this can be adjusted! Can you tell I love my BAND!
   — Jessica P.

May 14, 2003
I'm also exploring the lap band, which I've heard is superior. Not only is it adjustable based on the rate you are losing (they can restrict the opening with a simple injection), but it's reversible if you develop serious complications. I've heard of so many people who lose weight but are suffering through chronic diarrhea and worse. One important consideration is to be absolutely honest with yourself about whether or not you would be able to "eat through" the surgery, i.e. expand the band by eating too much. One way to make sure is spend the time you are waiting for approval in a weight loss program and really try to learn some different coping mechanisms. I also love that recovery is very quick, which is so necessary for a single parent like me.
   — antiques55

May 14, 2003
Most studies show that those with the Lap-Band lose a little bit slower, but eventually catch up to the VBGers, with the medium and long-term weight loss stats being about the same (not all that great, compared with the RNY or the DS). The only reason I can think of to go for the VBG over the Lap-Band is if you want to combine the VBG with a vertical gastrectomy, a modification that some surgeons are doing now. This makes your "resevoir" (the part of your stomach that is under the band) much smaller, so you have more overall restriction. The reduction of the stomach also decreases post-op grehlin levels (one of the much-hyped "hunger hormones") and may help control your appetite. Of course, that would also make it a more invasive, less reversible surgery, so the benefits come with some costs. In contrast, the main advantage of the Lap-Band is that it's reversible, adjustable, and has the lowest risk profile of all weight loss surgeries. For very risk-averse individuals, it may be the perfect choice. Good luck with your decision.
   — Tally

May 14, 2003
I too was torn between procedures but I finally decided on Lap Band (over RNY) becuase it think it will meet my needs. My surgery date is June 26th with Dr. Geiss on Long Island. I went to his meeting last night and he said something that made me happy I made this decision. What he said was that there is a place for all types of surgery. For instance if the patient is in danger of a heart attack or has out of control diabeties then the RNY is a good option. In past years, there has been really only 1 good option. He proceeded by saying that after 3 years both the Banded patients and they Bypass patients are equal because the band can be adjusted at any time so you can continue weight loss over a longer period of time and the bypass patients gain back a small amount of weight in some cases. He suggested that those patients who have "time" on their side might want to get the band instead. I would suggest one important thing. Many people will give you advice but you must research all procedures and decide what is best for you. Take advice from experts such as those who actually DO the surgery. I would pick several in your area that do both the surgeries that you are interested in and interview THEM. If you get enough accurate information then you can best decide what fits your lifestyle. Good luck with whatever you choose and remember that you have a choice and you must decide what is best for you.
   — meliss0725

May 14, 2003
The only thing I have heard that freaked me out about the band is that insurance does not cover the band adjustments and as of now they really need to be done while using some kind of thing where they can see what they are doing. The doctors doing banding have been doing it only for a short time (in the US) so there is nobody who has the experience to do the fills without the aid of a picture with perfect accuracy. This would mean hundreds of dollars out of pocket numerous times a year. My surgeon figured around $3,000.00 per year. Yikes. The doctors who are doing banding are very gung-ho and of course feel that is superior but I really wonder if plastic that goes into your body really comes out so easily! I think it will take a few more years to see what the real deal with banding is. I am also just very squeemish about the whole port thing.
   — Carol S.

May 15, 2003
Just a little follow-up. My fills would be covered and if they were not under other insurance policies they cost around $200. The last poster who suggested over $3,000 per year would mean that people would be getting 15 fills per year. YIIKES!!! My surgeon may not EVER fill my band and to be perfectly honest I have heard that he send you right back to the nutritionist with your log to see if you are eating right beore he would EVER do a fill. By the way, too many fills will put you at risk for side effects like slippage.
   — meliss0725

May 18, 2003
To Carol S, I believe you have been fed some bad info. My doctor has performed well over 500 band surgeries, he does NOT use fluoro for fills, he has a great success rate, and a minuscule complication rate. Regarding the question about the "real deal" with banding, considering the fact that it's the weight loss surgery of choice everywhere EXCEPT the US, I think the "real deal" is that it's an excellent weight loss surgery, it's the safest weight loss surgery, and it's a very good choice for many people.
   — TMF

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