Weight Loss Surgery - New to this Forum! Question: RNY or Lap Band?!

Hi all,

I'm new here! I'm 5'8, 305 pounds, (started dieting at 316) and I'm about 3 months away (Lord willing) from insurance approval for my RNY.

Problem is, I still have some fears and doubts about the RNY...because the simple fact is that it's much riskier. I fear dying in the weeks after surgery. I fear also losing a ton of weight but being sick all the time!

Do you know anyone who's had the RNY and who died or who is so sick they regret the surgery?

I would do the lap band, but my fears of that are: Losing so slowly that I will be discouraged and out-eat the band...having erosion...

So, if you are RNY, why did you think this was the best choice for you? Do you personally know anyone who had a bad experience (long-term?)

As with any major surgery, there are going to be risks with WLS. Nowadays, however, with new technology happening almost every day, the risks are getting lower; my own surgeon listed the risks of RNY at around 2 percent, with the death rate even lower. It's not to say it will happen, but it is less frequent than it used to be in the earlier days.

I think experience with this varies from person to person, and the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor and read up on both types of surgeries as much as you can. I did a lot of this before I had my own surgery, because, like you, I wanted to see what I was getting into and what the risk factors were.

You've already made a good start by coming here. Good luck to you! :)