Lower BMI- Need Advice on Lap Band vs Gastric Bypass

dpotter

Hello All:
I am scheduled for Lap Band on 4/14/08; although I hav not been through all of my doctor consultations. (Those are scheduled for next week)

I have a BMI of 37 and I am self-paying; so I do not have to hassle with insurance approvals. Just trying to decide what's the best choice for me.

Both of my parents had Gastric bypass 5 years ago and were very successful. I am using the same doctors and surgen who I thoroughly trust.

My questions include:

1)- Does anyone know if Gastric Bypass is reasonable for a lower BMI person?

2)- Did anyone look into this other option? if so, why did you choose Lap Band?

Thanks!!

Blund

My surgeon said that he would RATHER do RNY on a higher BMI, like 40+, but did not say anything regarding your question.

The RNY scares me because of all the plumbing being rearranged. My BMI is around 36, and I liked the fact that the band is not a permanent change to my insides, and the surgery is less complicated. Now if my BMI were higher and my surgeon reccommended RNY, I suppose I would consider it. Since I'm at my highest weight now, I don't know how I would feel with a lot higher BMI

__________________
BIRTHDAY BANDING APRIL 24TH !!


8/??/07 seminar
2/06/08 surg consult
2/07/08 nutritionist appt
2/15/08 psych exam
3/03/08 fax'd info to BC
3/07/08 BC approved
4/24/08 surgery

dpotter

BLUND: Thanks for taking the time to offer your thoughts. I agree with you but wanted to run it by someone else as well.

I have been going to weekly support groups at the hospital awaiting my surgery and it definitely appears that the band requires a different kind of "will power" (for lack of a better term) than the gastric.

Because the Ghrylin (spelling??) hormones are altered with the gastric they do not typically have the hunger issues that the bandsters do. But I do feel better knowing that I am not permanently changing my system. Especially at a relatively younger age still.

Thanks again!! And good luck to you.