Lap-Band or RNY?

Scientific studies are showing the LAP BAND is as effective as gastric bypass. This slide, and the slide below, show the results of 219 patients who had the RNY gastric bypass (labeled LRYGB) and 154 patients who had the LAP-BAND (the open circles labeled LAGB). They were identical groups of patients in terms of age, weight, and gender.

This graph compares excess weight loss between patients who had the RNY gastric bypass (solid dots labeled LRYGB) and patients who had the LAP-BAND (labeled LAGB). RNY gastric bypass patients lose weight quickly after surgery but, RNY patients start to regain weight later. The LAP-BAND patients catch up with the RNY patients, that is, they lose more slowly and they continue to lose weight even three years out. Over time the LAP-BAND patients lose as much weight as RNY patients.

Patients who have the RNY are told they have a “golden window” where they lose weight, usually 18 months. You can see in this graph that at 18 months the RNY patients plateau, or have achieved their weight loss, and even begin to regain weight (see how the line starts to go down). There is no “golden window” for the LAP-BAND. The LAP-BAND can be adjusted to continue to lose weight if they need to. It is adjustable to your needs. This slide was reproduced from data published by Patterson in the Journal of Gastric Surgery in 2005

The data is clear: the LAP BAND, over time, allows a lasting, a permanent weight loss. Patients who have the RNY lose in the first few months, then regain their weight. When comparing data of the Body Mass Index (BMI) you see that the LAP-BAND loses slowly, but continues to lose after three years. The LAP-BAND is represented by the open circles labeled (LAGB) on top.

The RNY, shown in the solid circles labeled LRYGB shows a slight increase in the BMI after 18 months, meaning there is a tendency to regain weight after the RNY. Early on the RNY patients lose weight more quickly, but you can see they reach a plateau and then begin to regain weight.

Another reason that having an adjustable system works better– it allows for changes over time. Slow weight loss, but steady. This study clearly shows patients with higher BMI do as well with the LAP-BAND as the RNY. It is clear in the LAP-BAND v. RNY the LAP-BAND wins. The LAP BAND wins over time, any study that looks at a year or a year and a half is too short-sighted. It is the long-term results that are important.The LAP-BAND is over ten times safer. The LAP-BAND is as effective. Do not be fooled by old statistics about the LAP-BAND, often those studies were done by surgeons who did not have a dedicated practice to the LAP-BAND, and the technique they used is no longer done.

Newer publications have confirmed that the LAP-BAND is the safest weight loss operation, but it is more effective than the RNY. The first studies done in the United States were done poorly, and by surgeons who did not have a center dedicated to helping the LAP-BAND patient. Those early studies showed poor weight loss and frequent repeat operations. Those studies were not done by surgeons comfortable with laparoscopic surgery, and using techniques that are no longer used for the LAP-BAND. The latest studies show great results with the LAP-BAND in centers that are dedicated to the LAP-BAND. Why? Because these centers know how to adjust bands, follow their patients carefully, and take the time to educate their patients about how to use their new tool.

Our Center is dedicated to the LAP-BAND. The LAP-BAND is the only weight loss operation we do. We know how to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

The RNY trades one disease for another: it trades obesity for malabsorption. By re-arranging your guts you sometimes have severe side effects, and can have long-term problems such as iron deficiency anemia, calcium deficiency leading to osteoporosis.

The LAP-BAND allows you to lose weight without re-arranging your insides — no malabsorption. The LAP- BAND is the modern tool for weight loss! Are you interested in The LAP-BAND? The LAP-BAND is just the start of the journey, and more than surgery we offer the most comprehensive after-care program in the industry. We know how to make your LAP-BAND work for you. If you are interested in our program, we would love to talk with you. People from around the State of Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Colorado, as well as states as far away as New Jersey have their LAP-BAND done here. Why? Because our aftercare is available to our patients, and enables them to get to their goal, and stay there.