I did not have the lapband before GBS, but I do know that GBS tends to be more effective as far as weight loss goes. You really can't "cheat" it, at least initially.

There is hair loss after any major surgery because your body skips one or two growth cycles, but it comes back eventually. That's a vanity issue.

You might want to ask your medical team for a nutritional guide ahead of time so that you are prepared for the post-surgery diet. :)

Can't say I went from band to RNY but my experience with RNY has been awesome. I met goal in 10 months and went 25 beyond by my first year. I healed well and had no complications. Have you read the What newbies need to know" post. It provides some great information. Keep educating yourself!

I went from band to RNY but I began having problems with my band from the beginning so they took all the fluid out after about 6 months and it just set there for a few years. Another doctor tried working with and the same thing; either I had no restriction or I couldn't even keep down water..no middle ground with me.

The difference was that I was up and on my feet pretty quick with the band but with RNY I had issues getting in enough protein right after surgery, lots of pain, and I was surprised by how tired I was. I was off work for a month (band was 5 days), but I also had my gall bladder removed. With RNY I am nauseated a lot even almost 2 months out.

It is very different because with the band it seemed like everything happend way up in my chest and I have had to get used to having feelings of fullness or nausea way down in my actual stomach. I'm also shocked by how little my portions are and that I can be so full.

So I find the RNY very different. I do wish I had done this in the beginning.

I had the band in 06 and it has not worked for me. I keep trying and thinking, "this time will be it". I'm afraid I missed my chance to be a normal weight and it is causing many health issues. I have little grandkids and I can't keep up with them and play with them the way I want to.
When I first looked into WLS, I was leaning towards gastric bypass and my husband was afraid of that option of something being permanent and the lapband is adjustable. I want something to work for me. Any help or info to pass along to me would be appreciated. I',m feeling very discouraged.

I wanted a band when they were popular. I never got one due to insurance not covering it.
When I went to check out the RNY I was still asking about the band. My surgeon told us he had removed more bands and replaced them with the RNY than he had installed in years past when they were the rage.
The RNY offers not only the chance to not be hungry on a small amount of food but also to absorb less of it. So you get a double benefit from the RNY.
Yes you can cheat on either one. it's a wonderful tool but just that a tool. You got to do your part. The RNY is very forgiving though. It makes maintaining much easier.