help.

has anyone been told that the lapband is not an option for u if u have more more than 200 pounds to loose.  im planning to use dr. gibbs in littlerock for the band and i have more than 200 to loose.  i have not had my one on one meeting with him yet.  i heard that lap band is for people with only 60 or so pounds to loose.  please reply asap as im waiting for insurance approval thanks brenda from alma

Hi Brenda, This info that I'm giving you has come to me from Carrie, Dr Gibbs nurse. According to the studies they've researched, lap band patients lose 50% of their weight in the first three years, where RNY patients lose much faster. Of course there are many other considerations for both procedures. I vote you talk to Dr Gibbs and have him help you to decide. He's VERY good at what he does and I'm sure he won't steer you wrong. Personally, if I had the amount of weight to lose that you do, I'd opt for RNY.....but that's just me. Keep us posted

I was told a year or so back by a Lap Band surgeon's staff that Lap Band would not be a good option for me.  They didn't say that I couldn't have Lap Band, just that it wouldn't be good for me.  At that time my weight was 350lbs so I had 200+ lbs to lose.  From what I understand with Lap Band the weightloss is more slower than other WLS options, such as the Gastric Bypass RNY, DS and other WLS's.  I have heard good reviews about Dr. Gibbs from his patients, and he could help you with making that decision.  Talk it over with him, and also visit the other boards on Obesityhelp and get points of views from other people and their surgeries.  You could also go and ask on the Lap Band board and see if there are any people who have had Lap Band and had 200+ lbs to lose and read their stories. 

I agree with Susan and Evelyn.  I'd talk it over with your surgeon, but with that much to lose - I'd RNY if I were you. 

Good luck in whatever you decide and keep us updated!

Much love - Wen

I agree also, I had the RNY by Dr. Gibbs. He is simply the best. I have not had any problems. Just follow the guidelines and you will be fine.

I had over 200 lbs to lose when I was banded, and Dr. Luttrell said he thought I was an excellent candidate for Lapband.  I had very little downtime after my surgery, no side-effects (so far *s*), and my weight loss, after I started eating solids again, has been a steady 1-2 lbs a week.  It's slow, but hey- I didn't put it on overnight, so why should getting rid of it be any faster?  :)  Also, I'm hoping that this way I won't have to have any excess skin taken up.  I am terrified of surgery and I hope to avoid ever having it again!

It was my understanding that each person is different and the type of surgery depends on each individual. I was told to research all kinds and come prepared to let the surgeon what I was comfortable with and he would discuss the options for my choice or alternate choices after reviewing my records and seeing me. I dont know if that helps just thought I would share what I was told.