Lapband vs. Gastric Bypass

Hi everyone! I am in my preapproval stage for WLS and have one more month to go. I have Great West and they require 6 months. Anyways, I have been struggling with which procedure would be best and the one thing about LAP BAND is I am worried about how long that can exist in my system. Anyone who has had LapBAnd, if you have any idea, it would be great to hear from you and how you came to make your decision between the two?? Thanks, Anne

The lap band forum would be a great place to post your question. There are people on there who have had thier band for a few years already so they probably know more. I am also considering the lap band, but I hadn't thought about that. Let me know if you find out. You should also try the lapband website. Good luck! Sherry

I have heard that there is research showing that lap band's only last for a maximum of 10 years until your body starts to reject them and they have to be removed. I think people that are lap banders are die hard lap banders and same for the gastric bypass. Everyone thinks the procedure they've had or are going to get is the best. I say this because it will be hard to get an unbiased opinion. I'd suggest talking to a surgeon that prefers lap band and another that prefers gastric bypass to see what they say may be best for your situation. I chose gastric bypass because it is permanent and if you follow the plan so is the weight loss. Also lap banders lose up to half of their excess weight and gastric bypass lose 80%...I want to lose as much as possible of my excess weight. Half would leave me bigger than I'd like. Gastric bypass surgery is alot more invasive. I've heard that some people with lap band later revert to gastric bypass. I think both surgeries can be used and can have permenent positive results. It's a matter of pros and cons and which set you want. Both have a completely different set of issues. I hope you can make a choice that you are happy with, I know it's a big one. Good luck with your journey!! ~Christal/dionysus_star

HI, From all the reports I have read, the Lap Band can only stay in you for a max. of 10 years. After that it turns against you and it must come out at that time.

I am having the lap band done tomorrow. It is a very personal choice for you and your doctor to decide which type of surgery would be the best for you. But in all of my research, I haven't been told that the bands only last for 10 years. I don't think this is the truth! Also after a few years, the weight loss is the same for Rny or lap band. You may lose it faster with the bypass, but it is slow and steady with the band. But again, this is a personal choice and good luck with whichever one you decide on.j Chrissy

I would be interested to see what reports your looking at because I have researched a whole lot and have never heard that the band only last 10 years. No offense, but that is just garbage. Even the company's website states it is meant to stay in for life. Here is the company's website and should be able to answer most of your questions.

Lots of misinformation in this thread! May i respond? The band is made of the same long-lasting materials that other very long-lasting medical implants are made of. There are no moving parts to wear out. The present bands have been in people about 15 yrs so far, and are going strong. A number of well-known medical people, including band surgeons, have had their own bands without trouble for longer than 12 yrs already, and I plan to be one also. They are meant to last a LIFETIME. The body does not reject the band. The band does not explode at 10 yrs. If we take good care of our stomachs, there is no reason at all they can not last 20-30-40 years. Anyone wishing more info on the Band, please join us in the OH LapBand forum for accurate information. Sandy R, RN, MN at goal x 3+ yrs Bandster and Band practioner

I to am having lapband, my surgeon does both, Lapbands at one time were know to be absorbed at times. this may be what is being refered to but as my surgeon told me there have been new tech learned to prevent that from happening. I have a body mass index over 50. My surgeon told me I could loss up to 80% of my excess body weight which kinda puts that 50 percent in the old books. I chose the lapband because of the saftey issues. 1st I don't have the malabsortion problems, 2nd when I reach goal weight if I choose to stay there I have more control with a band whereas I don't with bypass. 3rd I can't undo bypass I can the lapband, 4th if I start gaining weight back I can get a fill. INot a whole lot I can do with the bypass unless a doc learns a way to bypass it! Again as others have said you have to do whats right for you and whats healthiest for you. Good luck on your journey!!! Remember there are positives and negatives to both surgeries. ReginaK RN

Regina, the 50% stats are way old, dating from the time that the band was first used in the US (1998) , and all the docs were VERY inexperienced. The new average loss is more like 60-70% of excess weight, and this includes the people who give up and are unable to learn what is needed. There is absolutely NO reason at all that you cannot lose 100% of your excess, as many many thousands of people have - and have a good chance at keeping it off. Be sure to choose a highly-expereinced BAND surgeon, not just one who does mostly bypasses. There is a huge difference in surgery, aftercare, nutrition, and more. I know of no cases , reports, or studies where the band was "absorbed" - it is a medical grade of sterile silicon that cannot be absorbed, any more than artifical valves or hips can be "absorbed." Please join us on the LapBand forum, where we'll help you learn all the things needed to LOSE that 100% ! Sandy R 100% lost and kept off x 3+ yrs

Congratulations on losing the weight and being able to maintain. However, before you write of things you don't know (studies were the band was "absorbed") actually look for them. I understand that people that have had lap band feel a loyalty to the procedure just like those with gastric bypass. But neither procedure is perfect and telling people that they will not have complications that the manufactuer even admits can and probably will happen is a great disservice for those seeking information. As an average people with lap band lose 50%-60% of their excess weight. As an average people with gastric bypass lose 80-90% of their excess weight. There are always people that can exceed those expectations (like yourself). However, people should expect an average result even with alot of hard work. Please see my other post regarding the manufactuerers study. ~Christal/dionysus_star