Torn

I am really torn between gastric bypass and lap band. How long did it take to return to work after bypass?

Hey Joann, I was home roughly one month after my bypass surgery. But everyone is different. And you need to discuss with your surgeon what your best alternative is. Lap bands are temporary and gastric bypass is permanent. I am very happy and grateful I had the gastric surgery. I would do again in a heartbeat. It saved my life. Good luck with your decision. Check some of the group here's profiles to see our stories and that may help you too. But again discuss your options with your doctor and your surgeon that you have chosen. Hugs KimC

Kim: Where on EARTH did you get the notion that "Lapbands are temporary"? That is NOT the case!! They are in there FOR LIFE!!! Please don't misinform people about a procedure that you have not had.

Hi Joan, I was Driving a week after my Gastric bypass surgery. I had it done "Laporscopicly" so the wound holes were very small. I was back at work in 3 weeks,. Everyone is different. It's more important to think of which surgery will work better for you! I agree with Kim. Look very hard into both procedures and the results from both before making your decision. "Knowledge is Power" Ask lots of Questions. Lots of good people here ready to answer them! Take Care

I've got to one up youi for this one. Just can't resist. I ended up in the hospital for 3 extra days because of a case of hiccups. Sp I was there for 6 days rather than 3. The next day, I took Melissa to work in Cromwell during a smow storm, went shopping at Expect Drug and Stop and Shop, went home, washed 2 loads of towels, dried and put away, went back to pick-up Melissa, took her home, picked up Joanne and went to group that night, and then went out to dinner. Had water. The NEXT day I was back at work. The end of that week I took Melissa back to Albany to school, moved her stuff in, and setup her computer. All while wearing a brace?? (Wonders why?) Went to candy show the next day. Philadelphia. I may own the crown for stupid! Peter

Hi Joann, I was out for a month. I had open RNY. I would do it again in a heart beat! Hugs, Chrissy

Hi Joann, I also had gastric bypass and although I chose to stay out of work for 6 weeks, I actually could have easily gone back to work in 3-4 weeks. I was out at the mall clothes shopping for my son 5 days after surgery. In my opinion this was the best surgery for me, and I would do it again in a heartbeat! Good luck with your decision making. I know how tough it can be. Sandy

Joann: If you want information about the Lap Band, please either talk to a surgeon, or someone who HAS one. I had mine done in December 2003 and have lost well over 200 pounds with it. It's NOT "temporary". It's NOT necessarily a slower weight loss - or smaller loss - than you'd get with a bypass. Please feel free to have a look at my profile or email me for accurate information about life with, and success with, a Lap Band. Bette December 2003 220+ pounds gone forever

You really need to discuss this with a surgeon who can help you decide, based on your specific cir****tance and health issues. That would be best. Our opinions on the surgery types really don't matter. Just FYI- I had Open RNY and was back at work in 2 weeks. (1/2 days for the first week back then full time at week 3). So- find yourself a good surgeon and consult with them to make your decision! Best of luck. Lisa C

Hi joanne I had laproscopic g/b on April 6th and have lost 87 lbs so far,,I have gotten off social security disability and returned to work full time.I was in the hospital (danbury) for only 4 nights,and was doing things around the house after 1 1/2 weeks,,I feel good,and look good,,I would do it over in a hearbeat. I dont think kim meant temporary for lap band the way bette took it,I think that upon all the people we know that have had lap band,she is one of the greater success stories,but from all that I know alot of them are disappointed with the amount of weight lost compared to gastric bypass,its a harder surgery,but I do believe there is better results for most with it.Everyone is different and you have to really search the information on all doctors and surgeries,,do whatever you think is right for you,,please do not take anything anyone says in a bashing manner,,kim is one of the most supportive people on this site and I have respected her words from day one.Go with what you think is best,,we all have our own opinions and success stories,,some not so successfull stories...Read them all,,look at profiles,,etc..Take care and keep the faith,,,cyndee