Decision to make

Thank you for welcoming me to this site. It is so wonderful to be able to communicate with people who have "walked the walk". I saw Dr. Aranow yesterday and was surprised when he told me I was a good candidate for the lap band. I had the idea of gastric bypass in my mind and that's what I've been thinking about for this last year and a half. He thought I should really consider the lap band and gave me some literature about it. I don't know anyone who has had it done but do know several people who have had gastric bypass and all are success stories. I need to do some research and find out more about the lap band. He told me that the weight loss isn't as fast which I don't care about. But he also said the weight loss isn't as much. Would the people who have had the lap band agree with this? If I go with the lap band we have to change our insurance company because they do not cover the lap band at all. That's not a real big deal since we can do this as of July 1st. I just need to try to figure this out. I had my mindset ready for the bypass and feel like I was sent a curve ball. Anyway, if there are any lap band folks out there who want to share their story with me I'd love to hear them! Thank you so.... much!

Claudia, the statistics I have read show that at the 5 year mark, the weightloss is about equivilant between the two. My surgeon prefers to do the lap band when possible because it is less inavasive, removable and lower risk. He also believes that there will be a cure for obesity within 10 to 20 years. I should be banded next month and have done a lot of researching and soul searching and decided that this is right for me. Some web sites you can check out are: www.spotlighthealth.com (ask any question you want and find the post banding 101-it answers a lot of questions.) www.lapbandforlife.com I hope this helps. Keep us posted on what you decide to do. It took me a year to decide. Maggie

Hi Maggie, Thanks for the info! I've been on the different sites gathering info on the lap band. May 10th is just around the corner! I'll be thinking of you! -Claudia

Claudia, There are alot of different views out there about the lap band.Originally I was considering the lap band until I realised that the reason I wanted to go that route was out of fear.I read about it being less invasive and non permanent and less risky.When I finally made my decision to have lap gastric bypass,I knew I got there because I was certain that this was my last shot,that I did need something permanent and started to see stories out here about complications from the banding.Please know they do exist.I wonder what made your doctor think you were a good candidate for banding as opposed to bypass.Did he list the pros and cons to go along with his thinking of you as a good banding patient? Keep searching and reading so you make the best decision for you as possible,because it is you who makes the final decision for you.best of luck. Carol

Hi Carol, Thank you for your input. My doc thought I was a good candidate for the lap band because I have lost weight before (100lbs. twice and numerous times losing 30-50 lbs.) but just can't keep it off. I read some literature and have spent quite a bit of time on the internet researching the lap band and the success rate doesn't seem to be there. I hate the idea of going through surgery and then ending up back where I am right now. If I'm going to do that I might as well white nuckle through Weigh****cher's one more time and after a few years I'll have the same result - have gained the weight back again. I just keep hearing the doc say, "The last thing you want to do is have the bypass and wish you had done the band." I'm really leaning towards gastric bypass. I feel in my inner soul that that is the right thing for me. I have gotten lots of input from family and friends who think I will be successful with the band and think I should do that. Thank God, my husband is supportive of whichever I choose! Again, thank you for your thoughts!

Hi claudia .....welcome I 'm maybe half way way down the road in this process and Dr. Aranow is my doc too. He told me I also would be a good candidate for the lap band ....I am not much of a sweet eater. Banding is minimaly invasive, recovery is faster. this web site has a seperate forum for bandsters. Thry are a good source for ???????. there are several bandsters in this ct site and I'm sure they will help you with ???? and concerns. good luck in your quest angel

Hello Angela. I am right now going through the consults that are needed to get approval for the Lap Band. I just found out that my insurance carrier doesn't cover the Lap Band procedure. Blue Cross Blue Shields is the insurance carrier I currently have. Before I was laid off I had Connecticare. I am now working again and chose Blue Cross and Blue Shiels instead. I have open enrollment coming in May. What insurance carrier do you have that covers the Lap Band in CT. I don't know if I should just go back to Connecticare. I like them alot.

Hi Angela, Thank you for the info about the lap band forum. I've spent a lot of time on there reading the posts and have gotten a lot of my questions answered. Dr. A did tell me that the band is not a good choice for a person with a sweet tooth! Are you getting the band? Did you consider gastric bypass? I have two small children so the idea of not being in the hospital as long and having a quicker recovery is something I need to consider. Again, thank you!

Hi Claudia. Ironically enough, I have the inverse of your story. I am a patient of Dr. A and I had originally wanted Lap Band. I was all set with my decision. Then I went to see him and he informed,me, after our discussions, that I wasn't a great candidate for lap band, in his eyes. He thought I'd do better with RNY. It was quite a curve ball! So, I know how you feel! My best friend had lap band,back when it was still in scientific trials and is what I consider to be 'less than successful'. I just thought I could 'do it better'. It took me a little while to be 'ok' with the decision for RNY. He gave me excellent reasons pro and con. So, I felt I had all the facts I needed. You know what- in retrospect, he was absolutely positively RIGHT! I needed the behavior modification that RNY gives desperately, in order to permanently change my eating habits. Now, I can't say if lap band is right or wrong for you. I don't know you. Only you and Dr. A can decide that. But, what I can say is that you should make sure you are comfortable with the 'whys' of lap band being the choice for you. I personally know folks who have 'failed' with the lap band, just as I know a few folks around these parts who have 'failed' with RNY. Both are just tools! It's all in how you use them... Good luck to you! Lisa C

Hi Lisa, I completely related to your thoughts that you "could do the lap band better." One of my struggles with coming to terms with needing WLS was admitting to myself that I do need help to beat this problem. When I first starting thinking about this I asked myself numerous times why I can't do it on my own. I told myself I had done it before and can do it again. But the truth is that I haven't really done it because here I am again. I need long term weight loss to live a healthier life. I am starting to see the signs in my own body of what weighing 100 lbs. more than I should for 20 years can do. I feel that this is the only way for me to "get out from under it." I could also relate to your comment on needing the behavior mod that gb requires. I see WLS as an aid to help me be healthier for the long haul. Right now, I am leaning towards GB. I feel deep inside that that is what is best for me. Thank you for your thoughts. They were very helpful!