question re; lap band

Hey to all, My sister is just playing with the idea re: lap band. I had gastric bypass last Dec and have been so successful but this is to perm for her. The lap band I have heard is reversable. Can anyone who has had it give me info? What does yor BMI have to be? Anything would be appreciated. Thank you Carrie

Carrie That is funny--I was about to post a question re: lap banding also! A friend of mine is interested. I DO know it IS reversable. She had a question tho...if you decide to keep it in...does it have to be replaced from time to time? Joanie

Hi Carrie and Joanie, I am also looking into the lap band and many of your questions can be answered on the lap band message board. They are very friendly and will be willing to answer any questions you may have. Funny how I never thought about replacement of the band. I have read of erosion of the band and it needing to be replaced, the band moving and needing to be put back in position, but I have not read about replacing it. Now I need to know! Guess I will mozie (sp?) on over there to find out! Have a great day! Nancy K

One of the great myths of weight loss surgery folklore is that the LapBand is reversible. Any foreign body that is inserted around an organ (as the LapBand is) tends to develop adhesions; consequently, that tends to prevent the LapBand from being removed. The patient, however, can work with her surgeon to moderate the amount and frequency with which the LapBand is insulflated thereby potentially minimizing the extent of the fullness that the LapBand (when filled) promotes. The LapBand provides a means of modest weight loss that is the right choice for many patients, provided the patient is willing to work closely with his (or her) surgeon. However, as with any surgical means of assisting weight loss, the LapBand does present some complications and is not reversible.

Steve... That's not entirely true. The Lapband IS reversible, HOWEVER, patients looking into it should consider it permanent. Dr. Barba did a case on Wed. that was a removal of the band and then he was bypassed. Patients taking the band out is a lot more common than people think... Jessica

Interesting............... Not that it is reversable, but that they had it remoived and a RNY done. A surgeon in NYC had a RNY done, and a few years later added a lap band in order to control intake. So, there are all kinds of possibilities. BTW, a RNY is reversable, but the risk of reversal strongly outweighs any kind of benefit. Peter

Hi Carrie, Your BMI has to be 40 if you have no co-morbidities (sp?). High blood pressure, diabetes, etc. If you have any of these weight related health problems you can have it done if you have a lower BMI too. My surgeon has said it is reversible. and...to answer the other question to one of your replies, it does not have to be replaced from time to time unless you have a problem with erosion, which I have been told is very minimal, if at all. I went to my PCP to see if I was a good candidate. Your sister could do the same. Hope this helps, and let me know if you have anymore questions. Bree

The statistics (which seem consistent among many of those surgeons who have published) is that about 6 percent of patients will develop complications following Lap Band surgery that will require re-operation. It appears that there is a little better than a 2% incidence of Lap Band erosions developing within the first 2 years. As for the procedure being reversible, patients can decide to not have their Lap Bands refilled thereby minimizing any restrictive nature of the procedure. Although surgeons do remove the band, in most instances, unless the Band causes problems, it would not be removed. The bottom line is that the Lap Band can offer modest weight loss success and is a good choice for certain groups of people, but that it is not without some complications and some limitations.

Steve, What you say concerning lap band may be true, but don't all surgeries have some complications and limitations? I think everyone must do what is best for them and that is why there are choices. We have to listen to what our surgeons recommend and in some cases as you have mentioned, the lap band is the best. Not enough studies have been done with Weight Loss Surgery and some co-morbidities. I have been told the lap band IS reversible by every surgeon I have seen. Some of us wish they would recommend RNY but our existing illnesses don't allow this kind of surgery and have to settle for the Lap Band. Nancy K

I didn't even have a RNY vs lap band discussion with my surgeon- my insurance only covers RNY - LOL- that was easy!!!!