Lap Band vs. Sleeve

I really want to get the lap band, but everyone is pointing towards the sleeve.  I don't wish to have any part of my stomach removed...at all.....but so many people tell me that the band doesn't work.  I am willing to go the extra mile to make it work (eating right, exercise), but I don't want to drop a lot of money and get no results.  Also, lots of people are telling me that the side effects are horrible....but I haven't read that in any of yall's posts.  Please shed some light on this for me.  I know each person will react differently , but I need a little encouragement....a little pick me up.....so that I will feel good about my decision. Any words of wisdom??   Frustrated... Stacey  :(

I had the Lap Band Surgery on September 19th and have lost 48.9lbs already.  I haven't even had a fill yet.  I have had no problems at all it was very easy and it is working extreemely well for me.  I am surper happy with my new band, clothes are getting to be way to big for me, going through the closet getting rid of clothes that are too BIG is soooooo much fun, as it shopping and having to go and get smaller sizes.  I recommend the Band very highly.......                                                                            Kerri

Lap Band works? Yes. Some have problems? Yes. Means what for you? Very little. This is a very personalized journey and it opens out a lot about the person and their makeup.  It's not very easy -- especially in those first couple of years when other folks are sneezing and dropping weight easily. Now, three plus years out, I feel like I'm sitting in the cat-bird seat (very old phrase) because at three years and very, very little fill in my band, I'm not better or worse off in terms of my wls tool's effectiveness. Most people can't get past the fact that there's little "magic" in the first year, but there's also no window of opportunity or stomach parts lost forever. All that said, I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the sleeve, the RNY, the surgeons and patients involved in them. Educate yourself on the facts. Learn what people mean when they say "IT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME!" and most of all, choose what's best for you. I've not written in a year, but my blog is full of my banded life -- recipes, pictures and sad stories. I've had lots of things happen (not related to the band) which had affect on my weight loss, but the band itself it still holding strong and is quite effective in helping me maintain this current size. I wish you well and if you "really" want to know how to make the band work and work with it, let's talk. You might be surprised how the simply formula works for countless folks here. If nothing else, check out the profile of Tricia K (from Hammond) -- she is a banded WONDER WOMAN! Onward, Frances

You've ruled out RNY?

I considered lap-band but chose RNY gastric bypass because of the inability for RNY patients to consume sugary foods after surgery. Sugar / candy has always been my weakness and from what I understand sugar doesn't really cause any issues for Lap-Band patients. Since Lap-Band is a physical restriction only there is no dumping associated. Some RNY peeps see the dumping syndrome as a 'complication' while I see it as a perk. When I eat the wrong stuff and get sick from it shortly therafter dumping is always a swift kick in the ass to put me back on track.

It's such a personal decision. Loads of people have been successful with the many different surgeries out there. I was banded 9/17/07 and have lost 34 pounds. With the band, you won't just melt away. It's definitley work....That being said.....I love my band. It fits with what I want to accomplish. Slow, steady weightloss that will last a lifetime.

As far as the side effects.....all of the surgeries have their drawbacks. Think about how you eat....are you a grazer, overeater, sugar addict. Then choose the surgery that will help you with your particular issue. I am an overeater. Love, love, love food and could eat quite a bit at one sitting. The band helps me with this.

Good luck!

 

I have been known to graze, but I am definately classified as an overeater.  I can put enough food away for 2 people at one sitting.  I can eat healthy foods, but I eat so much at one time that it isn't healthy....you know?? Thanks for your advice!

Hi Stacey! Be sure to check out the VSG forum too and our "unofficial" VSG site www.vsgfaq.com  I got my sleeve on June 5th and I've lost 95 pound since my surgery.  117 total from my highest.   When I first started this journey 2 and a half years ago, I saw Dr. Bellanger and he pushed the lap band.  I went through all the hoops and then fell through the cracks during a staff change at his office.  I didn't pu**** and I'm so glad I didn't...  Back in March, I started looking into lap band again...  I had ballooned up to 425 (first visit with Dr. B, I was 375).  I was miserable with my self and my life.  As I started researching again, I was finding all of these complications coming up about the band, such as erosions, slippage, band failure, port failure, productive burping, hunger issues (such as an insatiable hunger at the pit of your stomach, but the inablilty to fill it because of the type of restriction), plus lots more...  I have failed on every diet I've ever been on, because of the hunger issues.  I can't live for the rest of my life feeling like I'm starving and not be able to do anything about it.  They say that the band is supposed to put pressure on the vegus nerve and that is what is supposed to make you feel like you aren't hungry, but that's not something that works for everyone.   I knew that the band was not for me.  I was a massive overeater...  Loved sweets...  I thought that the bypass was my only option.  I started looking into that and I felt really uncomfortable with having my intestines rerouted...  It just didn't feel right.   Then one day I came across the VSG...  I did all the research that I could manage and I was sold the first day.  There is a gland in your stomach that produces the hormone Ghrelin.  That is the hunger hormone.  With this surgery, they remove it.  Your intestines produce a small amount of the hormone but no where near as much as the stomach does.  This surgery is purely restrictive like the band, but without the risk of complication.  There is no malabsorption like with the bypass so you have no risk of malnurishment.  In addition, your tastes change severly for most.  I no longer crave sweet things and most things that I used to like, are too sweet and turn my stomach to think about them.   I have a 3oz stomach.  I feel like even though I can only eat a fraction of what I used to, I can still eat a normal meal...  just much smaller...  I can tolerate anything... even bread (unlike bandsters)...  It's easier to make healthier choices.  I choose not to eat bread as I want every calorie to count.  I don't feel altered in any way...  And, I no longer feel controled by food and my hunger.  The hunger simply isn't there.  If I eat too many carbs, I feel "emptier" faster, but that is all that hungry is to me now...  "Empty"...  Then it's time to refill.  I eat about 5 times a day.   I'm not saying anything negative about the other WLS...  what is right for one might not be right for all.  I understand this.  I know that the sleeve is right for me and my life.  I love my sleeve.  I've still got a long way to go, but I know that with this tool, I can get there and know that it will work with me for the rest of my life! Hope some of this helps.  Sorry it's so long... ~Lauren~

The band does work if you're willing to commit and follow the rules. I haven't had any side effects from it and I've been banded since September of 2005. I'm 1 pound below my goal weight and live a normal life. I hope you find the best surgery out there for you. Good luck!!