Dr said no lapband
on 1/27/11 9:30 pm
My surgeon initially tried to steer me towards the bypass because he said I would achieve a greater % loss of my excess weight. I think a lot of surgeons (especially those with no personal weight issues) think us obese folks want to lose the absolute most weight any surgery can help us lose and the recommend surgeries on that basis. I'm not sure they "get it" that we would be so ecstatically happy to lose just a good chunk of our excess weight.
If your goal is to lose 50lbs, which sounds from your post to be about 50% of your excess weight I think with the band that is very doable and realistic -- although you can always lose even more by being diligent about food choices and activity levels.
When you have a band, the support from your surgeon (and his team) are vital. If you end up choosing a band, you will most likely need to find a surgeon that is going to be support and work with you towards your weight loss success. Just imagine if you are having any kind of an issue with the band and need to talk it over and work out a solution. Would you want to do that with somebody that has already made up their mind that you will be a failure with the band?
I know this is tough and a big disappointment for you. Take some time and think things over and make what you believe to be the best decision for you and then be proud of it.
Trixie
on 1/27/11 9:41 pm - Hatboro, PA
I agree with everyone and tell you that you have to go with what you feel comfortable. At my consultation I was 214 and the doctor told me that I would be a great candidate for the Band and he and his nutritionist told me that 140-145 would be a great weight for me. I'm 57 yrs old, 5'4" and had my surgery Aug. 30th. Today I weigh 162.5 and am so happy that I have the Band and that it's worked for me. I've been very fortunate and have had 2 fills and I follow my doctors and nutritionist advice to the t.
Well neither mine or my hubby's insurance covers any type of WLS so I am self pay. There are so many sides to both the band and sleeve. I know with any of the surgeries if you don't follow the rules you will gain all weight back. I just thought since the band was adjustable it would be better. Wish there were some long term results with the sleeve
Best~
Lisa O.
Again, if you believe your doctor is excellent and highly experienced with the band, you may want to consider heeding his advice. He is likely living the longterm statistics of the band with his patients. For all of our advice and experiences here on OH, none of us (that I am aware of) are surgeons with a large lap band patient caseload. He is. He knows how many of his patients are requiring removals or follow-up surgeries for repairs. Ask him these questions. I doubt he would be advising against something without some kind of justification.
Good luck and keep us updated,
Lindsey