LB vs VSG - final decision due 4/5

Hi - I just got cleared for surgery (yea, me!) and I've been told that I have until 4/5 to commit to one surgery versus the other (Lap-Band vs. VSG).

A little background (Reader's Digest version) - weight issues since high school, got worse after kids, lost and regained the same weight (and then some) for 20 years.

I had been researching the Lap-Band for years, then started researching VSG about a year ago.  I decided that the Lap-Band was the best decision for me and I decided to move forward with that decision. 

I was completely committed to getting the LB, but I can definitely say that I've been dismayed to see some of the negative (in my opinion) posts about the band, it's long-term success, etc.  I am encouraged by the many long-term successful bandsters on here and, as a generally compliant person, I believe I will work well with the band.  But, since I am self-pay, I am wondering if I should do the VSG "right out the gate".

I'm ordering Jean's book, hoping it will get to me by Monday.  In all fairnerss, I should mention that I manage an anxiety disorder, so over-analyzing things and second-guessing is  part of my process.  I would just like to get some ***positive*** feedback before I make my final commitment next week.

I appreciate you for taking the time to read this~!

Congrats to you first and foremost!!

I've not had surgery yet mine is on the 6th and I'm so excited. I was diagnosed with Diabetes after blacking out in the ER Lobby with no pulse that scared the hell out of me! When you see your son who's a 3x Iraqi Soldier in the corner of the hospital room bawling his eyes out cause he thought his Mother died was enough for me to say "Starr, you're not 30 anymore you're 50 wake the hell up" LOL

So I wiped out my savings and went to see Dr. Ganta. A Friend of mine from our local radio station had a sleeve done and has lost 87lbs since December. So I decided I was going to go talk to him and see what he suggested.. I kinda left it to him, he does this more than I do he knows what he sees in results and what doesn't work. His suggestion for me was the Lapband, it was the least of body organs being moved or having my stomach cut in half. If I could have afforded it I would have done the sleeve only for the faster results from the sleeve. But I'm happy with my decision.. cause the band isn't a cure.. it's a tool and I'll only get out of it what I put into it. So if I want to lose 50lbs in 3 months then it's going to take me to get off my butt and do something about it.

But hun.. don't let the negative sway you.. you can get negative comments by pumping your gas tank or walking out of your home... we're surrounded by it.. but we're also surrounded by some really great people here who say it like it is.. yeah there are pot stirrers but just ignore them I do .. I have more blocked people then I have friends LOL.. I think a person making this step to better them selves doesn't need to listen to the garbage that a few like spew...You will make the RIGHT decision for YOU... and only you can make that... :)

You're on your way to a new you.. no matter what surgery you get, it's still just a tool!

I'm so very happy for you.. and if you need someone to talk too.. I'll always be here for you.. I've not had mine yet but boy I can't wait LOL :)

Much love and hugs... and why do I have two freakin ticker things... how annoying LOL
Starry

First, let me say that as the mom of a 20 year old son, you sharing about your beloved Marine brought tears to my eyes.  My Dad is a veteran, so please let your son know that I thank him for his service and his sacrifice.

I wish you the very best next week!  It will be great and with your positive outlook, I am excited for what I believe will be a great outcome for you.  

Since I'm fairly new here, not sure how to "friend" you, but would love to keep in touch so I can support you as you start this new chapter~!

I really appreciate your response.

Ok, Starry - I may be over-analyzing againg but I just re-read your post and my response and I have no idea where I got the idea that your son is in the Marines. 

My BF's son is in the Marines and I must have been projecting.

Again, my very best to you and your soldier son (whatever military branch)!

I was self pay also, I chose the band because I liked the fact that it can be adjusted and/or removed .  I had no adjustments for over three years then had a very, very tiny one last year after I gained 13 lbs.  That did the trick.   I have had  no problems what so ever with this band.  It seems to be different for everyone.  If you still haven't made up your mind you should consider delaying it and do  more research.  This is life altering surgery.  If you get the VSG there is no turning back, most of your stomach is removed and can't be put back together.  This is not a "menu" of surgery you select, it is serious surgery.  A friend of mine got the band didn't lose enough weight, only lost 100 lbs and had another 100 to go.  She got the VSG and has not lost any additional weight in almost a year.  I think it is her eating habits she won't admit to.  If you are a grazer or binge eater, most likely you should get therapy first, weight loss surgery will  not work that well until you examine what has motivated you to binge and graze (these people seem to have the hardest time) in the first place.  All weight loss surgeries require a lifelong lifestyle change and commitment to the rules.  A lot to think about.  As far as a good book get one written by a band doctor.  They are the experts.  There is a Dr. Ariel Ortiz who has written a great book.  I think it is called "Lap Band For Life."  Good luck.

Hi, EvilTwin - I appreciate that feedback (sidenote:  like your new avatar). 

So... I'm already in therapy (with the 18 mos focused on my current food-related  'issues') so I completely agree that this is life-altering surgery and that research and therapy are valuable adjuncts for this journey.   As I mentioned, part of my challenge is that I do over-analyze everything (which works well in my particular area of IT), but leads to second-guessing in my real life.

I do thank you for responding~! 

Hi there,

I'm self pay . I had my surgery on 11/22/10 and in four months I'm down 45 pounds 28 inches.  I'm 4 pounds from being under 300 and I'm five pounds from hitting my 50 pound mark I have done all this in four  months and I have done all this with a empty band.  I have not had a fill yet since my surgery .

I eat my cup of food and I stay full for a good 4-6 hrs at a time.  I haven't given up any of my foods.  I still eat bread, pizza, McDonald's but I have learned moderation on them foods, and not to eat them all the time .


I know the risks of the band of what could happen but till that day happens I'm not going to worry about it the most important thing right now to me is getting the weight off .

If for some reason I lose the band I would hope to God that I have learned valuable lessons during this process on how to eat, how much to eat and keep up with my exercise . Because this is a one and only WLS I will ever ever have there will be no more .

From all the testing I had done, the talking I had to do with doctors, my Doc   said I would do very well with the band.  I was never to much of a snacker, I dont eat sweets never have I can have all that junk around the house and I dont touch it expect for that time of the month . I was never carb crazy I can take it or leave it.

I only had trouble with portion control and when to stop that is what I needed help with and the band around my stomach is just enough of a reminder to slow down, to chew well, not to eat so much and that is main reasons why I have not gotten a fill because I dont need to . :o)

I finally found a exercise I love . I do Zumba 5 days a week now along with Curves and I haven't missed a day of exercise expect for support group night since  January .  I love Zumba and as soon as I get fit I'm going to become a instructor :o)

I wish I had done this sooner but it wasn't my time. Now I'm at that stage of my life that I'm ready to lose weight . I quit smoking for this lap band which I would have never done if it was for anything else I enjoyed smoking.  April 8Th will be six months smoke free and I have the lap band to thank for that also :o)

almost 50 pounds down
I quit smoking
I have dropped a size in clothing
I have been asked to become a Zumba instructor so I can teach some classes around here
I have lost 28 inches
I have done all this without a fill which Im very very proud of .

what more can a girl as for in four months

Hey, steelerfan! 

Thanks for responding - I have benefited from many of your posts on this board so I'm appreciative that you took the time to respond.   Congrats on being smoke free on on all your other accomplishments!  Your wins give me hope and I wish you continued success.

I hate that my anxiety issues even drove me to second-guess myself yet again.  For once, though, I choose to see it as a manifestation of the disorder as opposed to some sort of research failure on my part. 
 
My stakeholderss (bariatric surgeon, cardiologist, internist, psychologist, and *Mom!) have also advised that the Lap-Band will be a good choice for me so, since I choose to trust theirn judgement, I hope I can share similar successes in the future.

*** My mother is a size 6 ,WW lifetime member and leader and she supports the LB %100!***

Wishing you the best~!

 My mom is a size 12 her whole life , 67 yrs old and gets up at 5 am every morning to do her exercises.  Mom and dad helped pay for my lap band we did half and they did half , if it wasn't for them I would still be sitting here at 350 pounds and a smoker .

I was second guessing myself the whole time and when it came down to 24 hrs before surgery I wanted to call it off .  It's human nature and you will go through the same thing once you make your final decision.  It's a big decision and not to take lightly , but once you make up your mind you know in your heart you did the right thing and you go on from there :o)

If I follow the way I'm going right now I can be at goal in two yrs !!! Just in time for hubby and I to go to Disney World alone without no kids whooohhoo lol. 

Hun self-pay ppl should NEVER get the band!!! I wish I had known this in advance! I have now spend about $15,000 on mine and had 16 fills in about 17 mos. and no restriction. It has been a complete waste of time and money!

At this point I have a very expensive band in me that does me no good and I need a revision to VSG. I can no longer afford this b/c I wasted all that money on the band.

I would not recommend the band to my worst enemy!

I have been lucky compared to a lot of ppl. My band has not caused me any pain, or been an issue, other than it not working. There are others that that have gotten the band and had to have a 2nd surgery after just a few mos. (port problem/esophageal dysmotility/leak/etc.). Now for someone with insurance............it may not be a big deal to them.....but when u self pay..........you don't want to wast any more money on it. Especially if it's just been a few mos.!

One lady that wrote me spent $20,000 on her band. She then had a problem with it and had to have a 2nd surgery. She got an infection on the 2nd one. It ended up costing her $50,000. That is in addition to the $20,000 she already spent on her band. So a total of $70,000!

Does her band work? NO! She spent that much money and I think she had lost maybe 25 lbs. in 3 yrs.

Please visit the revision forum and see how many ppl are revising FROM the band and how many are revising from the VSG. If the band was that great..............all those ppl wouldn't want to put theirselves through all that pain and expense of yet another WLS now would they????

Also post the same question on the VSG forum. You will find that the majority of those there are very happy and have been successful with their VSGs! Also you can get the opinions of bandsters on the VSG forum also, b/c so many bandsters have revised to VSG.

Good luck!!!