How did you decide on the Lap Band?

The problem with the band is that it just doesn't last that long.  The band makers even tell you right up front this is not a device meant to last for life.  At least 50% of people have their band removed by the six year point.  Since most ins co's are opting to go with a once in a life time WLS when you do eventually need a revision it is more likely than not to be self pay.

I spoke with my doctor and due to my needing to lose between 80-100 pounds we decided this would be the better option.  I liked the idea that if there was an issue I had the option of taking it out with out major damage to my body.  With the other surgeries there is no turning back.  I had my surgery Christmas time 2004 and have never regretted the decision.  However, in 2010 I had complications with my gall bladder and because of the throwing up and "other" stuff.  I had to have the band unfilled.  After the removal of my gall bladder and a few weeks of recovery I started filling again.  2.5 years after that and I am still maintaining my goal weight.  I started at 230 and am now needling between 149-152 (I am 5'7").  

My MIL, however, had the gastric by-pass and she is constantly throwing up to the point, in the last 4 years, has lost all her teeth.  She complains constantly about the food not agreeing with her and not able to keep it down.  She has resorted to more liquid and sweets to keep her full.  

The band can be picky at times and it took a while to understand what I could tolerate and not.  I can eat most noodles (spaghetti is a no-no), only small amounts of bread, eggs are tricky-some days they like me, others they don't.  If you listen to your body and follow the doctors orders you should be fine.

Good luck with what ever decision you make.  

Almost 10 years and happy as ever!

Tracy

I chose the band simply because I did not/still do not want my stomach, removed or insides rearranged, it was just that simple for me. Also I do not want to have dumping syndrome this can be with both Bypass and Sleeve.

The draw backs for some people are fills, but for ME, it is a plus because I've had a lap band inside my body almost 8 years and if I did not have the 'safety security net of getting fills long term, to stop regain this would scare me to death....

But I warn you if you decide on the band, please make SURE your surgeon has done over 300, ideally over 500 band and offer great aftercare program and can see you when you need them. Aftercare is more important than installing the band.

Also go to Allergan website and google how to live with your lap band, knowing the dangers of being too tight and what to look for and how to avoid the most common complications.

Also, with the band, it may take up to 3-5 fills before you start feeling restriction, you have to be patient, also if you have a high GAG reflex/ and easy to vomit, like some people vomit every morning brushing their teeth, even with no band, if you are one of these people that are easy to throw up or have had past eating disorders, please stay way from the band, frequent vomiting can cause horrible reflux/pouch dilation and slippage which will damage the band and poor quality of life -- which will require removal.

I got the band because I hate throwing up, my sister had the stomach stapling surgery years ago and I watched what she went through with all the vomiting, and the band does not cause me to vomit because I chew my food well and I don't keep it too tight.

I've had a lap band almost 8 years, I had a replacement to the new band almost 7 months ago, I never had any horrible complications with my band like with other surgeries, last year I started to have some back pain and burning after eating too much salsa and it irritated and inflamed a hernia and caused mild gastritis, I decided to get my hernia fixed, old band removed and new band installed, and I am very happy with my new band, and not one problem so far and I have good restriction.

I would not change to any other procedure, my band allows me to eat what I want with no dumping syndrome, nausea or sickness, I just eat small amounts and get full quickly. I don't know what the future may hold, but I've learned enough about the band and know how it works and I am hoping that will prolong my banded life complication free, but in the meantime, I will enjoy the tool that helps me lose and maintain my weight loss.

Good luck on your decision.

I got my band in 2009. I chose the band b/c it was advertised as the "least invasive" WLS. I chose the band b/c I was told that since it was adjustable, that you could always regain restriction with fills as opposed to RNY where the stoma can stretch. I chose the band b/c at the time it was advertised as a "lifetime" product. I was completely shocked to find out just how many bands are removed before 5 years!!! :-(