azimmerman

I'm considering surgery, and wondered about the success rate of stomach stapling versus banding, and also the recovery process between the two.

I also investigated both surgeries when I decided to have it done. I decided to go with the gastric bypass because of the % of higher weight loss and also there are certain foods that you cannot eat at all. Sugar especially. The first week of surgery I lost 20lbs and as of 6/6/07 I will be a year out and have lost about 150lbs and feel great. I knew that I have a sweet tooth and decided that not eating any sugar was the best thing for me. I was home within 2 days and up and around within a couple of weeks. Back to riding my horses within a couple of months. I went to Dr. Goering in Grand Island and St. Francis medical ctr. They are both wonderful. I have seen a number of people that have had the band and have hardly lost any weight at all or it takes longer than it took me. I know everybody is different, but I am glad that I chose the bypass and don't regret it for a second and never have. Also takes a lot more to regain any weight too. Good luck

Hi Amy, At first you lose more weight with the bypass but further down the line the weight loss is the same. You recover from the band quicker because the procedure is less invasive. With the bypass you are in the hospital 3-5 days. The band requires an overnight stay. The good part about the band is that it is adjustable at any time and you don't have that with the bypass. The band requires more followup with the surgeon but you don't have to deal with the vitamin malabsorption. There are good and band points with each surgery. You have to make the best choice to meet your needs. Good luck. Mona