lapband

Has anyone had this done? If so how are you doing with weight loss?

I didn't have the lap band (i had the DS), but you should go to the lap band forum, and the revision forum. The lap band forum to see how people are doing with their weight loss, and the revision forum to see why people get the lap band removed and switch to another type of WLS. The lap band requires strict diet and exercise to make it work, because there is no malabsorbtion, whatever you eat, you absorb.

Lisa: Hello! I promote weightloss surgery (band, gastric bypass, BPD/DS, Gastric sleeve etc) to those that are informed and understand the risks/benefits and have weighed them heavily! Making a decision which TOOL is best for YOU is imperative to your health and success. All surgeries are tools, I am happy there are choices, all surgery carries risk and death is one of them for all surgeries...Banders statistically lose less wt than the more malabsorbtive surgeries (RNY or BPD/DS) but it isnt always about wt loss it is about comfort level of tool, the effort you are able to expend on lifestyle changes all require some to be successful and healthy. Research research research to make an educated and informed decision. Yes all tools can be defeated and regain can happen, all surgeries sometimes need revisions, bands, bypasses and DS's/ perhaps bands and bypasses more so for wt regain...Bands can slip, erode into stomach, perforate stomach, migrate, leak, cause obstructions etc the prots can flip, get infected, the tobing can come disconnected, etc, w/ the bypass there are leaks, malabsorbtion issues, hernias, infections, stoma strictures or enlargements....w/ DS it can have leaks, malabsorbtion issues, gas/diarrhea (more than the RNY) hernias etc etc, I can no way outline the+/- of each tool, but having an informed choice and working w a skilled surgeonis helpful to start w/. Also you can not compare wt losses, statistics give averages (for instance bands 33-75% excess wt loss most @ 50%) Bypass 50-80% most 68-75%, DS's 75-90% etc) rough averages..Some lose more some less. So choice is yours what you want can get from insurance compay to pay (not all pay for all types surgeries) and DS surgeons are not as common yet.....Be well! Hugs if u want sites for looking let me know! SO we all are bias me to the bypass (*I originally wanted the band but after research I decided on bypass) and many will get into my surgery is better, I dont think that anymore my surgery is better for ME it may not be for YOU and you are all that matters to YOU!!! Take Care, Jamie Ellis 100cm proximal Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh Albany, NY 320(preop)/163 (lowest)/174 (current) 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King www.albanyplasticsurgeons.com http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jamiecatlady5/ "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"