Who here is happy they got a Lap Band vs. other methods of WLS?

Hello. I am in the beginning stages of WLS. Meeting with the surgeon on the 24th. I feel that I am leaning toward a lap band but then yesterday I checked out the Failed Weight Loss board and got a surprise. I seen so many post of people who had medical issues with the band or they just didnt' lose at all. I know there are many reasons why a person wouldn't lose weight  and not just the fault of the band. I was curious as to how many people here are happy with their decision for the lap band surgery? Thanks for any and all input! It's greatly appreciated.

Angie

Angie,

I had lap band surgery and am happy with the results. I think people going into weight loss surgery go in with many expectations; often unrealistic. I am pretty analytical and began my journey being open to either lap band or RNY. I did lean toward lap band. My surgeon did a great job of working with me on an initial consult. He mapped out the expectations of weight loss for band vs. RNY. For me, it would have been a target weight 15 pounds less for RNY. The factor that convinced me on band was his belief that my health issues would be no different with those additional 15 pounds. I am conservative when it comes to surgery and a 1 hour exposure vs. a 3 1/2 hour exposure is quite a difference.

My observations (just my opinions) 20 months post op... People who are above 50 BMI seem to do much better with RNY. Lap band weight loss is slow and generally less than RNY. I think  the band is best for people with a BMI under 50. People are generally unsuccessful with the band if they do not exercise. Exercise seems to be a key factor in helping band patients be successful. Snackers and grazers also do poorly with a band. Above all, the band relies on YOU making the change in your life. RNY does some but the band makes it a HUGE FACTOR in your success. You can sneak things into your diet with a band that RNY patients can not.

That's my opinion. If I had it to do over, I would still have the band. For me it's a question of being happy where you are, what you can now do and how your life has changed. I can answer these three questions pretty positively at this point.

It will ultimately be up to you to make the choice that's best for you. Do research on these boards and just feel free to email successful and unsuccessful patients. Most people love to talk about their stories and experiences.

Best of Luck!
Tom

Angie

I had lapband surgery Dec 2004.  Did not lose much weight with it (about 25-30 lbs because of the liquid protein portion of the diet). Many issues with getting proper restriciton in the band.  For the most part, I could eat whatever I wanted.  For a lapband patient eating certain foods such as pasta, meat and bread should be difficult if your band is working properly.  I could eat all of those with no problem.  I exercised 3 days a week. 

I am getting a revision with Dr. Custer from band to bypass (RNY) in the near future.  One primary reason for the revision besides inadequate weight loss (my BMI is 41) is the recent diagnosis of diabetes.  RNY resolves diabetes in a large majority of people.  If you have diabetes I would go with RNY for sure.

I've read some horror stories out here for sure.  We have several former bandsters *****vised to DS and the VSG and RNY boards have their own as well.  Another board, for that matter, is the Revisions board, to see who's not happy with their procedure and looking to change.  At the DS board, we have all of the other three representing as rev isions to DS. 

If you're looking just for a restrictive procedure without any benefit of malabsorption or metabolic changes, then I highly recommend learning more about the VSG.