Looking for advise, VGB verses Lap Band

During my first consultation I was offered both the Lap-Band and VGB, I have researched both procedures but would like to hear from other people

Hi there, we have the same doc!!! I posted the same question on the lap band forum and got all negative responses, however, I am still trying to decide myself.   Melissa

I did the samething on another board and by the answer I received you would have thought, I said something fowl. I like you are just looking for answers. Thanks for posting and good luck.

Melissa, How did you do with the five day diet?  Have you made a decision on what procedure is right for you? And my last question how do you apply the tickerfactory thing to your information??

 

 

Thanks, Mike

 

Hi Mike, I did fine with the 5 day diet.  It was extremely difficult but I knew it would get me one step closer in the process, i ended up losing 9 pounds!!   I am sure I have already put some of that back on but at least I got through it.  I will be having VGB done.  I have done research and have decided that  it is the best choice for me.  And to apply the ticker, gotto tickerfactory.com, make your ticker, copy the picture of the ticker (not the code) than go to user settings in the left hand corner of this screen and paste it into your signature section.  hope this helps Melissa P.s. Have you decided yet?

Melissa, Why did u choose VBG over lapband? I am trying to make that choice now nan

When I decided to have the lap band I researched all the surgeries.  I actually have a quite an extensive folder on all the WLS procedures.  I guess part of my personality is to do extensive research.  When I came to this sight and saw there was a VBG forum I was really surprised.  In my research it was stated that this surgery had the higest failure rate and most reputable surgeons no longer were doing it.  That is probably why you got a negative response on the lap band forum.  I fiind that group is especially educated, as the lap band surgery does not involve any cutting of the internal anatomy, we want to make sure we are making a good decision.  Well anyway, I guess anything can be justified and made to be "the best surgery out there."  I worked in the medical profession for years.  I know this first hand.  My experience with the lap band has been a 200% success.  I am wearing size 4-6 clothes.  It doesn't get any better than that.  I believe the fact that the band doesn't interfere with digestion or absorption of food and can be adjusted is truly great.  When I think of the VBG I freak out about staples that can come undone and leaks from that.  Also everyones anatomy is different.  The band that is put in on the VBG is not adjustable.  That really makes me wonder.  I guess for some people it would be just right, but for others who anatomy is not optimum what then?  Everyone on this sight wants everyone to succeed.  No one wants to read about failures.  We all  know the emotions and hope we all experience when we make this decision.  My only desire is to be supportive in whatever surgery you elect to chose and that you also have 200% success.

I know this is probably not what you want to hear, but I frequent this board a lot and this is the first time I am posting to it.   I had a variation of the VBG in 1997 called the SRVG and it is very similar to the VBG.  I had excellent results the first year after surgery, but I have since sustained ring failure (which is common with the band in VBG) and have gained every one of my 102lbs back, plus some.  I am currently fighting with my insurance company to have a revision done to the DS. I originally chose the SRVG because even tho' I knew I needed to have WLS because I couldn't do it on my own, I didn't want to rearrange my innards, so I thought the SRVG was a good compromise.  And it was... at first, but unfortunately it wasn't a lasting 'fix.'   Just make sure if you are going to invest the time, the money, the pain from surgery, etc that you do research on ALL WLS procedures, evaluate your life, your eating habits, what sabotages your weight loss efforts and then choose a surgery that best fits you.   Good luck with whichever procedure you decide to have!

I appreciate this information Lynda.  My surgeon does not perform DS so that is not an option for me.  He does do VBG so I was curious about it.  I am happy with my choice of the RNY but thought I would look into VBG.

So - what did you decide?  I had my VBG in December, have lost almost 50 pounds, and have no regrets at this point.