From LAPBAND to Gastric Bypass

Hi All, Was opting for the LapBand, but insurance won't cover it, so here I am...not my first choice to get "regular" gastric bypass as my sister had it done, almost died, and continues to have complications, but I am desperate!! Any one take gastric bypass over lapband and if so, why? I am scared to death, but cannot live like this anymore! Am also wanting to get pregnant and not sure if I would have to wait a certain amount of time after surgery and if I did get pregnant soon after the surgery, what would the medical concerns be? Is it really dangerous to get pregnant soon after? My biological clock is ticking and don't want to have to make a decision about bypass or having a child, though I know I may be forced to! Any feedback would be appreciated!!! Kathy

You might find more information on the main message board about the gastric bypass. The VBG is restrictive like the lapband, but does involve stapling the stomach. My surgeon told me he did the VBG on a girl that was 1 day pregnant and neither one of them knew it. (One last fling before surgery I guess) Anyway, he said she lost 90 pounds during her pregnancy and delivered a healthy boy. I know this isn't recommended but I do think it is testimony to the fact that you can have a healthy child eventually after having this procedure. If your insurance will cover VBG I would research it in addition to gastric bypass. Good luck!!

Kathy, I too was set on the LapBand, and my insurance was even approved to have it done. But, in the end I chose the VBG, which I consider to be in-between a lapband and a gastric bypass as far as severity, etc. The gastric bypass was just too much for me. I also decided to go with the VBG over the lapband since it is more "permanent". I was afraid of having too much control over the adjustments in the lapband and not being responsible with it...and my insurance wouldn't cover the fills which could be $300 each and up to 4 times a year. So, here I am 3 weeks post-op from the VBG, and I'm down 29 lbs! About getting pregnant...they usually recommend not getting pregnant after any weight loss surgery for 12-18 months. This will give your body time to adjust after having surgery and losing weight, etc... I am 27 and was worried also about what would happen if I became pregnant soon after surgery. I've come to the conclusion that it's not ideal, but if it happens, it can be dealt with. There are plenty of success stories. If you'd like to email me to talk more, feel free! ~Kim

i am approved for the RNY, the dr and hospital i'm approved for only do RNY or lapband and my surgeon won't do lapband on me because of a tumor on my stomach, is VBG the same as RNY or not? i didn't see a board for RNY, is there different kinds?

Hi Michelle, I just typed a reply but it didn't go through...this may be a double post. The main board is the board where most RNY patients post. We don't have a separate board, but most RNY patients use the main board as "home". I think the reason all the other surgeries have their own board is because the main board is somewhat overrun with RNY folks. That is my guess, anyway. YOu will find a ton of good info there, I promise! http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/messageboard/ Hugs, Denise

Kathy, What is the reason the insurance is giving for not covering Lap Band? If they are using the experimental clause (which I assume they are since they cover other WLS)they can no longer get away with using this and you CAN win on appeal.Contact Don Mills at Inamed and I understand that he can assist you with an appeal if this is why you have been denied.You should have the surgery that you really want and not settle.Good Luck! Lisa F P.S. To Kim the main message board is considered the RNY board and no VBG and RNY are not the same.They are 2 VERY different surgeries.

Hi Kathy, YOu are in the VBG board. If you are looking for gastric bypass or RNY info, come on over to the main board. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/messageboard/ I am not saying this board, the VBG board, isn't a great place. I lurk here all the time! I was just suggesting that to find specific info on the surgery you are having, you should check out that board where you will meet a lot of gastric bypass/RNY patients! I am a bit concerned that you don't seem happy with getting the RNY. This is a huge decision and as you know from your sister's experience, it has risks that can be devestating. It also has geat advantages, too, and I am not knockinhg the RNY at all. So far, I am thrilled, but then again, I went into it WANTING it. Come post on the main board, ask tons of questions and make sure you want this. The lapband is great and if you have your heart set on it, there are other ways of getting it besides insurance (if you have the means...loans, re-financing, etc). There is a lapband forum here as well...I will pop over and get the link for you. A lot of people there were denied and found other ways to finance it. Post over there, too, and maybe someone has some info that could be of help to you. Best of luck! Hugs, Denise

Here is the lapband forum. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/posts.html

Hi Denise, Thanks for your response. Yes, I would rather get the LAPBAND but insurance won't cover it--I have been through all the appeals processes. I do not have the financial means whatsoever to finance it myself and am depserate to lose this weight. I will take what you said into consideration and at this point, although RNY is not my first choice, it may be the only one I have. I really appreciate your feedback! KAthy