Any other high BMIers choosing Lap-Band?

Hi guys!!    I was just wondering if any others with a high BMI have choosen the Lap-band as their form of WLS?     If so, how are you doing so far?     I've got 9 days until my surgery.. and I'm feeling really good about my decision.  I'm just curious about others that have quite a bit to lose, like I do. Any info would be appreciated. *hugs* Smilin'

Hi, I have a high BMI as well...61 I believe and I'm having the band done as well.  I've read a lot of posts from folks thinking the band is not the right way to go, but after a lot of consideration and research, I've chosen it as well.  I'm having my surgery this coming Sunday and can NOT wait.  I'm soooo excited to start my life...finally :)  Sorry I can't help you with any of the after stuff but I know we are going to be successful.  Best wishes for a speady recovery and a safe surgery to you :) :)

While my doctor does lap band, we decided it wasn't for me based on the severity of health problems I was having before surgery.  He told me that he didn't feel I would lose enough weight fast enough to really see/feel the needed relief I needed for my other problem.  I went with the RNY and have done well with it....and best of all, no more high blood pressure medication, less joint pain though still on some medication, no sleep apnea, better breathing capacity. Good luck!

Jana, I was like you.  My doc didn't recommend the Lap Band for me for the same reasons...large amount of weight to lose, health challenges, etc. While it is less invasive than the RNY, I felt like I also needed the malabsorption to help me lose the weight. I wish you luck on your surgery and keep us posted on your progress

I went into my surgeons office wanting the lapband, but, after talking to him, he told me that I really needed the RNY because I would not lose enough weight with the lapband.  My surgery is in 3 weeks.  Good luck to you!

Thank you so much for the info guys.  I chose the lapband, hoping that the tool would help me with maintenence mostly... and a little help on the weight loss as well.   I've been lucky up until this time, as I do have sleep apnea... but no other weight related health issues.  (Thank God for that, of course)    I just knew that at age 37 if I did not get my weight under control, that wouldn't always be the case. Best of luck to all of you.. and I look forward to cheering you all on as we do this... no matter what choices we make to get there.     *hugs*

A friend of mine had the lapband with a BMI in the 60s and is thrilled with it.  She went in prepared not to have the drastic weight loss that the other surgeries provide.  Instead she has had a slow and steady loss of weight and a consistent improvement in her co-morbidities.  She is a year out and has lost like 60-70 pounds. The reason I have chosen to go with the RnY is because I am hoping to start a family in the near future and don't want to wait 4 or 5 years to lose the weight. Good Luck with your surgery!

That is encouraging!! :)  I'm down 32 so far.. so I'm really getting exciting & know that this has been a good choice for me. Best of luck with your upcoming family!!  What a joy it is!! :) *hugs* Smilin'

I am going to start my 24 weeks of class for the Lap Band at the end of the August and can't wait. I know that the weight loss isn't as rapid as other wls but I know that it is the right choice for me.

Deciding what WLS procedure is right for you is a very personal choice.  For many of us with high BMIs, our other comorbidities "steered" us to RNY; we needed to lose more quickly because of other health concerns.  But if you have the patience to lose more slowly with a band, you should have less risk for long-term nutrition issues because you will not have malabsorption.   Good luck on your upcoming surgery date - keep us posted on your progress!! Kellie