Concidering Lap-Band Surgery

The "40-50% of excess weight" weight loss statistic doesn't tell the whole story. As Kath said, many of us have lost a lot more than that...like 100% in my case. My surgeon told me that the average loss was 40-50% - that includes people who lose 100% or more, and people who lose nothing, and everyone in between - and that if I lost 50% of my excess weight, he would consider me a success.

Jean

 
I think the person was referring to long term.  Long term the band does not fair well at all.

Lots of people lose weight well with a band in the beginning but long term is a whole different ball game.

Please make sure u research ALL of your options! The band is the LEAST effective WLS. Here is a link to the report presented at the last ASMBS conference:

www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ASMBS/20919

Also I would suggest visiting the revision forum and seeing how many ppl are revising FROM the band. If the band was that great all those ppl wouldn't want to be putting theirselves through another WLS now would they???

As for me.........the band was the worst possible choice I could have made for WLS. 16 fills now and still no sweet spot...........TOTAL WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY! I would not recommend the band to my worst enemy!

Good luck!

I'm sorry you are having these issues Maria! 

Thanks so much Lisa!

And I am so glad that u have done well with your band!!!

Will u be at the WLSFA Vegas Meet n Greet?

Vegas?  Did somebody say VEGAS?  I didn't know anything about it!  That sounds amazing.

I did! lol

It's May 13-15: http://www.formerlyfluffy.com/weight-loss-surgery-foundation-of-america-vegas-meet-greet/

U should come! Formerly Fluffies............alcohol................Vegas...............It could get very interesting! Lol.

And remember............what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.............unless your WLS peeps YouTube it! ;-)

I was banded almost 2 years ago at 383 lbs and 5' 5".    I've lost 187 lbs as of today.. weighed in at 196 and some ounces.

I am still losing, but slowly now as I get closer to my goal.  I'm also 53 and post-menopausal, so that's a factor for me.

I had more than one doctor tell me I would only lose 50lbs with the band.  I've gone on to prove them all wrong.

I keep my band a little on the loose side, I work out 5 days a week, I control what I eat.  It's a struggle at times, but what worth having comes easily?

Research and make sure you know what you want and understand all the requirements.  There's no one perfect surgery for everyone.  I am very pleased with my choice most of the time.

 What other options are there for me  where alberta health care will cover it for me.  Im not sure what the sleeve is.  Is that the appropriate name for it.   Everyone is using short terms.  Can you provide me with the full name and will do research from there.  Thank you. 

The sleeve is VSG (Verticle Sleeve Gastrectomy. RNY (Roux-en-Y) is often referred to as "gastric bypass". DS is Duodenal Switch.

I am not sure what ones are covered by the health care system in Canada. I think that RNY and possibly VSG is. DS I don't think is covered, but I am not at all sure about that. I think OH has a Canada forum.  U might get some good info there?

Good luck!