New and a little bummed out

Only you and your doctor can decide which surgery is best for you. I have had a lapband for four years now. I was 304 and now flux between 161 and 168 (usually hitting my goal weight of 164). I had one port flip and it was promptly fixed and I was off again after about 6 months.

The band has worked wonderfully for me. It has a reasonable chance of mild complications (my flipped port is one of them). Those complications can usually be sorted out. The other surgical options also have a variety of complication risks. Some major and some more mild depending on the surgical type.

The band requires attention and maintanance. In return you get to minitor and adjust on an ongoing basis and extend your weight loss phase indefinitely. I have found that some people do not like this aspect as it required them to visit the doctor for fills and rethink their diet and exercise regime over time (some aspects sooner than others but ongoing gradual restriction requires changes in food chewing, types of foods eaten and portion sizes). I found this gradual process to be an advantage but not everyone does.

My best advice is to read as much as you can and talk to your doctor. No matter which you choose it is a long road full of effort on your part but success can be yours! :) Good luck!!

Hi.. I am scheduled for lapband on the 29th...  I also have hypothyroidism..  I had a partial hysterectomy also which has thrown me into beg of menapause..   I was so gald when I seen your post..   someone I can relate to...  My thoughts are with Hypothroidism and menepause it prob more important for us to have a tool like lap band because it is so much harder for us to lose weight....  

Although making sure your thyroid medication is right dosage def. helps

Medicare covers the Duodenal Switch.


How tall are you...or do you know your BMI?