Lap-Band

I started out six months ago at 249 and have lost 14lbs thru the process.  My bariatric team has advised that I could lose 96lbs with the RNY and only about 50lbs with the band.   I am glad to hear you say WLS is worth it because I think it will be too....I just need to make my choice and stick to it.  I am still waiting to hear back from my surgeon to get his thoughts on RNY vs. band. 

I am glad to hear you are feeling better after having the RNY.  Take care!

Well, I am not going to get in a ******g match or surgery war (because everyone is entitled to their opinion and you should hear the good with the bad) but will tell you that there is good and bad with every surgery and complications with every surgery no exceptions.......some more than others. 

You need to do the research (and not just on here, keep in mind that most bandsters that have no problems or complications are off living their life and only come once or twice a year if that)  not sure what you mean by complication, for some people not being able to drink with a meal or not being able to eat a certain food or not be able to eat what they want and still lose weight to them is a complication so it is all relative to the individual... But.....

Now if you mean a complication that causes a revision or additional surgeries or life changing issues like Nicci my best advice would be to contact other band patients that your particular surgeon banded and see how they are doing (my surgeon has his own stats as well) and for the record he was pro bypass at the time.....now he states most popular are VSG's...he is very upfront and honest.
 
How the surgery is performed and what type of pre op tests are done can make a difference or at least increase your odds of not having complications and being successful. Speaking only from experience of course.
 
I think the fact that my Surgeon did a Esophageal Monometry test prior to me getting the band let him know if I had a predisposition to having problems swallowing or issues with my Esophagus which the band only will make worse.

I have lost a total of 90 pounds, maintained for almost 2 1/2 bouncing around 10 pounds give or take. I did gain 17 back after a unfill due to my one stuck episode...but that was because it was in November and I ate my way through the Holidays till the end of January so my band was not to blame for the gain...I put the food in my mouth. I am slowly getting back to my original goal weight now that I have started getting adjustments again.
 
I would also look hard at the type of eater you are, volume vs emotional ect....  the band requires a lot of maintenance and work and in some cases money for adjustments if your insurance changes........ if you aren't prepared to do that then consider another type....but keep in mind all types can have complications and will require lifestyle changes......there is no easy way out......

Good luck and remember only you can make up your own mind and do what is right for you..............

Michele

Michele-thank you so much for al the great feedback...I am definitely an emotional eater and I do worry about eating my way back up and I haven't even had the surgery yet.  I think rny may be the way to go.  Hope you have continued success!!

Your welcome, glad you are looking at all of your options......choosing the type of weight loss surgery for you is the way to go regardless of the type because no two people are alike......some people do gain weight back with RNY also but I think you have the right attitude to be a success!!!

My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.....I wish options where available to me when I was in my 20's.......but better late than never lol.....

I'd wish you good luck but you'll do just fine.......

Michele

 Keep in mind that MANY bandsters never reach restriction! Having a band w/o restriction is kind of like having a car w/o gas. Do you want a band, or do you want to go somewhere?

  I am a successful bandster w/o complications.  

220 lbs gone in 3 years.

click the "latest posts" under my name and you should find longer posts that I've made detailing my experiences.

Glad you're researching.  Best of luck to you.

I love my band.

I was banded on July 6 06.

I startd with a size 54" waist and am now 33".

I've lost 156 lbs.  I have not regrets at all.

I can eat anything at all except rice or apple skins but NO carbonated beverages.  I still go out for dinner with firends.

You have to go into this journey with an open mind and not compare yourself to others.

I don't feel like I'm missing out with the lapband.

The band has changed my life.

If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me - [email protected]

I also have free long distance and would be happy to speak with you on the phone.

Tom, Toronto
Banded July 6 06
Wt. Loss:  156 lbs

I am still a newbie and appreciate the comments on your success!

I was banded on October 19th, 2011 and I love my band my Doctor said i was losing weight like a by-pass person n he was very happy.  I've lost 53 pounds so far. I started at 292 n i'm now down to 228 in the six months that is has been banded. I startd with a size 26" and am now in a 20". You have to have an open mind and not compare yourself with others some people are different. The band has change my life for the good.

I have had success and NOT one complication!
I've had my band for 4 years now and can honestly say it was the best $9950.00 I ever spent!  It saved my life!