lap band or VSG?

I've been contemplating over and over which procedure is right for me. The lap band or VSG? I am 24 years old and weigh 270 lbs. My surgeon is pushing the VSG saying that I can't lose enough weight with the band. Isn't the band safer and effective when more personal effort is put in? I am scared of the long term effects of VSG, what happens when I'm 80 years old and need a feeding tube? They can't reattach my stomach! Need advice, any people who have had success with the band, please share with me!!!!

You could possibly lose enough weight with the band. It's a crap shoot. Some lose all their EW. Some don't even lose an ounce.  I never hear of anyone getting VSG and not losing weight though!

I would suggest you post this same thing on the VSG forum. There are plenty of FORMER bandsters there. They can give you an accurate comparison of the band to the VSG.

Good luck!

I'd listen to your surgeon in this matter. Please read the Revisions forum here...you'll see a LOT of people with bands wanting or NEEDING to revise to another surgery... or desperate for band removal.  The time frame for complications is usually a few years out from surgery. The band isn't a good long term option and most people need subsequent operations.

The VSG might seem more drastic initially, but at least with that procedure, a surgeon is precise... whereas a band damages a stomach with no rhyme or reason.
 
It's not true what the advertisers of the lapband or realize band claim-- that it's reversible. It's not. It's removable. Damage won't be reversed.

Google- Referred left shoulder pain + lapband. Also a VERY common side effect due to the band's close proximity to the Vagus nerves that run through the diaphragm and into the stomach. It can range from stabbing, chronic, sharp, debilitating pain to a nagging ache. (I had the debilitating one... and no pain relievers helped.)

If you've only just started researching, please be open to hearing about possible complications. It's horrible to be hit with them out of left field.

A lot of surgeons are refusing to perform lapband surgeries due to the high rate of complications. If your very own surgeon is "pushing" the VSG, there's a good reason for it.

Best of luck to you.

Sure you could lose the weight wi the band, many of us have.

However, the band is not a lifetime device.

If you need a feeding tube, they will insert it right into your smaller stomach and give you the nutrition you need.

I have been successful with my band, no problems, lost 130 pounds, maintaining for 18 months.

I would not even consider a band at your age, honestly.

Best of luck.

Kathkeb....I think you should be ashamed for giving a young girl dangerous advice..and PLEASE STOP LYING ABOUT THE LAP BAND NOT BEING A LIFETIME DEVICE ...AND SPEAK FOR YOUR OWN LAP BAND HEALTH....ALLERGAN's WEBSITE AND MY DOCTORS OFFICE NEVER MENTIONED A TIME STAMP ON THE LAP BAND...I AM 7 YEARS POST OP AND STILL GOING STRONG.....if you take care of the band....there is no reason for it to be removed...complications can happen with any surgery...that's the lap band selling point if something happens it can be removed...if she get the VSG and suffer complications...she will have to deal with its chronic issues...

You are delusional if you think that a band will last her lifetime.

You are misguided if you think that replacing a band is a simple thing after years of scar tissue have accumulated.

No one knows how long these devices last, but to enter into surgery at this age, believing that it will last your lifetime is naive.

Kathkeb, you are doing people a HUGE favor by being straightforward and honest... and even though it's probably not my place, I'd like to thank you. People really need to know all facets... and you are providing just that.

SO, THANK YOU for being so forthcoming.

Listen to your surgeon he knows what he's talking about. My surgeons don't even want to do the band anymore because it is so ineffective for weight loss and they told me at least 1/5 of their band patients end up having to revise because their bodies just won't accept the band. The VSG really is far more effective, so wish I would have done it instead of this horrid band.

Astambo..follow your heart...and you may need to change surgeons that believe in the lap band...make sure your surgeon is part of the Center of Excellence...that have excellent aftercare...and YES YOU CAN LOSE ALL YOUR WEIGHT WITH THE LAP BAND ...you are young and have your whole life ahead of you and your metabolism is a lot better than someone that is older ...so your chance of success will be greater.....even if you have to get your band replaced..often times it is a quick and easy surgery.....

Here is a guide on how the lap band works if you choose it....

http://www.laplose.com/Media/Forms/LapBandDietGuideNew.pdf
 

Thank you, NanaB!!  I love your posts...  thank you for being so positive.  I'm a newbie, but I have no regrets (I know Maria will chime in telling me to just wait) and what will be will be IF I have a problem.  But for right now, I know I made the right decision!!   I'm not even filled and I've lost 38 pounds (26 before surgery, 13 since surgery) and I feel great!