Why did you choose Lap-Band over gastric bypass?

I am new to this forum.  I am starting the process for weight loss surgery.  I have the initial referral from my GP and I have filled out the paperwork  for the surgeon. I have a BMI of about 44 and I am 44 years old.  Other than being very obese, I am healthy, with no comorbitities.I have a friend who had lap-band done about a year ago and is down about 100 lbs.  I also know a few others who have not had much success.  I also have a friend that had gastric bypass and was very successful (already within her goal range after 1 year, losing over 100 lbs). 

I understand that the majority of the success is dependent upon the individual's motivation to make a change for life.

I am leaning toward the bypass because I want something "permanent."  My husband wants me to have lap-band because he is afraid of the risks with major surgery and he is also unsure of the very long term affects or rerouting of the bowels (like 20+ years out).

Why did you choose lap-band?  If you had to do it again, would you choose bypass?

Sandra

Anecdotal and personal experience. Both my best friend and my sister regained all the weight they lost with bypass. I wanted to get bypass so bad when I saw how much weight they lost at first... before they regained. Their pouches stretched out very quickly and without a way to adjust anything, that's what they have to live with. Both of them told me that their doctors said their intestines were able to adapt to the missing piece in a way that made them able to absorb more calories. But when I did the research and the numbers showed that over the long term the weight loss was the same for band, that sealed the deal. Cutting up major organs, not being able to redo this if something went wrong, and dumping syndrome were all factors as well.

Good luck to you whatever you choose!

That's what happened to the people I know who had the gastric bypass. Although I love my band, I've heard many people who are unhappy with the band for a variety of reasons.  If I had to do it over again, I'd probably still go with the band but as many mentioned here, I think VSG is a good option.

Check out Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG).  So many people who had a band had to have them taken out because of problems and are now living happily with the VSG.

Check out VSG too!  There are lots of people over there that used to have band and had to have them removed.  The advantage over the RNY is you maintain your pyloric valve. 

Check out the failed band group and you will be able to tell your husband that the lapband can do permanent damage too.  It is removable but not reversible. Lots of banders have switched to the RNY too.

Your post caught my attention when you mentioned you wanted something "permanent" , everyone that I know that got the Bypass in 2005 is SEEKING A LAP BAND...BAND OVER BYPASS, (BOB) since their pouch has stretched and their bypass is no longer "helping them permanently" . 

Rerouting of the intestines IS permanent and Dumping syndrome IS permanent, but as far as helping with weight loss IS NOT permanent.

The only way I would consider the Bypass if my health was very poor and I had about 150 pounds plus to lose ..aka diabetes or some chronic condition where I had to lose weight very quickly.

Otherwise I would not dare get the Bypass, I've seen too many deaths and chronic conditions with too many people over the years to even think about the Bypass -- But it's still the gold standard I believe.

I was like you Healthy but obese, now going on 8 years with my band I am still healthy and happy. Based on my personal research on all these procedure and seeing what my sister went through with her VBG over 25 years ago, I also had a cousin that had the Bypass back in the early 80's...both are doing fine but both are still Plus size.

Good luck

Sleeve! I would not do RNY - I feel it is too risky and the complication rate is pretty high.

I was stupid to choose the crapband and should have went with bypass. I revised to gastric bypass and I'm very happy.  No complications at all.

Lapband have way higher complication rates than gastric bypass.

Research Research research!

Thanks.  I just found out I have my initial patient appointment tomorrow morning.  I am excited to learn more!

Come on over here!!!   http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/