Lap Band versus Gastric Bypass

I initially was convinced that I only wanted to pursue lap band surgery, but now I'm not so sure. I need to lose 225+ pounds, and after seeing that the average excess weight loss with the lap band is in the 50-60% range, I'm concerned that I won't be able to lose enough to get into a healthy weight range. Has anybody had lap band surgery who needed to lose this much weight, and what was your outcome? Thanks, Barbara

Barbara, you will probably find more people with the band on the lapband forum of this website! I have had the band, but am a newbie and cannot help you with weight loss amounts - too new! check out the lapband part of OH!

Hi Barbara, The surgery you chose ultimately comes down to what your comfortable with. Through my research, and I would advise you to do tons before you decide, I have found the following: Lap band is safer than RNY (death rate of 1/2000 vs 1/200) Banders don't suffer from dumping or malabsorption Recovery time can be quicker and less painful and although initial weight loss is quicker with the RNY in the long run you have the ability to loss more with the band. Weight loss can stop 1-2 years out with RNY but the band is adjustable for life. There have even been posts here about being banded after RNY due to stretching of the pouch. On the flip side dumping can keep, those of us that wouldn't stay with a healthy eating program on their own, on track. Read everything you can get your hands on and talk to as many doctors as you can find until you find the one you are comfortable with. Good luck with your choice. Lynn

Those stats of 50-60% are for the first year. After 2-3 years the weight loss stats for bypass and band are virtually identical. Its up to you to decide which procedure is right for you. There are MANY people who have been successfully banded with 200, 300, even 500 lbs to lose - check out the Extraordinary Bandsters group on Yahoo for more info. Best of luck whatever you decide! Caeli 348/323/266/198 5'10"

Hi, I had lapband 3 years ago, and as I lay on the table, my doctor told me, you know you will never be thin ): I was almost 40 pounds, and found after surgery Iwas too big for the band, and had severe complications, and ended up having it removed. I am not going for bypass. I am not knocking the band, as I think it works for some, but the weight loss is slower, and if you have a lot to loose, they say it is really only good for 100 pounds. There is a bigger band now, I am not sure of the stats on that one. I wish you well in what ever you choose. Feel free to E mail me anytime. [email protected] I also live in salem (:

Hi It is definately a personal decision but: 1. think about the type of eater you are. Are you a sweet eater that would benefit from the dumping? Or are you a portion eater that the band would work well with? 2. What are the behavioral issues around eating? grazing? stress, etc? 3. Do you like the control that the band will likely give you regarding weight loss, amounts, etc? 4. Think about some of the psych issues surrounding weight loss at a more rapid pace, will this cause any distress and would you prefer the slower pace the band will give you? 5. Long term, are you committed to the lifestyle changes both will allow you to make, but how you approach them may be different with each. Just some thoughts but I would rec'd attending support groups for banders and for rnys and speaking with people a bout their personal experiences! Stella