Why did you choose Lap Band?

The answer of choose the one that is right for you has already been CLEARLY brought to me by the group a few months ago.  But it seems we've been getting a lot more lap band recipitents in the last month.    I don't live near my doctor (200 miles) and I've heard that having a lapband means a life time of doctor visits or much more than RNY.  I've also heard that complications from the band equals out to RNY after 2 years.  But I'm just curious if those of you who chose the lapband did it out of mere convience of lighter surgery/recovery times or what. Thanks, Preacher Bob.

from what I read around here and the media it appears to be for a few reasons.  Alot of people freak out about "losing" their actual stomach, with lapband its reverible(removable) and it seems if you have 100Lbs or less to lose it does seem to be the right answer. Personally because I need to drop 200+ it really isn't an option. my old bosses aunt had the lapband while his uncle had the RNY and both are doing very well. like most procedures it all about how well you work it.

The more I read, persons 'believe' it's reversible with no adverse effects but according to research and doctors - the opposite may be true.   It's touted by the media as being 'reversible' but is another major operation.  The malapsortion of vitamins isn't as prevalent as with RNY but they strongly suggest you do take supplements. I heard just the opposite on weigh loss, if you are super morbidly obese then the lapband is a safer surgery that will put one on the loosing bench.  I, like you, am 200 lbs over what I'd like to be and have decided on the RNY procedure but just the lap belt is appealing because it doesn't rework the guts however a life time of doctor's visits and the possibility of 'filling stations' being set up by hawkers do not appeal to me if they charge like 200 or 300 a fill and not really have YOUR BEST INTEREST at heart. Whereas, RNY, after 2 or 3 years they disappear into the mainstream so to speak. Just wonderin' bob.

Bob, Good question and glad you are asking before surgery.  You are doing your homework which will make for a better long-term satisfaction and willingness to follow the post-op program for whatever you choose. I went through a similar orientation and selection process.  Too much to type if you want to talk, call me. (w) daytime weekdays, 804-734-2137 (h) 804-526-1817 Short summary: I ultimately chose RNY over band because I don't have to be adjusted and re-experience those first two weeks over and over per adjustment, I don't have the old stomach still attached to potentially produce intial hunger until it shrinks down over a 4-8 week period, and I don't have the option of being able to consume the same old bad fats and sugars with the original digestive plumbing I have with the malabsorption from the bypass portion of the RNY WLS that has effectively changed my life. Call anytime that works for you.  I'd love to hear your concerns, fears, and reasoning for considering either. Joe

Looking good, Joe! Appreciate the numbers, I will be calling you soon, probably after the Easter rush. bob.

Hey Bob, hope all is well, As you may or may not know I was leaning toward the RNY but since the seminar I decided the band is best for me (anticipated surgey this summer). Here are a few reasons: 1. I feel that since I am younger and only (lol, “only”) about 325 lbs or so and have no known co-morbidities, it may be all that I need to have to help me get the weight off.  2.  I am a big meal eater, I don’t eat constantly throughout the day, I just eat very large portions and don’t stop till all my food is gone (and sometimes my wife’s food too! ).  3.  I feel that if this doesn’t work in the long term, I can always go for a revision.  4. The idea that the band is adjustable –“Hey doc, can you open me up a bit, I have a huge BBQ to go to this weekend”, lol, just kidding but it is nice to know that if I am not losing the weight it can be tightened.  5. Based on the information presented after 5 years or so the difference in weight loss between the band and the RNY is not all that much, and I feel (and hope) I will be able to stick to a diet regimen and be able to do better than average.  6. It is (more easily) reversible  7. Shorter recovery time and hospital stay  8. No cutting of the inners  9. And finally the decreased Mortality  and complication rates (Morbidity  Band: 0.05%  RNY: 0.5-2%) Best regards, Chris

The gut re-arrangement, the mortality rate, and shorter hospital time is appealing to me, but as Joe said, the lifetime of adjustments and 1st two weeks living over and over again is not appealing. Thanks for sharing,  Bob.

Chris has said it all and very well I might add. I have choosen the Lap Band for the exact reasons Chris has stated above. The only thing I might add is the Band is not just for Light weights and a couple of people eluded to. Check out the Lap Band Fourm at http://obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand/.

I will KSU and thanks for the response!

i chose the band for the same reasons as Chris.  but keep in mind the adjustments are not done that often. in the begining it is monthly but when you reach your goal you are only going to the doc 1 or 2 times per year and although i havnt had a fill yet im told that its only 2 days of liquids after a fill not 2 weeks. adam