the lapband

I'm thinking about getting the lapband WLS I want to lose 350lbs, the GASTRICBYPASS scare me its too risky, any advice. p.s. I live in Detroit,Michigan Quincy

Just do your research on what would be successful the most successful path.  I remember years ago having a friend about to have an RNY and saying to myself, I'd never have my insides cut up, I'll do it the natural dieting way. After 10 wasted years, I had my RNY and I'm now 70 pounds lighter after 5 months and I'll be playing hockey in the fall. Keep an open mind when making your choice and good luck. Guy

Quincy, Not to draw the ire of any of the banded folks in the locker room, and I know we have some in here that have lost tons of weight using the band and more power to them, but for that kind of weight loss in my opinion you need to look really hard at either RNY or getting a DS done.  Any kind of WLS has the potential to go to **** on you, including a band, so do more research and when you are ready find the best surgeon you can in the Motor City to do the job. 

Since you need to lose so much weight I think the RNY gastric bypass would be the best option for you. That way you could pretty much be guaranteed to lose a good deal of the weight. Well, nothing is guaranteed, but I haven't heard of many who haven't lost weight with the RNY. Good luck though!

I am with them.  Keep learning and doing your research.  Most important is that you do something, but in a very educated way.  Whatever you decide, you have to be comfortable with your decision.

 

Best of luck,

 

Lou 

Hey Quincy, I am early into WLS..in fact I am hoping to get a date of mid to late Aug. As a new guy...I felt the same way as you did...but after all my research and my health issues at this time(Type 2 ,HBP, Sleep-Apnea) RNY is the better choice for me...it is a stronger tool. As mentioned with the amount of weight you want to lose....the Band may not be the better choice....also when I spoke with my surgeon...he said that he wouldn't give me the band based on my current weight and health issues.  Look at it this way....you only want to have surgery once, why not choose the proper tool for the job the first time...just my .02 -Rob

Q, it's all pretty scary.

Anxiety about Bariatric Surgery is as Normal out here As Deep Navels! What particularly about it seems “Too Risky?” There is risk, but often people are most frightened By rumors rather than facts. Perhaps some face to face discussions with a real person who has been through it? Check for a support group in your area by throwing out a question at- Michigan-Message-Board (look up- Kp-[kevin]  He's a total straight-shooter)

I’m one to go with the odds.  And the ‘Odds are’ without dropping the excess weight People tend to be at even a greater risk of shorter life Than those who have Weight-Loss Surgery. Hope you find the health solution that works for you, Even if that is No surgery what so ever. Best Wishes- Dx

 

I'm going to have to agree with Don on this one... with that much to lose, I think you'll be disappointed with the results of the band.  True, (as Don said) many have lost a ton of weight with the band, they tend to be the exception rather than the rule. you talk about risky and complications and such... if you look into the long term, I think you'll find that all three (band, RNY and DS) are all about the same.  While the RNY and DS risks are much sooner, as there is internal cutting and re-routing involved, once you're healed from the actual wounds, the biggest concern os keeping up on your regular bloodwork to monitor nutrient levels and adjust your supplements as needed.  With the band, there are risks further down the line such as band slippage, erosion into the stomach, pancreas or liver... all of which are VERY SERIOUS situations. You're lucky in that, living in MI, you have access to quite a number of surgeons who perform all three surgeries**  speak to them about your options, as well as checking on each of the procedure boards here at OH (band, RNY and DS boards) ** I only mentioned the 3 most common... so as not to get any panties twisted, I will say this:  Yes there is also the VSG which is a great option... but it's very new as a stand-alone WLS procedure, so many insurance companies do not yet cover it because there is little (if any) data on the long-term effectiveness of it.  the VSG is the stomach portion of the DS, but without the intestinal re-routing of the DS. Whatever you do, good luck

Have you spoken with a surgeon yet?  Go to an information session and get information on the surgeries you would consider (ie. the lap band, RNY, Sleeve, DS), ask some questions and maybe it will not seem quite so risky or intimidating to consider surgery other than Lap Band.  Your surgeon may tell you that Lap Band is not your best option, are you ready to hear that?  Be honest with yourself, why are you over weight?  Which of these procedures will best help you deal with these issues.  

I am not sure what you mean by too risky, but my surgeon told me the risk of dying with a LAP RNY is less than having your Gall Bladder removed laproscopicly. 

Get as much information as you can before you make a decison.

 

Jim

Do your own research. If the doctor is pushing you toward one procedure or other, RUN. It's your decision. Caveat emptor.