Lap Band Vs Gastric Bypass

Hi Laura I haven\\\'t had my WLS yet but I\\\'m weighing the pros and cons of both surgeries. You might want to post this question on the Lap Band Forum I\\\'ve been lurking around there and I have learned alot about the band. Good luck. Roxxy

I am kind of new to this group, so where would I find this lap band forum. I appreciate your help. Laura

There are big decisions with this for sure. I researched for almost a year before choosing the DS. I finally just had to choose the one with the least amount of bad stuff (ie.....obstructions, dumping, history of weight regain, etc). Its a decision only the patient should make for themselves as its a lifelong deal. I wish you all the luck in the world on what you choose for yourself. I do have a cousin who had the RNY a year ago. She lost 135 pounds, has been back in the hospital twice due to obstruction and she is nauseaus all the time. I did research the lap band for a while and while the weight loss is slower, which has its good points, there just isn't enough info out there. Also, my Dr told me (My PCP) that if you are morbidly obese, no matter how fast you loose there will excessive amounts of skin in one place or another. Some people more than others of course!!!! Good Luck! Tonya

I have the lap-band and have had it for a year - today is my anniversary actually! I have lost 60 lbs to date, with 40 more to go. I have had 2 fills. I chose the lap-band because of the low risk involved. Although any surgery is risky, after all of the research I did, I decided this was the least invasive and adjustable making it the best choice for me. But, in my opinion, this is also the surgical choice that requires the most work on my part. I have to make the right food choices in order to lose weight. If I make bad food choices I will not lose and may even gain. The lap-band is a tool to be used in conjunction with a good diet and exercise. WLS is a personal choice, eduction is key and follow-up care is paramount no matter what surgery you chose. Good Luck, Jacky

Hi Laura! Best of luck to you on your decision. I chose Lap Band after doing quite a bit of research on the different types of wls surgeries because of it being a safer surgery. I had 2 little girls, just under 100 pounds to loose and was in good health other than being morbidly obese. I liked the fact that I would be out of the hospital in 1 day and out and about in a week or so. I was actually able to drive on my 3rd day home and was out at the movies on my 1 week anniversary! So far the weight loss has been slow - but steady and I'm happy with that. I am out 4 months from surgery. I've gone from a size 22-24 jean to a size 16P! From 218.3 pounds to 175.2 (as of this morning)! and I feel so much better already. The trick with the band is to stay on top of your restriction. Don't allow yourself to be too restricted where you can't eat anything worth while and don't stay too unrestricted where you can eat everything. Luckily, my fills have been super easy (less than 5 minutes in the office once we get started) and I've been able to make adjustments as necessary - as a matter of fact, I'm going in Tues for a slight fill. If you can be patient with the steady loss and have the time to get adjustments as necessary, the band is a wonderful tool! I have lots of info in my profile too if you'd like something to read. Pam

I think the most important and difficult part is finding a surgeon who is willing to sit down with you and talk with you about the differences. I think that each surgery has it place and each person has a difficult decision that sometimes must be made too quickly. I perform and only offer surgeries laparoscopically (unless the patient requests open), the band, RNY, DS and revisions and have performed laparoscopic surgery on patients who have have previous transplant surgery, others with colon surgery, and those with gynecologic surgery successfully. I believe the most important decision needs to be made with the individual patient not at a large interest group or within a few minutes after the initial consult. I require patients interested in the band or DS or revision to have an initial consult with me to discuss all the issues prior to beginning the approval process. Your right once you start the process it is more difficult to change in the middle or once your approved for a single procedure, and I agree that the different types of surgery can be performed safely if experienced. Good Luck, Sincerely, Dr Selwyn Assistant Professor of Surgery UC Center for Surgical Weight Loss