Hello Again...a few questions about Lap Band Surgery

Hello All

I have been absent for about one year and it's good to be back! 

My heart issues it seems have finally been resolved.  (2 major heart blockages in 2 years). 

After all the heart issues and esophageal issues, I am now concerned about having gastric bypass surgery so I am looking into having lap band surgery as an alternative.    This way, if I again have a serious esophageal and stomach issue, if need be I can have the band removed for additional surgery.

With that being said, has anyone here had lap band surgery? 
If you have, how are you doing on it? 
Do you lose weight as fast ?  
Have had any problems  the band slipping? 
How many fills did you need to have? 

Thanks so much for your response!   I will spend the next hour or so looking over the questions and answers here.   It's good to see you all again!

Linda

Hi Linda,

Welcome back to our corner of OH. . .

I know there may be a person or two on here who had lapband, I just am not sure who.

However, on the PA board, there is a person, she does not post there often, but is a Lapband leader, who has been extremely successful with her lapband, so I would suggest to PM her. Her OH name is shmom005 her real name is listed on her profile so it's no secret, Robin Rehr and she would probably be able to answer most any question you have. I strongly suggest you reach out via PM, by clicking on her profile name once you find it on the PA members list, I am sure once she reads the PM she will respond to you.

You are affiliated with a wonderful surgeon, who used to do surgery at the place I had mine in Langhorne, he left before I had my surgery, but many had him and I had the pleasure of meeting him at a gathering we had a couple of years back. I am sure if he is involved in your surgery, you will be ok and he will know what to do to prevent slippage, matter of fact, some doctors put extra stitches to make sure it does not slip.

Otherwise, once you've had your surgery, the work is yours to do, but I can tell you that you will not be sorry if you follow your surgeon's advice and I know Dr. Brader is very serious about his instructions and his patients do well.

Best wishes and I am glad you are healthier than you were last time you posted here.

Laureen

Thanks, Laureen

I really like Dr. Brader and trust him.  I haven't seen him in over 2 years because of all the heart issues I've had and then the esophageal issues.    

I think I'll schedule another appointment to see him in the new year and discuss my options again with him.

Thank you for your post!

Linda

Hi Linda

The choice of surgery is a very personal one between patient and doctor and you will read a lot of negatives about both the lapband and the RNY. In the end you will have to make the choice of what you are able to live with.

Like the other poster advised, have a chat with the lady recommended BUT remember your surgeon is your best adviser. Be guided by him/her. If you are concerned about anything you should be speaking with him about those concerns.

I had a lapband in September 2007 and had it removed 3 years later.  Unfortunately the lapband was not for me. For 3 years I battled both physically and emotionally with it. The decision for me to have it removed was the most sane thing I did.

I am now 6 weeks post op for RNY and at this point in time it is the best decision I have made.  I am now lighter than I ever got on my band.

HAVING SAID ALL THAT I personally know several ladies who have had bands and it has worked beautifully for them.  I don't know what the stats are regarding bands slipping but I can tell you that everyone seems to get their bands filled differently.  Nothing is regimented. What suits one lapbander certainly doesn't suit another. Some people are filled with a little and it works. Others keep getting regular fills and that works for them.  No hard and fast rules.

Good luck with whatever you decided to do.

Jules

Hi Jules

Thanks for answering my post.    It's really hard to know what to do now.  I was so ready for the RNY surgery in 2008.  I had my stress test 2 weeks before the surgery and life has not been the same since.   I've spent so much time back and forth in the hospital for various heart issues and esophageal issues it's depressing!

I'll keep doing my research and talk with my Doctor in the new year. Thanks for the good advice!

Linda

Hi Linda, I have had my band almost 9 years. I have lost over 100 lbs and have kept it off 7 years. I did have  a band slip in 2003. Once it was fixed, I have had no problems. There have been lots of advances with the band since 2002. The bands are better and the technique to implant them has improved. The weight loss with the band is slower at first than with the bypass. But the weight loss with the band and bypass is identical after 2-3 years. Each person is different with the fills. Some people it takes a few fills and with others it takes a lot. Once you get in the "green zone" which is getting full on a small amount of food, not vomiting and losing weight you won't have to see your surgeon as often. Usually the 1st year you need to see your surgeon monthly. Your band is always adjustable and the complications with the band aren't as life threatening and can be done laparascopically. Hope this helps. Mona

Hi Mona

Thanks for your reply. 

Your message was inspiring for sure and I hope that I can come to a decision, with my doctor, on how to handle this.  My weight is killing me slowly and I'm far too young to die!

I will schedule a meeting in the new year with the doc and see if I"m even a candidate for the lap band or RNY any longer. I simply may not be.  

Hope you have  a wonderful Christmas!

Linda