mini gastric band?????

Ok so up until now I have been dead set that I want the lapband, but the more research I do the more uncertain I become.At this point I just want to have what ever surgery will save me, but I do have these thoughts in the back of my head that what if I want to have a baby will I be able to? Also I really like the idea of a surgery that is minimally invasive. Does anyone have any input for me?

You might want to post this question on the lap band board for more input. I've had my band a little over a year and even tho I'm a slow loser because of lung disease limiting my exercise I've still lost 60 lbs. I recently had a surgery and had to spend 6 weeks in bed but didn't gain any weight during that time which I think is a miracle!

I, too, thought I wanted the LapBand until I went to my surgeon's seminar and learned about Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomey (VSG).  I researched the surgery a whole lot and came to the decision that it was the best choice for me.  These are my reasons:

Quite honestly, as my husband's employer chose not to include any type of weight loss treatment regardless of co-morbidities or BMI (except discounts to Jenny Craig and Bally's - like I haven't tried just eating better and exercising - who'd of thunk it could all be so easy?!?!?!?) price was a major concern since I have been out-of work (terminated when FMLA ran out - thanks for all of your hard work and I guess that recent promotion didn't really mean anything in terms of your professional attributes or commitment to the company) since mid-March 2008.  I thought Lap-Band was my only option as a cash pay patient who didn't want to incur debt from a high interest medical loan until I attended the required seminar by Sr. Srikanth in early October 2008. 

When I had my consult, I asked my surgeon if I was a good candidate for VSG.  After a thorough review of my medical records (10 page health history survey plus an over hour long interview during the consult) he stated that I was.  He knew that this surgery, whatever I chose, was going to be my "last shot" at successful weight loss (although to be fair I have to admit that the fact that it can later be converted to the Duodenal Switch, even if I have no intention of every doing it, does give me some comfort).  I trust Dr. Srikanth completely; partly due to his congenial demeanor but more importantly because he's the best in WA and is very thorough in his pre-op testing and has a great follow-up program that lasts for life.  For example, due to my medical history he required pre-op 4 outside consults, 25 lab tests, and 10 procedural tests.  Luckily, even though my medical insurance did not pay for the surgery itself, they have paid 100% of the pre-op requirements and I have it in writing that they will cover any post-op complications.

When I researched VSG on my own I came to the conclusion that it was not only successful as a stand-alone WLS, but also the best choice for me because:

-          immediate restriction meaning the possibility of faster weight loss

-          no complications, short or long term, from permanent device

-          implantation

-          no need for expensive adjustments on a regular basis for life

-          better overall surgical risk/post-op complication rates than other WLS for high BMI's

-          no rerouting of my intestines thus less likelihood of malabsorption issues or dumping syndrome as in bypass

 

 

 

I say good for you for asking the types of questions that should be asked before making one of the most important decisions of your life.  I have put together a list of research articles available online thanks to other members of the VSG forum who were willing to share their research.  If you’d like a copy of my list, please send me a PM.

I had surgery on Wednesday, was home Thursday afternoon and am feeling better every day.  You can see my profile for pictures of my belly post-op laparoscopic VSG (plus hiatal and umbilical hernia repairs done at the same time free of charge).

Good luck on your journey,

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amy

Are you comparing lap band to mini gastric bypass (MGB)? They are indeed, quite different animals.

Yes, that's true; the Lap-Band, Mini-Gastric Bypass and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomies are all very different animals!  My response advised why I chose the VSG over both the Lap-Band and all bypass procedures (including the mini-gastric bypass).  Please let me know if you need additional clarification.

Amy

I'm confused about the "mini gastric band" . Were you meaning mini gastric bypass ? If I were you , i'd go to a couple of seminars , to decide which surgery will be best for you . Visit the various boards for more information , as well . As for having a baby . There is a pregnancy board on OH . From what i've read , pregnancy is not a problem as long as your obstetrician is aware of your special cir****tances . Most bariatric surgeons want their pateints to have reached goal & be at least a year out before they get pregnant . Good luck on choosing , I know it's not easy . Take your time .