I have a surgery date for Lap Band on 9-11-08

Hi Everybody,
I have my surgery date, and I am so excited. I am trying to eat right and exercise, and I really want this to be successful for me. Sometimes I get a little confused about all the different surgeries out there. Can you guys please give me reinforcements about why Lap Band is the best choice??
I have almost changed my mind once, and went with RNY instead, but then I changed my mind back to lap band after reading about how the stoma can stretch and then you basically have a 20 foot stomach! I waonder if that is what happened to my mom and others that I have seen gain their weight back??
Anyway, please give me some good news about the band. With surgery approaching, I just need a little reassurance.
Thank you so much for all of your wonderful knowledge...

I'm sorry I can't be more reassuring, but I think the lap band is not a great surgery, and doesn't work for a lot of people. See the WLS regret forum and the WLS revision forum. The band has one thing going for it....a lot of advertising dollars, the long term studies though show that the band fails about 7 out of 10 people. Even the FDA studies that were subitted at the time the bad was being approved only showed a 50 percent success rate (success being 50 percent of patients being able to lose 50 percent of your excess weight).

If I were you, I'd highly recommend looking into another surgery, the VSG or the DS. I had theDS, it was the BEST surgery I could hav e had, but it isn't right for everyone. Do your research...

Scott

Hello,

I am 1 week post op and had the other surgery after i found out that there were problems with the lap band surgeries plus the success rates.  If i were you, i would do some extensive research on this before you finalize the type of surgery.  your surgeon should have already provided you with a packet full of information of various types of surgeries available and their success rate.   so far i've lost 14 pounds from 8/21 thru 8.28.

Good luck!
I just celebrated my 1 year anniversary with the lap band on 8/23.  I am down 80 lbs, and have to lose 30 more. This has been the best decision I have ever made.  This has been the first time in many many years I haven't been on a diet. 
I am not a perfect bandster- I try to follow the band rules and I exercise maybe 2 times a week.  I have only had 1 slight unfill, and have "vomited" maybe 6 times in the year- usually my fault- stay away from gooey wraps! 
Good luck, and follow your surgeons advice, and be diligent about your follow up.

Thank you so much. I only have 2 days and can't wait..
Congratulations on your success,
Becky