Anchorage's surgical weight loss support group
Lap Band or Gastric Bypass?
Okay, so I assume most of you are seeing Dr. Todd? I am very nervous because he says that the lap band may not be right for me, and the bypass might be the best option, considering how much I need to lose.
Has anyone struggled with this decision? If so, can you give me some insight? The bypass feels like a scary commitment, which I know is a good one... but it's not reversible! At least with the lapband, if I NEVER remove it... I still have that security blanket. But why do it if it won't do the whole job?
The stats I'm understanding are that lap band patients lose about 40% of their excess weight, while gastric bypass patients lose about 70%. Is that right? Help!
Has anyone struggled with this decision? If so, can you give me some insight? The bypass feels like a scary commitment, which I know is a good one... but it's not reversible! At least with the lapband, if I NEVER remove it... I still have that security blanket. But why do it if it won't do the whole job?
The stats I'm understanding are that lap band patients lose about 40% of their excess weight, while gastric bypass patients lose about 70%. Is that right? Help!
Victoria
Eagle River, AK
RNY 8/3/09
Eagle River, AK
RNY 8/3/09
Thank you for posting your questions!! 
I have been struggling with this very thing the last several weeks.
Dr. Tood is not my Doc. I am seeing Dr. Searles and I have the same questions you do regarding making the decision between Lap Band or Gastric Bypass. I have spent hours on OH looking at photos, reading posts of those that have had one or the other of these WLS and have come to this conclusion:
If you want to lose it fast, don't mind the lifetime of side effects, and are not committed to an exercise program then . . . . Gastric Bypass
If you want to lose it slow, steady, deal less with the loose skin issues (depending on your size) then go with the Lap Band.
I am right there with you regarding feeling as if the GBP is a scary commitment.
But what we are committing to do is LOSE WEIGHT!!. It is down right scary to give up that Friend (Food) that has always been there in pain, happiness, celebration and sorrow. It has been our life . . . . up to now. I can say, with a little hesitation, I am a Food Addict. I LOVE FOOD. By having either surgery, we are giving up the control we have had on our own food intake and modifying our bodies to prevent us from loving our food like we love our food now.
I, like you, have said to myself that the LB is not permanant, but it is!! In my research, of those that have had it removed have gained their weight back. Also in my discussions with my Doc, he has explained that although he would not recommend removal, he would do it if necessary. Because of the type of insurance I have, they are requiring not only all those things you are probably required to do (Nutritenist, 6 month diet plan supervised, lab work-ups) but they have also required a "medically supervised exercise program." I don't know about you but I am a seditary person . . . . I have never been that active. In the last several years I have had problems with my thyroid and adrieal glands & have been very fatigued if I do any exercise at all. I have been off work since Dec 8th due to these issues.
I have made up my mind that exercise is going to be my BFF for life. I have to change my mind set and embrase it. My sister has had GBP and because she has not made the eating lifestyle changes nor exercises, she is still at a BMI over 35. Sure, she has lost weight . . . . but in the 10 years since she has had the surgery she has never reached her goal weight. Her experience has been the reason I have not considered WLS until this last year.
But that has changed because in three years I will be 50 and I don't want to go into my 50's with this weight. I want to be 1/2 the person I am now.
I hope this was helpful. I would love to talk about this more with you. Share you thoughts, I'll share mine & we can maybe help each other through making this decision.
I have been struggling with this very thing the last several weeks. Dr. Tood is not my Doc. I am seeing Dr. Searles and I have the same questions you do regarding making the decision between Lap Band or Gastric Bypass. I have spent hours on OH looking at photos, reading posts of those that have had one or the other of these WLS and have come to this conclusion:
If you want to lose it fast, don't mind the lifetime of side effects, and are not committed to an exercise program then . . . . Gastric Bypass
If you want to lose it slow, steady, deal less with the loose skin issues (depending on your size) then go with the Lap Band.
I am right there with you regarding feeling as if the GBP is a scary commitment.
But what we are committing to do is LOSE WEIGHT!!. It is down right scary to give up that Friend (Food) that has always been there in pain, happiness, celebration and sorrow. It has been our life . . . . up to now. I can say, with a little hesitation, I am a Food Addict. I LOVE FOOD. By having either surgery, we are giving up the control we have had on our own food intake and modifying our bodies to prevent us from loving our food like we love our food now. I, like you, have said to myself that the LB is not permanant, but it is!! In my research, of those that have had it removed have gained their weight back. Also in my discussions with my Doc, he has explained that although he would not recommend removal, he would do it if necessary. Because of the type of insurance I have, they are requiring not only all those things you are probably required to do (Nutritenist, 6 month diet plan supervised, lab work-ups) but they have also required a "medically supervised exercise program." I don't know about you but I am a seditary person . . . . I have never been that active. In the last several years I have had problems with my thyroid and adrieal glands & have been very fatigued if I do any exercise at all. I have been off work since Dec 8th due to these issues.
I have made up my mind that exercise is going to be my BFF for life. I have to change my mind set and embrase it. My sister has had GBP and because she has not made the eating lifestyle changes nor exercises, she is still at a BMI over 35. Sure, she has lost weight . . . . but in the 10 years since she has had the surgery she has never reached her goal weight. Her experience has been the reason I have not considered WLS until this last year.
But that has changed because in three years I will be 50 and I don't want to go into my 50's with this weight. I want to be 1/2 the person I am now.
I hope this was helpful. I would love to talk about this more with you. Share you thoughts, I'll share mine & we can maybe help each other through making this decision.
