Question:
Success stories from people with Lap Band and BMI over 65

I am in the research phase and going to an orientation on December 12th. I am 5"2 and 389 lbs and really want to go the Lap Band route, although I will go to the orientation openminded. I am hoping to hear of people with BMI over 65 that have succeeded with the Lap Band. Thank you so much for any input! :)    — auntieshell (posted on November 20, 2006)

November 20, 2006
Hi Michelle, I am post-op almost 7 weeks. I am 5'2" and started out this journey at about 360lbs. I got myself under 350 before my appointment with the Dr. so I could be done in the clinic and not the hospital. After doing the pre-op I was down to 326. Now I am post - op 7weeks and down to 310. I am hoping to be blow 300 by Christmas. I haven't even had my first fill yet. I am very happy I went with the lap band. On the Lap band board there are a lot of success stories of higher BMI's with the lap-Band. Good luck! Maureen
   — Bee

November 20, 2006
Michelle, I, too wanted Lap-Band originally, but, my insurance would not cover lap-band for those with a BMI over 50 (mine was 52 - I have Pacificare HMO Signature Value). So, I decided on gastric instead, and here I am 3 months later, 62 pounds lighter, and have never regreted my decision - and thankfully, I didn't have to pay for my surgery either. However, if your insurance will cover it or you are willing/able to pay out of pocket, obviusly, you need to do what is right for you. Good luck in your journy.
   — Eryn G.

November 20, 2006
Michelle, congratulations on taking the big step of researching. I went into this knowing I wanted to do the lapband. However, my doctor wanted me togo with RYN. She felt that with the amount of weight I had to lose, that I may not lose as fast and not keep it off as well with the lapband. 11 mo out and down 112 lbs with the RYN. Good Luck to you.
   — robinsoc140

November 21, 2006
I was once considering the Lap Band myself - I had a BMI of 52 before having gastric bypass surgery on 8/7/06. I am now down 65 lbs and can't even begin to tell you how it has changed my life already. But the biggest reason I chose the gastric bypass over the lap band - I have 2 very good friends who had the lap band. After struggling for a year and a half - they both had the lap band reversed and ended up having the gastric bypass. They both had major problems with the lap band. They would always be in the bathroom throwing up their food because it would get constricted. So - after seeing their experience and what a horrible experience they had- I chose to go with the gastric bypass. I have also heard of other people in my support group that have had problems eating with the lap band. Obviously you need to make that choice for yourself though. I just wanted to share my friends' experiences. Good luck with whichever surgery you choose!
   — kathlene

November 21, 2006
Statistically, with the lapband your chances of losing enough weight in order to no longer be morbidly obese and eliminate your comorbidities is very slim. The best surgery for higher BMIs is the Duodenal Switch. You have to do what is best for you, but research all your options... ask the right questions to the right people... Amy has a post on the top of the main board comparing the different surgeries, you may want to read that and get more information there. If you are interested in finding out more about the DS, please come to the DS Forum and ask questions. You can also look at www.duodenalswitch.com for more great information. Hope you find exactly what you are looking for. Be blessed.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 21, 2006
Hi Michelle. I am 5'5" and weight 325. My BMI is 57. My surgeon told me that the best way to go would be the Gastric ByPass not the Lap Band. I would only lose a small portion of the weight with the Lap Band. Gastric By Pass would allow me to lose the most weight of the two procedures. For what it's worth. Good luck. Kathi
   — Myamshmi

November 25, 2006
I have seen at least 3 people that had the band and lost very well. Bands are supposed to lose at a slower rate, but I think these people lost fairly fast. YOu just have to be sure what kind of eater you are. If you are purely a bulk eater, then the band will work very well. If you are a grazer and/or a sweet junky, you can easily defeat the band.
   — Leisa