Question:
sucess with lap band
Are there people out their who had the lap band and are happy that they made that choice? I am scheduled to see Dr.Pratt at MGH on September 28th and I am more anxious then I have ever been in my life. I also think I am grieving my relationship with food and how it will change. Overweight my entire life and would like to enjoy my fifties without mega medical problems. — karen D. (posted on August 18, 2009)
August 18, 2009
sorry, i had the lap band and it didnt work for me. Just wanting to be
honest - I was hungry all the time, and couldnt get down much food at all,
except mushed carbs. I gained 50 lbs with the lap band!
Good luck
— amai
August 18, 2009
I chose RNY instead of lap band because I didn't feel like I had the
discipline to stick with the food plan for the lap band without the help of
the hunger abatement that went along with RNY. I know that many, many
people have great success with the band, however. You may be one of them.
Good luck.
— Elizabeth_Ann
August 18, 2009
I tried to read your profile, but since you have it private I wasn't able
to learn anything about you. I do know you are scheduled to see the dr
about the lap band Sept 28. One thing about any weight loss surgery is you
do need to sever your ties with food, or your goal won't be met. Here is
what I know about the lap band. I didn't have it; I had the RNY but I have
very good information. People that have the lap band usually wish or do
end up having the RNY. The lap band gives a slow weight loss, 60 % of
excess weight loss requires the most patient effort of all procedures to be
successful. Must consume 800 calories per day for 18-36 months, slippage,
erosion, infection, port problems, device malfunction are all the down
sides from the lap band. If you have 100 lbs or less the RNY is a good
option. Most insurance companies won't pay for the lap band, and most
insur. companies will pay for the RNY. I don't mean to sound negative, but
I have read a lot of posts from people that regret having the lap band. It
is a lot of trauma for your body to have to go through a revision. I have
a comparison Chart from California Pacific Medical Center if you want me to
navigate you through the website to see the chart or I have it in my
pictures, but it might be blurry. Not to bash the people that choose the
lap band, but it seems as though people that aren't sure about weight loss
that are afraid to commit to it 100% opt for the lab band because it is
reversible. I was going to get the lab band but I wanted something
permanent where I HAD to change my eating habits. I am so thankful that I
had the RNY without any complications. It is a lifetime change, so you
need to do a lot of soul searching and ask yourself are you really ready to
commit to this change for life and are you willing to sever your ties with
food. If you aren't ready to cut your ties with food then the food devil
will get you everytime, and with the lap band it can come out, if you
decide you don't like it. So.....it is something to really think about.
Sorry, but I only answer questions from my heart with a lot of concern for
the person willing to change their life for the better without any regret.
— Kristy
August 18, 2009
there ARE people who are happy with the lap band-- i would look at the lap
band forum on this site to get all of the possible information. a lot of
compliance IS required-- you have to do all the follow-up and you might not
feel restriction until you are filled to a certain amount. you should
consult with the doctor and nutritionist and do research to find out what
procedure is right for you.
— greenpunchbuggie
August 18, 2009
I concur with everything everyone has said. I think you also need to
consider your own person health. I originally was going to have the band
but because of some of the medical issues I have my doctor informed that
my underlying medical conditions would be easier to control if not reverse
with the RYN instead of the band. Some people need not only the
malnutrition aspect of the band but the additional malabsorption of the
bypass surgery.
— kaylazoe
August 18, 2009
According to what I read, the lapband is only about 40% effective - that
means that it is 60% UNEFFECTIVE... When I quoted this figure to my
surgeon and asked about it, she said that the success is actually even
less, because it depends on what you call "success". She said
there are some lapbanders who reach their weight goal, but many many do
not, and they are still considered within that 40%. I know a few people who
had the lapband and had it removed because they were hungry all the time,
and vomited nonstop. My surgeon talked me out of the lapband. She said it
usually only works for a very specific personality type - one that ENJOYS
control over food and has time and energy to fuss with food things a lot.
I, unfortunately am more of the controlled-BY-food type - so it was out of
the question for me. I had the sleeve almost a year ago and I am so happy
with it - I lost over 85 lbs, and am still counting... no complications,
thank Gd. One of my friends who had her band taken out also wanted the
sleeve, but the surgeon said it could not be done for her because of all
the damage that had been done to her esophogus from all the vomiting due to
the band. Another friend with an unsuccessful band was told the same thing
by a different surgeon, but said he would decide if it could be done or not
depending on how things look when he starts the surgery (to remove the
band). In the end, he decided she could have a sleeve, and she was so
delighted. There is another surgeon I know of who recently decided that he
does not wish to do any more lapband surgeries, because he thinks that
other procedures are much more effective. Good luck to you whatever you
decide.
— zimra
August 18, 2009
Wow! I am very surprised to see the responses to your question. I am a
lap band patient, tomorrow will be 6 months since surgery for me and I have
lost 50 lbs thus far. Do I regret it? Absolutley not. Have I ever
thought about how much more weight I could have loss with other surgeries,
of course. However, overall I am doing just fine and am happy with the
results. Yes, you can lose weight a lot faster with other surgieries,
however, you'll have to research them all and pick the one that is best for
you. I will say that if you do not like exercising then the lap band is
not for you. The band is simply a tool. You will not lose weigth just
because you have the band. You have to work at it and make smart food
choices. I don't know much about the other surgeries other than you lose
weight more quickly and there is some rerouting of your digistive system.
This is why I choose lap band, I wanted as minimal changes as possible with
maximum results. So like I said, it's a personal choice. Whichever you
choose, keep in mind, it's a change for life and for a better, healthier
you. God bless you in your journey!
— Xavier G.
August 18, 2009
I had the lapband in Aug., 2004. Had lots of problems with it from the
very beginning--pain while trying to eat, night coughing with spitting up
in my sleep, hernia from the port, etc. Had it removed by emergency
surgery in Oct., 2006 after losing 75 lbs. Then I had gastric bypass
surgery (RNY) in May, 2007 after gaining back the 75 lbs. plus more. I've
lost 105 lbs. so far with absolutely NO problems, not even one! Don't
waste your time and money with the lapband is my advice!!
— ksp1155
August 18, 2009
Wow...can't believe all the nay-sayers for lapband. I had the lapband in
May of 2008. I have lost about 60 lbs. YES, weight loss is slow with the
lapband. and YES, you do have to work at it, with healthy food choices and
exercise. Like someone else said it is a tool, it does NOT do the work for
you as in the case of RNY. However, don't let numbers of success/failures
fool you. It is the individual who failed, not the tool itself. There are
many people who have had failed RNY procedures, and there are many who have
had failed lapband procedures. It is up to you and your doctor to decide
which is best for you. My aunt who is in her 60s, has had MANY
complications from her April 08 RNY procedure....ask her if she would
change her mind...and she says YES, she should have went with the lapband.
Sometimes, I feel discouraged and wished I had chosen the RNY, but that's
because I feel as if I'm not losing weight fast enough, but I also know, I
need to change my diet and exercise more too. Remember, either way, you
will be changing your relationship with food, otherwise, either one of them
will fail you. Keep your chin up and make the decision based on what your
needs and wishes are for you and your health.
— Carrie S.
August 18, 2009
I am 9 months out and I have lost over 70 lbs. I love my band. My only
regret is that I didn't do it sooner!
— pennlynn24
August 18, 2009
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand/a,messageboard/
Please check out the lapband forum. There are plenty of success stories.
Then decide for yourself. Myself, I had mine on June 15 and I've lost 40
pounds so far.
— lysacat
August 18, 2009
I had my lap-band surgery in Jan.2009 and have been very pleased with the
results. I have lost 75 lbs thus far. It is alot of hard work. You must
make good food choices and exercise. ( Things that we all should do). I do
not have to worry about malabsorption which people who have RNY do. I feel
great. The weight lost is slower than RNY. My insurance did pay for
lap-band and most companies do pay for lap-band. If you don't think your
disciplicined you might look into the verticle sleeve in which there is
less malabsorption problems than RNY. I still had about 40-50 lbs. left to
loss but I feel so much better than I did. I only wish that I had done it
sooner. Sally
— scario13
August 19, 2009
Wow, you have received a lot of responses to your question about the lap
band. I had researched the lap band and attended seminars for well over a
year before I actually decided to have the surgery. When I visited with my
surgeon and continued my research on line and on the forum here for lap
band users, I suddenly developed a fear of having the lap band surgery. I
read so many things of people spitting up, vomiting, having too much
filled, not enough filled, having to have it removed by emergency
surgery....etc. And since I was paying for this surgery myself thru Care
Credit I thought to myself, what if this happens to me? Then I will have
to pay for the emergency surgery also and I will have accomplished
absolutely nothing. And my surgeon was 2 hrs away from where I live so if
the fillings weren't exactly right, I was looking at return visits, time
away from work, etc. There were just too many variables for me. I wanted
something that I felt more at peace with that would work for me. My
surgeon would NOT due the RYN on me. I was not a good candidate for that,
he considered my weight, my current health, etc. He explained the VSG,
vertical sleeve gasectromy. He gave me all the paperwork, left the room
and told me to make my own decision. I chose the VSG because I was ready
to make a permanent decision to take control over food for the rest of my
life. With the VSG there is no re-routing of the intestines. They remove
70% of your stomach. The VSG surgery has been the best gift I have ever
given to myself. Please know though that ANY weight loss surgery is a
tool, a new beginning if you will. None of them are a miracle that will
make you lose weight and keep it off for good. That part is up to you.
It's a big decision to make. Just make the decision that gives you peace in
your heart and mind that THIS is the right one for YOU..... Each of us on
here can tell you what we feel and what works for us. You have to find the
one that works for YOU.... Yes with RYN you could lose the weight
faster...but it can also cause other health issues. With the VSG you lose
faster than with the lap band. And you must learn how to make wise food
choices with any of the surgeries. I had my surgery June of 2008 and thus
far have lost 75 pounds. I am healthier than I have ever been in my life.
I wish the best for you. Make the choice that is right for you. God Bless
you.
— Jodi L.
August 19, 2009
I had my lap-band done on Jan.9,2009 by Dr. Garth Davis in Houston,TX. I
have last 75lbs. It has been alot of hard work. I have had to learn to make
good food choices and have and make myself exercise. (things that we all
should be doing anyway but usually don't). My drs'. office has a wonderful
support program setup.(Therapist, dietician, very knowledgeble staff,
physical trainer and web access to Dr. Garth and all support staff).Good
support is essential. I still have 40-50 lbs. left to lose but I am so
pleased with my progress. I also don't have to worry about malabsorption
with my lap-band like RNY patients do. My insurance company paid for my
lap-band and many do pay. If your afraid you won't have the discipline
needed for lap-band, you might look into the gastric sleeve. You would have
less problems with malabsorption than with RNY. My only regret is that I
did not have surgery sooner. Good luck. Sally C
— scario13
August 19, 2009
A friend of mine had the band years ago, only to find herself down to 85
lbs from about 260. She was growing scar tissue over the opening of the
stomach and was hospitalized for a long time to recover from this. The
band isn't just put on the stomach and left alone. They put the band on
and take a small portion of your lower stomach and bring it up and over the
band and stitch over the plastic band as to prevent slippage. But by doing
this it creates scar tissue to start to grow over the opening and
eventually she had it removed but now has permanent scarring and damage
around her lower esphogus. She barely had any food go in her "new
pouch" and threw up a lot, which if you continue to throw up as often
as everyday more than 2 twice, you bump up your chances in developing
cancer of the esphogus. Although it can happen with the RNY, but the
chances are minimally slighter. So with the scar tissue, the band
slipping, I was convinced the RNY was for me. People that have the RNY
aren't all malnurished, if they take their vitamins which is a huge part of
being successful with the RNY. Now that you are thourouly confused even
more, what have you decided. With all kidding aside, there are more bad
than good with the lap band. I hope you make the right decision. Go to
www.lapsf.com on the left side blue box click "Weight Loss &
Revisional Surgeries" then click "Intro-What are My Options"
Scroll down to where you see the picture of a stomach. "Click"
here to view the "Surgery Comparison" Chart. Print this if you
can so you can follow my directions. If you can't find it email me.
— Kristy
August 19, 2009
I am in the process of getting approval for RNY. Most insurances are still
working out whether they will approve VSG and most won't or don't in my
case they wouldn't approve it for me.
My surgeon said VSG or Lap Band and refuses to refer me for RNY. I refuse
to settle with the lap band because I have way too much weight to lose,
just diagnosed with diabetes while waiting for approval, and the
success/failure rate was too high for me with the band.
If I had 80 or less pounds to lose, I may have gone with the band. If I had
200 or more pounds to lose I would have gone for DS. So basically whatever
decision you make is up to you. Yes there are some successful banders but
those that need to lose a lot of weight are rare. My fear is having to have
a revision from not losing enough weight. I know at least with RNY I am
going to lose a considerable amount of weight.
Also if you have health issues especially Diabetes RNY and DS are better at
reversing those health issues.
— Papoose79
August 19, 2009
Every surgery will work well for some, and I believe that there are
candidates out there for every surgery. That being said, looking at the
overall picture and statistics is key. As for myself, I was certain I would
have the lapband until I started hearing from the professionals what the
"success" rates were and problems associated with it. Once I
started researching more and learned about the sleeve (VSG) I was sold. I
don't have all the hunger issues and cravings that others may have, and I
have lost 100% of my weight in 16 months. I could not be happier. I do go
to support group where the band people are seething when they are watching
the happy faces and success stories of the sleeve patients and I keep
hearing from more and more that they plan to have their bands removed and
the sleeve done. Just my 2 cents, but I feel strongly about my sleeve. My
suggestion??? RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!!
— corky1057
August 19, 2009
I had Realize band 2/25/09... I've lost 89 lbs.. I've never gotten stuck,
vomited, or experienced any of the multiple problems that have been
mentioned in here. My best friend was food.. and I had seperation
anxiety... I cried and I was sad.. but my psych consult told me this would
happen... and it did... and I'm good now.. I've got 54 lbs to go... if I'd
had RNY.. I'd already have lost it.. but I made my OWN informed decision
for my own reasons.. my insurance would have paid for either surgery... I
made my choice, and you should research and make your choice...
— Belle6926
August 20, 2009
I had my lapband 5/08, post op 70lbs, 20 lbs to go. I am pleased with my
decision. Do not let negative comments sway your decision. Choose what
will work for you, not other peoples opinion. You can regain weight, have
problems no matter what pocedure you choose. Weight loss surgery is a
tool, you have to do the work to get the result. In most cases, with some
of the negative comments I have read, some people do not follow the
guidelines for a lapband, and they incur problems. Or the band was not a
good choice for them. Good luck on whatever decison you do make. I love my
band, it gives me the control I need to continue loosing and control my
hunger!!!
— savoy7658
August 20, 2009
I won't bash the lap-band, but you need to ask your surgeon what the
statistics are regarding their practice and lap-band failure. My surgeon's
office, who also places lap-bands informed me of the high failure rate,
after I had mine removed after 4 years.
Sure, 2 years out I would have said "wow, this is wonderful, I have no
regrets" because I lost almost 100lbs. But then the problems started
after 3 years. Do I have regrets now? Sure do. I regret not getting the
RNY sooner. A lot of surgeons now say that the Lap-Band is most effective
for those with LESS than 100lbs to lose. I lost 100 pounds in the first 2
years and not a pound more, even though I was more than in compliance. I
had 176 to lose.
It is right for those that can be compliant, those that have willpower,
because frankly, you need willpower even with the band. You can cheat, and
most people do a time or two at least. You have to have control though. I
also personally think it's only right for lightweights. Of the 4 friends
of mine that all had the lap-band done at the same time, none of us have
our bands now. It really sucks. I am lost without it while I await my
RNY, but I am still maintaining and not gaining.
— Jennifer F.
August 20, 2009
Also, I don't get why "negative comments" are such a bad thing.
Believe it or not, there are NEGATIVE comments for everything. I think
someone should be well informed of the ALL of the RISKS that everyone had.
Why not? People are voicing what happened to them. Now, the only ones
people should be discounting are opinions of those who have NOT had the
lap-band and are just making assumptions. True lap-band patients and their
experiences are quite valid and should be heard. You will find
negativeness on the lap-band forum as well. People have legitimate
problems with them.
— Jennifer F.
August 21, 2009
I had the lap band procedure in May, 2007. I lost 110 lbs the first year.
Now I am maintaining at a weight loss of 116 lbs. As with every medical
procedure, your doctor is there to advise you should you hit a bump. Once
in a while I would have a problem with the band being too tight and
coughing up my food. After talking with my doctor, he would loosen the
band and everything would be okay. As my doctor told me; you can out eat
any type of weight loss surgery. You have to be ready to change your
lifestyle regarding food and exercise.
— samcajun
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