Question:
If the lap band is adjustable, why is its success rate supposedly lower?

If the band can be adjusted if you are not losing enough, why does the research show that this may be less successful? It seems you could just keep adjusting (of course there is a limit) until you reach longterm substantial weight loss, right? I have about 140 pounds to lose so I am concerned that I would not lose enough although I am very attracted to the LAP BAND's safety.    — M. B. (posted on June 9, 2002)

June 9, 2002
Think about this first that's a foriegn object in your body. I went to a biartric surgery seminar and the surgeon there says it has a low success rate and the band does have break down after several years. I would not do that one. Try laproscopic gastric bypass.
   — sheri B.

June 9, 2002
for the truth, about the adjustable band, go to yahoo bandsters site. Its going to be hard to find it here,,Yes the band is a foreign object, just as a pace maker is, and just as a new hip is, and just as the bolts nuts and screws that are in my ankle is, but your body will adjust to it. The reason why there is a low success rate at this time is because it was just apporved last year, so there isnt much research on it. I was banded march 23, have lost about 25 pounds,and will tell you that I would have had the bypass but my insurence denied me, so I went to mexico, and only paid about 6,ooo for the whole thing.The bypass is more of a sure bet,,,for weight loss, and its faster,,,but the band allows you to lose it slower, which is proven to be better for you. Both surgerys have thier pros and cons,,,Either surgery is only a tool, and either surgery is better then no surgery, Gods blessings to you,,,,
   — amy T.

June 9, 2002
I am waiting to have the lapband done what i have read about it i ike it better you will lose slwoer than having the other ind done but yo will still lose and i asked my Dr the lapband and IT DOES NOT STOP WORKING after a few years i have seen alot of ppl on here does not appoveof the lapbandjust cause they had the other WLS and i do not think it is right for them to down the lapband so much they should SUPPORT anyone who wants to have any of the WLS done and not down it this is suppose to be a place to get SUPPORT
   — wildbrat

June 9, 2002
Beth - a lot of people just go by what "they say" and don't do thorough and educated research for themselves. There are many types of WLS and there are many successes with all types, and there are many failures with all types. You do your research and go with what is best for YOU! (OpenVBG 06/11/01 - I've lost 146 lbs in 363 days!)
   — Cathy J.

June 10, 2002
I think the previous poster is right. There are several different surgeries. All will work if the person having them uses the tool the way it is intended. Only you can decide which is right for you. There are advantages and disadvantages to each and the kind of surgery you have should be the one that you feel will work best for you. If you follow the rules for post-op lap-band surgery, you will do just fine.
   — garw