Question:
Lap Band - Long Term results

Hi everyone I am considering a lap band that would be perfomed in Canada. I was reading some posts on post op lap band results on this forum, however there is nothing that I can find that is recent information. The last I found was from 2001. Does anyone have any information to offer on the long term success rate of the lap band? Is the weight kept off? How often is a *filing* required? Thanks for any information you may be able to offer me. Cheryl    — Cheryl R. (posted on July 4, 2005)

July 4, 2005
Hi Cheryl, I personally have had a lapband only since 11/04. My husband who had a RNY bypass 6 years ago just had a lap band over a bypass this past Fri. (7/1). Personally I have lost 63 lbs. I have had ups and downs. Too tight fill, my pouch inflamed (I swell easy)and then cmpletely unfilled. When I was unfilled I still lost 12 lbs because I learned some lifestyle changes. Your fills are totally based on your physician and your weightloss. Most get the first from 3-6 weeks after surgery and if needed 4-6 weeks after that. Inamed is the maker of the band here in the U.S. Try their site www.inamed.com This can give you a bit more info. Also try the Canada bandster groups on Yahoo groups. They have a wealth of knowledge from others. I hope this helps a little. If I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. Terri
   — Terri DesVignes-Henderson

July 4, 2005
Hey Cheryl .. since the Band is the newest of the approved WLS, there isn't a lot of "long term" info. My belief is that the Band offers the best chance of long term success due to the fact that there is no coasting with the Band. You must face your demons and conquer them from the onset. Some may consider this a "con", but to me it is the second-largest "pro", (adjustability being the first). I highly recommend that you check out Robin's webpage .. she is one of the longest-term Bandsters and has been extremely successful. http://www.geocities.com/robinh26/lapband.html As for fills, I have had three in two years, and while each was successful, the third one put me at my "sweet spot" and I don't anticipate getting another one anytime soon. It has been rocking along for 5 months now. As you no doubt realize, everyone's different in that respect. BEST of luck to you.
   — Jeanie

July 5, 2005
There are actually several long term studies that chronicle the success rates of the lap band, which for some obese patients is a very successful method of achieving weight loss. Because this procedure has been done a lot longer in Europe and Australia, the long-term studies tend to chronicle those patients. In short, these studies reveal that over the course of about 5 years post-operatively, a diligent lap band patient will lose about 2/3 of his/her excess body weight. You might want to check out the National Institutes of Health website as they will regularly post studies; also, the American Society for Bariatric Surgery website (asbs.org) may also contain some links you'll find helpful. Just remember that there are pros and cons to each of the weight loss surgeries-- the only way to evaluate the method which is right for you is to spend some time figuring out what eating behaviors and food issues brought you to obesity and then determining which surgery will help you in battling those issues.
   — SteveColarossi

July 5, 2005
Hi Cheryl Here's a link to aconversation with my surgeon (Dr. Zubin Bhesania) and Ann Wilson of "Heart" (she had the a Lap Band surgery). http://www.spotlighthealth.com/common/forum/chat/archives.aspx?m=1&id=68 I believe all results are based on the motivation and determination of each individual. Dr. Bhesania has now done over 1,000 surgeries (I was banded 4/12/05 and down 32 pounds so far) and he is seeing results for lap band patients reach closer and closer to the results attained by RNY patients. Again, based on the patient's motivation and being able to follow a healthy dietary program. As the years pass, I belive the lap band results may even surpass RNY results, because the lap band can always be adjusted (forever!).
   — Kathleen H.