Question:
Anyone had the LAP-Band? Does it work...

I am truly interested because I have already been approved for it and my surgery is scheduled for 10/22. I am happy with my choice of surgeon, but recently my PCP suggest the RNY, that it had fewer complications than the band, and better results. Just looking for some advice. Thanks, Mary    — Mary L. (posted on September 22, 2002)

September 22, 2002
The answer to your question is quite simply YES, The lap band does work. However, you too have to do lots of work for it to work. I would recommend you join the following group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bandsters/, I hope that link works. All the best, please feel free to email me if you have nay questions. After 12 mopnths of research I was banded last Thursday.
   — April M.

September 22, 2002
If you look at my profile it was aLL Lap Band and then I changed my mind and went with the RNY. Sincre theres no malabsorbtion and high calorie liquids are band friendly I would of failed. A day or so ago we had a band failure post here. If your a volume eater you will have more success than somneone like me who pre op loved DQ, chocolate milk, and other high calorie liquids. Banders HAVE to be diet away from such destructive foods. I wouldnt of had the resolve. My surgeon said the overall loss is less as well. Its better in Europe, but the european diet and eating habits arent the samne as here. Good wishes in whatever you decide!
   — bob-haller

September 22, 2002
Another good website is spotlighthealth.com. Go to morboid obesity, then support groups. There is a support group for lapbanders. I read the posts there for about a month, did the research and decided the lapband was a better choice for me. In the end, I did not feel comfortable permanently changing my insides. Good luck on your decision. Mary, NY
   — Maryanne G.

September 23, 2002
I'm getting this band out of me as soon as I can. I have been throwing up everyday since I had it put in Dec. '01. My insurance company will not pay to remove it even though they paid to put it in. My surgeon said he would take it out for free while he does the gastric bypass. Apparently there have been so many problems with the band BCBS won't pay for anything related to it anymore (at least in the DC area). I personally have had a horrible experience with it.
   — a C.

September 25, 2002
I respect everyone's opinion on this matter, however, it is natural to praise the type of surgery one has chosen for himself/herself as it reinforces the decision we have made for ourselves. So far the American experience with the band has not been seen to be as succesful as the RNY. I think the reason for that is is far too complex for a reply here. I do know many people who have done extremely well with the band and the fact that there is no "window of opportunity" means you can take a slow and moderate route to permanent weight loss. I think it would be interesting if we could all jot down the pros and cons of our different surgeries and even more interesting to note that what one considers a pro may be viewed as a con to someone else. If you have not had both surgeries and if you have not had the proper after care with both surgeries and if you have not maintained your weight for many years after both surgeries then I do not think you are at liberty to make a judgement call as to which is the BEST surgery option. I do know that if we are open to knew things and respect each others choices then this support site will flourish with the experiences positive and negative of lap banding in the years to come. I wish you all the best in making the right decision for yourself.
   — April M.