Question:
My doctor said I was a candidate for the Lap-Band procedure.

I just did some research and found it was only approved of for use in the US in June 2001, have any of you had it done? Is it better than the widely used RNY? It sound like a great prosthetic device but I'm a bit weary because its so new. If anyone can tell me more, please respond.    — Kelley S. (posted on August 5, 2001)

August 5, 2001
How much wt do you want to lose? How hard do you want to work at the maintenance? ANY of these surgeries can have mechanical failures, so that's just as possible with the band. But if you're asking are the safe, oh yes. I've known people who had them done in 1991. I didn't say they were still working, just that they were safe.
   — vitalady

August 5, 2001
That figures that they finally approved it. I tried and tried to have that done but everyone said the trials were all over. I did'nt want the RNY as I did'nt want my "insides" changed. The reason for this is all the other surgeries I've had in the past (not for weight) really scarred and changed my body forever and I did'nt want anything else "butchered up" in the process. Anyway I could'nt get in for the band, so I went for the RNY. But from what I've heard the weight loss is'nt as good with the Band... however maybe I would'nt be having some of the bad potassium problems ether if I had had that done! Oh well. I'm always ether to early or to late for something. I'm NEVER where I should be at the time I need to be. ;)
   — Danmark

August 5, 2001
I got the LapBand (Or the Adjustable Gastric Band) surgery in April. I've been pleased so far. I can get nearly anything (in smaller amounts) and there is no "dumping" syndrome or seriously prohibitive side effects. The LapBand features a less invasive surgery, and unlike other WLS procedures, it is completely REVERSIBLE (and not just revisable). In effect, nothing is stitched or bypassed, and the band can be adjusted without surgery. By the way, unlike other older banding methods, the LapBand is completely adjustable as need arises to make it more or less restricted. It's done without any further surgery in the doctor's office.) Also, there is no malabsorption so the risks of anemia, vitamin deficiency and lack of adequate calcium intake--- can be lessened or eliminted with the LapBand. On the other hand, because there is no malabsorption the weight loss is steady with the LapBand, but it is slower than with the RnY. Overall, the total amounts of weight loss are about the same, but if speed is your primary concern, some patients with larger amounts (200# or more pounds to lose) might find the LapBand loss rate to be a bit slow. For that reason, other WLS procedures might be a better option if patients are concerned about being frustrated with losing quickly. (For example, some RnY patients lose up to 20# a month or more, based on their starting BMI. With LapBand patients, they lose at a rate of 30% to 50% slower, so that could translate to 10-13# a month---depending on the start weight and doctor's adjustments. Another LapBand benefit is the fact that the slower loss rate means less chance of further complications like Gall Bladder issues and extreme hair loss. I, personally have been happy with my LapBand. My entire surgery took 49 minutes, and I was up and talking and walking with no trouble--- 2 hours after surgery. I went in on a Wednesday morning for surgery and was discharged Thursday afternoon. My only complication was a muscle pull I got the day after surgery when a X-ray technician twisted me on the X-ray table (ouch!) for the standard post-op examination. For another page explaining more about the LapBand you can read: http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/FAQmain.html It's a great new WLS option, but like with all procedures, it's good that we do the research and make sure it's the right procedure for each individual. Good luck on your WLS journey! S.S. in Texas
   — S. S.

August 21, 2001
Michelle, banding has improved since 1991. As has the RnY and all wls for that matter. Before I had my band surgery in Feb I emailed with people in Europe who have had their bands since the early 90's as well. All 27 still have them with out revisions and have maintained their weigh loses. I am sure that in short order US surgeons will have equally good luck. I believe the early trial you are refering to only had 10 patients and it was the Swedish band. Most of the 70,000 bands implanted world wide are Lap-bands. The Band is an excellent surgery for volume eater especially if your surgeon is passed the steep learning curve the technique requieres.
   — Patricia H.

August 21, 2001
Yep, they were Swedish bands. 33 of 'em. I've seen a few of the lap bands have mechanical problems, but heck, so do staples. ANY of these surgeries are prone to mechanics. (my RNY failed) They ARE mechanical. For some people, these are ideal and I've seen band people lose as fast as or faster than their surgery sisters with RNY. It's not a race, it's a lifestyle. There's always the three components: type of surgery + post-op instructions + personality of the patient.
   — vitalady