Question:
can someone help me - I want to know the weight loss difference between Lap Band and

the gastric bypass - the gastric bypass scares me so the lap band seems easier to go through and deal with - but I feel like I'd lose weight slower........ is that true??    — Sonya Galindo (posted on February 23, 2004)


February 23, 2004
I had the LapBand on 11-13-03 and have done fine. I had one fill on 12-18 and have lost -44lbs so far. The greatest part for me is I have NEVER thrown up :-). Good luck Mary
   — mary K.

February 23, 2004
I chose the Bypass surgery primarily because I wanted a permanent solution and heard repeatedly that the failure rate after 5 years on the Lap Band was fairly significant and after 10 years it was even greater. Also I don't think the total weight loss is as great with the Lap Band. I needed to loose at least 150lbs. and did not feel that the Band would be as sucessful as the Bypass surgery. Also for me all those side affects that come up with the Gastric Bypass surgery seemed to be a good idea, kind of a way to force myself to stay on the right path, of course I am one of the ones who has had not a single problem what so ever, I don't even dump! So much for that theory. I say speak to your Dr. and get his advice then research research research, you can never be too informed in my opinion. Good Luck! Dana Gates
   — danagates

February 23, 2004
Inamed, the band manufacturer says on their web site 38 to 40% after 3 years. This mirrors my surgeons statement, dr philip schauer who does the band as well as the RNY. For ME, I wanted to loose as much as possible, and was concerned for ME that my addiction to high calorie liquids like chocolate milk might make the band not effective. Dr Schauers RNY loss average is around 75% although I lost it all and ended up a bit underweight. Of course I was highly motivated, and that will help no matter what surgery you get. Here is the link to the band manufacturers statement.<P>http://www.inamed.com/products/obesity/us/patient/lapband/prodinfo.html
   — bob-haller

February 23, 2004
I meant to add I wanted the malabsorbtion and dumping the RNY provides. They are a excellent training reminder and besides I was concerned I might be allergic to the silicone in the band and feared the presence of the port might bug me and cause me to have it removed. The band is certinally a great choice for some.
   — bob-haller

February 23, 2004
It IS true that w/ lapband you will loose slower. although, my surgeon says that in two years people w/a lap band and people w/bypass will be at the same point (% of weight loss). i don't know if this is true and i don't personally agree (no malabsorption w/ lapband). the overall weight loss IS less w/ lapband vs. bypass according the the lapband rep that spoke at a recent support group meeting and i tend to believe someone that is from the company. btw, i had the bypass and am pleased with my results so far. i wanted the malabsorption that i get with bypass and i didn't want to have the repeated fills and possibly having to have a revision to a bypass in the future. i only wanted to go through this surgery once. i know that my insurance co would only pay for it once (and i feel lucky for even that), weather it worked or not so that is also part of the reason i chose bypass. i do want to add that this is your body and you are the only one that should make decisions about what to do. your the one that has to do it, no one will do it for you!!!! research, research, research! we must be advocates for ourselves!!!!!!!!!! huggs.... keri lap rny 12/29/04 252/210
   — Keri P.

February 23, 2004
I had the lap band on 1/24 and have lost 15 pounds without a fill. It is true that the weight loss is slower. Even though I am eager to lose, I didn't put it on over night. I want to give my skin a chance to try to keep up and avoid plastics if I can. I am scheduled for a fill in March, but even without the fill I am eating way less than before and the band will let me know if I over do it. It will come back up. You can email me at [email protected] if you have any other specific questions. Good luck with your research.
   — Latrell B.

February 23, 2004
Many of the statistics come from the FDA trials from a couple of years ago, and they were really off base compared to the other studies abroad. The newer studies are showing that the lapband is as succcessfull as the bypass over a 2-3 year span. The bypass has the malabsorbtion part, but that does not last forever. Your body will relearn to absorb many of those calories and the "window of opportunity" will diminish. You don't have that problem with the lapband. You have the ability of getting it adjusted for years later. It is a tool that you can use the rest of your life. I have lost 75 pounds in 10 months. The average weightloss for a bandster is 5-10 a month, which means 60-120 per year. There are many people that I know that lose most of their weight after 12-15 months. And I know some (in my local support group) who have lost 100-300 pounds. It is very possible. If you have ANY questions or concerns, email me! Also, check out some lapband support groups online and do your research. You will find a lot of happy bandsters! <p> http://www.spotlighthealth.com/common/SG/topics.asp?m=1&sb=25 <p> http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Bandsters/ <p> http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/posts
   — Sheryl W.

February 24, 2004
I had the Gastric bypass done almost 3 years ago and I know people that have had the Lap Band. The recovery time from the Gastric Bypass is only a little bit longer than that of the Lap Band. However, my surgeon refuses to do the Lap Band because there are some parts of it that have yet to be perfected and the Gastric Bypass does have a more substantial success rate. I do not regret my decision for 1 second of my life. But the people that I know that did the Lap Band are generally not happy with the success and speed of their results. Of course, the choice is completely yours and yours alone. Just make whichever choice works best for you. Good Luck, Kelly [email protected]
   — Kelly T.

February 24, 2004
Sonya, I had wanted the lapband done,but since my ins co would only pay for the bypass, I went that route. I have no regrets. But I still attend a support group for bandsters that I went to when planning the lapband. It has worked for some, not for others. I think it's easier to "cheat" with the band since you can get anything liquid or soft down (ice cream, etc). But those who have had it swear by it. As for not having problems with vomiting, they all seem to have "productive burping", which amounts to the same thing. This happens when they try to eat something that doesn't thru the band easily and causes them severe pain until it either passes or has to come back up. They say it's usually easier to have it come back up. One of the men in my group lost over 100 pounds within 6 mos on the band. So, yes it works if you use it, the same as the bypass. Do take into consideration the cost of the periodic fills. I understand it's $200 each time you go in for a fill, or to have some removed. One man had to have it done 3 times over a 2 week period (first was too much, had to go back in to have the fill removed and then another fill put in). There are pluses and minuses with both surgeries. So keep researching and do what is best for you. You're the only who has to live with it.
   — lharbison

February 24, 2004
I think that you should really check out the other support groups and do your research. You really want to get what is best for you, not what one surgeon pushes for, or what your insurance company will pay for (unless there is no way that you be self-pay.) This group is primarily people with the bypass and it is really difficult to get information about the lapband here. Check my links that I gave below.<p> I would like to add that whatever procedure that you choose, it is only a tool. On both procedures you HAVE to change your eating habits, or you will fail. Most people lose a lot of weight with the bypass, but once their window of opportunity closes and if they haven't changed their habits, they will gain weight, sometimes all their weight back. I personally know of 3 people that I work with that they gained everything back, plus more after having the RNY. They can sabotage their system just like people with the band. <p> I would also like to add that it is very important to find an experienced lapband surgeon. The surgeons that haven't perfected their procedures are inexperienced surgeons. I went to a surgeon who has placed over a thousand bands. He has perfected the placement. <p> If your insurance will pay for the band, most likely that your fills will be covered also. The average amount of fills are 2-3 for a bandster. I have had one. Some people have more. I am self-pay and it cost me $100 for my fills, plus travel expense. Many people that have the bypass state that they wouldn't want to go through the maintenance of having the band. With the band, you don't have to worry about getting blood tests constantly (like many bypassers do) and you don't have to worry about taking suppliments. To me (JMHO) the maintenance is MUCH less with the band. Good luck!
   — Sheryl W.

February 24, 2004
They both are major surgery. I can't tell you which one to have. If you are SMO I would go for the RNY over the band though.
   — mrsmyranow

February 24, 2004
I agree with Sheryl Webster. The lap-band does work! I had the lap-band done last May at 372 pounds and today I am nearly 90 pounds lighter (I currently weigh 285). My surgeon thinks I will be able to lose an additional 100 pounds by the time I'm done losing. So, yes, it's slower, but the band surgery is less dangerous than the bypass, so I think the slower weight loss is worth it. I have never vomited nor had "productive burping", so I know that doesn't happen to everyone with the band. I hear from other bandsters that when people do have "productive burping" with the band it is not as unpleasant as pre-op vomiting, because the food doesn't have a chance to mix with stomach acid before it comes up. The lap-band is pretty new to the USA, so some surgeons are not yet comfortable with it. In a few more years, the success stories will become better-known and I think we'll see more surgeons jumping on the lap-band "bandwagon" (pun intended) then. :) Good luck with your decision!
   — K M.

February 28, 2004
I chose the band because I didn't want to deal with dumping or malabsorption. I also love the fact that I can have those occassional treats I love.I wanted it because if they find the miracle weight-loss pill I can have it taken out. It is reversable. However, the band is not for everyone, it is a wonderful tool, but, an obsessive eater could eat right through it. I love my band, I was banded 1-13-04 and have lost 30 lbs. I have had one fill (it was painless). There was no other choice for me, my only regret is not finding it earlier. Good luck on your venture, continue your research till you find the best solution for you. Regards Gabby
   — Gabby R.




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