Anybody banded ???

Greetings all, I am currently pre-op. My BMI is just below 60 and I was recently "medically-cleared" for surgery and given a date (7/25) All this time I've been leaning toward the band...but now that the date is fastly approaching (well sort of) Im re-thinking my choice. Has anybody on this board been successful with the band, despite their high BMI. ' By successful, I would love to get down to below 200. Maybe 175 if I could. Technically I would still be considered obese cuz Im only 5'2 & 1/2 but it would be ideal for me...because I actually having a little thickness to me. I am regular poster on the BAF board...but I wanted to come here to get advice that is specific to my size. Question....am I gambling with my health by not going with the "gold-standard" ???? Please share your experience with me. Inquiring minds need to know Thanks, Lala aka Plum

Hi Lala! I'm having RNY myself, I could choose the band but I decided that even though it is reversable and maybe more safe I'd rather have the RNY and give myself the best chance for success. I think the band is great though and everyone has their reasons for which option they choose. Have you tried reading the lap band board, or the regrets or failures board? I've seen some posts there about banding. They are not negative posts either (though I know those forum names kind of sound like it), they might help out as well. Anyway, I know I'm not very helpful, but I do want to say congratulations on getting your surgery date and best wishes to you in making a decision that is the best one for you! jacie

Recently I began thinking about being banded instead of going all the way with the RNY. One reason is what I hear from those who have had the gastric bypass and sometimes it does sound a bit scary. Takes me back to the days when I was pregnant and all the ladies would tell me their child birth horror stories! Look at the pros and cons and decide what you think works best for you. Even though at the moment I am leaning towards the band I know that I will probably only have success with the complete gastric bypass. I am looking at the gastric sleeve and seeing how people are doing with that too.

Thats something you really need to talk to your DR. about I have RNY because i was around 485 when i had my surgery and the lab band doesnt allow you to lose as much as fast or all together. The rny was not as scary as i thought it would be Thank the Lord i haven't had any complication buts alot have you need to deside before you take the leap! Good Luck and Im free to answer any questions about RNY you have email me at [email protected]

Hey LaLa, I had the Duodenal Switch. You maintain all the mechanics of your stomach but it is permanently reduced. The reason I picked this surgery is that a 10 year study showed it had the highest weight loss maintenance, 60-80% of patients. I was not going through all of this to regain my weight. Also, since I kept my stomach intact I don't dump and can still take NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs). I can have a normal diet and can still drink with my meals, though I normally don't. If I do have any stomach problems that require a scope I won't have the problems that a patient with RNY would have. Here is a helpful link for you dssurgery.com/generalinformation/comparison_table.pdf. Just add the www.prefix. Visit the DS Form. The group is really helpful and will answer any questions. Do your research and good luck. This is a big decision. I am only down (did I just say only??!!?) 127 lbs because I fell and had a hip injury in February. I was off my feet for two months. That really slowed down my weight loss. My doctor and I still agree that I will reach 160-180 in 24 months as my hip heals and I can get more active. Good luck!! RobinPlateaus suck!!But I am still greatful