Lap Band...high BMI??

I'm hoping you guys will be able to shed some light on this for me.  I've just recently really started seriously investigating weight loss surgery.  I mean I've thought about it for years, but I think the time has come. I've heard mixed responsed to this question.  Is there a maximum BMI for lap band surgery?   I appreciate any help you can give. Thanks :)

I had a BMI of 58 to start out with and inquired about lap band with my surgeon and he said I was not a good candidate for the lap band because of my high BMI but that he would do it if that is what I want.   I think there are a couple of lap banders on this forum and hopefully they will ring in on  your question.  I would definitely do your research about each of the surgeries out there and then you will be able to make the most informed decision.  I wish you luck on your journey.

I am 7 weeks post op from a RNY. I was told by a local surgeon you can only get a band at my weight. What he neglected to say is HE will not do a RNY on someone my weight. The surgeon in Denver I did choose has like 25 yrs exp and would have done either surgery on me. My surgeon (for me and my issues) recommended the RNY instead of the band. His reasoning was: With the band you loose the weight over a third slower than a RNY- with the band you can still eat ice cream and all that crap that got me to where I am now- there is no dumping (that thing we grow to hate) but keeps us in line on our diets, is not there with a band-a band you will need fills and care for it for the rest of your life. If you do not have inc say 4 years from now you will have to pay cash to a Dr to get fills and care. It will not stop. If you do not continuously get the fills when needed you will gain weight again-And this last one is a beauty. not sure if it is true but I heard it from another group post here in OH. The band on a larger BMI person has a likelier chance of bonding with the stomach lining. That means allot more surgery to fix it.

 

I followed my surgeons advise and did the RNY. I think maby you need to go find a better surgeon that has the experience on larger people and can advise you on what is best for you and your issues. Not what they are willing to do or not do due to lack or exp.

My 2 cents worth.

Kathleen

Thank you both so much for the info and your thoughts.  I really appreciate it :)

When I thought I'd have to self-pay (I was fighting with Kaiser to approve my WLS), I seriously considered Dr. Tillquist.  He has a stellar reputation.   I remember watching a program with Ann Wilson of the rock group HEART.  She had a lap band and I thought, "What a good idea!" until she said how proud she was that she had lost 60 lbs in 1.5 years.  WTH?  At that rate, and at my weight, I'd still be enormous.   I think the lap band is more for lighter weight folks (those with less than 100 lbs to lose). Kix

I started out with a 70 BMI and have been very successful with the lapband (100+lbs lost).  My surgeon was very supportive and said it was an individual decision and he would give me his input after I gave him my reasoning.  WIth me, I was not diabetic, I was borderline high blood pressure and I had no serious side affects.  Studies have shown that even though weight loss is slower with the lapband, 3-5 years out the amount of weight loss is the same.  Yes there are side affects with lapband that do require a bit more care, but  that is the same with the other surgeries, i.e. malabsorbtion etc.    This really is a personal choice and I would recommend checking the boards out here and asking questions of us and your surgeon.  Good luck with your journey!

My surgeon will not do lap band on higher BMI folks (over 60 in his case) because he says the average amount you will lose still leaves you in the morbidly obese category.  That being said, he is happy to refer you to a surgeon who will do lap band on higher BMI patients.  I personally think there should be no BMI limit, if you are willing to follow the lap band rules.  The thing I was concerned about was being hungry all the time with it. 

For personal reasons I do not think that the Lap Band is a good decision for me.  I have a BMI over 60.  I have chosen to go with the duodenal switch.  This surgery is different than  the other WLS, because it is more malabsorbtion.  It has restriction too, but the main part is to malabsorb what you eat, so it offers you a lifestyle that is not comparable to the other surgeries.  I failed at every diet, so being on a diet the rest of my life really was not what i thought would work for me.  I must STRESS what would work for ME.  Once I have lost the weight I want to have the tools that will help me to be able to maintain the weight.  With the DS there is a success of around 75 % of people who are able to maintain their weight once they have lost it.  The RNY has a success rate of 50-60% of people who are able to maintain their weight.  That was just not good enough for ME personally.  AGAIN, I must STRESS this was for ME personally .....it has nothing to do with other peoples choices......these are my views and mine alone along with many DSers..   Some surgeons feel that the Lap Band is a good first step in weight loss if you have a high BMI.  Others feel you should just have one procedure.  If you really want the Lap band there is a surgeon out there who will do the surgery on a higher BMI person.  There is no maximum per se it jsut depends upon the surgeon.   I hope that you look at all of the different options for weight loss surgery...RNY, Lap Band, Duodenal Switch, VSG, Vertical banded gastroplasty just to name a few.  Good luck to you and I am sure you will find a surgery that will work for you and with your lifestyle.  Just a last little thing for the DS if you want more information on it check out duodenalswitch.com.  Alright I am done. Jennifer

Thank you all so much.  I can not tell you how much I appreciate everyone input and suggestions.  You guys are great!!! Marg