Question about lap band and revisions. HELP!

I have been leaning towards getting the lap band but I saw some posts here that have me reconsidering. Some people have said that the lap band failed them and that they ended up having to have a revision. One stat I saw said that 70% of lap bands fail! Is this true??


What can people tell me about their experiences? Do they regret getting the lap band, say, instead of the RNY?? I have heard problems ranging from "sliming" and acid reflux to very little actual weight loss. A few people have told me that the DS is the way to go, however, I don't think that one is covered by my insurance and seems a little too complicated.

I don't know what to think! Can anyone help?

-Heidi-

 I'm one of the slow weight loss people.  Having said that I wouldn't change a thing.  I would never get an RNY as the people I know of that got one have gained almost all their weight back.  The band is work and for some of us hard work but I've lost around 50 lbs and I look and feel better.  So while I can and do complain it's still the best choice I've ever made.

You slim and get acid reflux with RNY as well..plus you can add dumping syndrom, malnutrition, pernicious anemia, severe hair loss, and muscle wasting to the list of complications which are common with RNY.

Sure, those problems can be prevented....just like the problems with the band can be prevented.

Whichever you choose is your own personal decision and there is no right or wrong answer to your question. Your decision will be just that...YOURS.

You need to do the research, whi*****ludes coming here and talking with people and hearing their experiences, reading about each procedure, talking with your doctors and the surgeon. Then you take all that info and make your choice.

My experience is that the band is a lot of work and is totally worth it. I love my band. I love how well I'm doing with it. I love that it's ADJUSTABLE (which was really the deciding factor for me). The doctors can change my band to maintain my restriction so I can continue to loose weight, and they can also loosen it if I get sick or get pregnant so that I can eat more.

I've had a too tight spell where I couldn't eat hardly anything, I've had episodes where I had no restriction and could eat anything. And sure both of those situations were frustrating, but they're nothing in the grand scheme of things.

I would recommend the band to anyone considering WLS!!

Thank you so much for your posts. They have really been helpful.

I certainly have a lot to "chew" on so to speak. LOL.

One of the main reasons I chose the lap band was because people gain weight back often with RNY and with the lap band, if I see that 5 years down the road, I'm starting to put weight on again, I can go in and get an adjustment so that I can get back on track.

One thing that I have learned is that you have to follow the rules to be successful with any WLS.  The Lap band is less invasive.  I wouldn't change it for the world.
Olga

Heidi,

I am also considered a slow loser compared to some here, but that's just it. You can't really compare oneself to another bandster, there are many factors that can affect how much weight you lose and or what complications if any will occur.

Yes, if you don'****ch how or what you eat, or keep a too tight fill there is a possibility you will slime, have heartburn and even more serious complications. Most of the time it is operator error but for some the band just doesn't work despite doing everything right,

The best thing you can do is research, educate yourself, evaluate what type of eater you are (volume eaters do well with the band) and above all do what you think is best for you.

Regardless of what weight loss surgery you choose it is going to be hard work and there are possible complications with all of them. Also remember that you hear about more problems here maybe because the others are off living their lives...........

Would I be 75 pounds down in a year without my band.......Heck no!, do I regret it??? Heck no!! Do I wish I had a different surgery??? Heck no!  I will say that if for some reason my band did fail I would like to think I could get the sleeve, scares me to lose body parts but that would be my choice if band failure.

Good luck and make the decision that is right for you and only you!

Regardless of what surgery you go with keep viewing the surgery board of your choice here on OH I believe it is crucial to success!

Michele

It all boils down to you have to do what you are comfortable with. Investigate any surguries you are considering and be well educated about them. Be honest with yourself about your ability to follow the rules because every surgery has it's own set of eating rules and they are all different. This is a very personal decision and only you can make it after educating yourself and being honest with yourself after looking deep within your own soul. No one surgery is perfect.

  I so agree with the other people who have posted for you. There is no miracle surgery. I know people who have problems with both surgeries. Most of them are due to finding ways to cheat the system.
  I know one woman who was talking to me about getting a revision on her RNY because she was gaining weight. But what did she bring to work for her lunch? A grocery bag ful of food- chips and such and drank lots of fluid with her meal to wa**** down.
  I have been slow on my weight loss 65 lbs in 14 mths and stuck now for the last couple months after getting to tight and needing a unfill and refill, not being able to hardly move due to gout ect = so discouraged, but you know we all want the weight to melt away without effort  so will grumble anytime that doesn't happen. It's our human nature, right?
   I chose Lap band because it is adjustable- to life and conditions. It is not malabsorbtive and so - in my mind and kinder healthier choice.
   But you have to learn the rules and follow them whichever way you go. Eat the right foods, low fat, good protien, vegtables not high carb- slowly- no fluids with meals and don't eat when you are not hungry.
  Do your research, commit to the process and if things get hard, look at yourself before you accuse the surgery of failing you.
   For me this has been hard (wasn't weight loss before?) but it is sucessful which it never was before. Ask me if I would do it again- in a heartbeat! 
Good luck with whatever you choose. God bless

Everyone has posted really great messages here about choices with WLS.  The only thing I would add is buyer beware, this is a cash business and because people want to sell you a service there is a lot of mis-information out there.  So, just make sure to do your research from reliable sources, talk to people who have had different kinds of surgery, be critical about the information you receive and ask lots of questions. 

I had lap band surgery and so far it has been a really good descion and I feel very fortunate to not have had any complications.  My cousin had a slipped band and had to get a new band put it.  So just to echo what everyone else has said, we are all different and handle the surgery differently.