Exploring My Weight Loss Options - Is lap band the right choice?

I am starting to explore my options as it relates to bariatric surgery.  My BMI is on the lower end of the spectrum (which might seem great) but it's not.  I have been fighting with weight for 15 years, I am diabetic, hypothyroid, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and fatty liver disease.  I take 6 medications per day and I am only 44 years old.  I need to lose at least 50 lbs and have struggled forever to get the scale to budge more than 5 lbs.  I talked with my primary and he said that my BMI was not high enough for surgery because I do not need to lose 100lb.  However, I have a consultation with a surgeon next month because I was told by the surgeon that because I have so many medical issues - I might be a candidate.  I know I am not a candidate for bypass - but maybe for the lap band.  I am a little nervous about going this step, but am feeling like I am out of options.  I exercise 3-4 times per week already. 

I am trying to research to see if lap band is worth it....I know everyone is different, but I am concerned about taking this step and only lose 10-15 lbs,  Is gastric bypass better than lap band....any advice anyone can give me would be great...

The FDA recently approved the Lap-Band for use in lower BMI patients. Since you have a lot of co-morbidities, I would think you'd be approved for band surgery depending on your insurance coverage.

It seems like every OH member has a different opinion on which surgery is the best. The most important issue is which surgery is the best for you. The band has worked splendidly for me so of course I think it's the best. I suggest that you read posts in the various WLS forums here on OH to get an idea of different people's experiences, and ask questions whenever they come to mind.

Something to consider about the adjustable gastric band: it requires a lot of aftercare (fills & unfills) that may be expensive in terms of the doctor's fees, travel time and expense, and time off work. Also, you may not see weight loss results as quickly with the band as with other procedures.

Good luck!
Jean

Thank you for responding.  The aftercare is something to consider.  From what I have read lap band is less invasive and I would only need about 1 week out of work vs several weeks with gastric bypass.  I know you loose alot of weight with gastric bypass and wonder if it is possible to lose too much too fast for people that only need to lose 50-60 lbs,  That is another concern that I have.  This will probably be the hardest decision.  My daughter just had gastric bypass two weeks ago and is struggling during this early post op period.  I am so nervous about it.

Well, the band isn't really less invasive. Any procedure during a surgeon cuts into an anesthetized patient, moves around her organs, attaches a medical device to one organ and plants tubing and a port in the abdominal cavity is pretty darned invasive.

How much time you'll need to take off work will depend on the kind of work you do. I had a sedentary job and was self-employed so I ended up taking only 3-4 days off work.

Jean

I have a sedentary job too...If I to get approved for surgery, my hope is that I just take a weeks vacation, have surgery, and go back to work.   May not be realistic, but one could hope.

I have another question.  I know that gastric bypass patients do not enerally feel much hunger, but what about patients with lap band.   I would be concerned about having the surgery andthen dealing with serious hunger pains.  

I was very hungry from the day after my surgery and for a month or so after that. Other people experience appetite suppression immediately, either because of surgical swelling or because of their own sensitivity to the band. So you may indeed have to deal with hunger until you've had enough fills for the band to do the job of quelling hunger.

I know just how you feel. My BMI is 33 but I am on 3 routine meds for high BP, and migraines, one of which is an antiseizure medicine. I also we just told I am in the pre diabetic range and I'm only 25! I have yo-yo dieted and done everything else imaginable. I am interested in the lapband but have the fear of rejection.

        

    JUST SAY NO TO THE BAND!!!

What is your BMI?  It is my understanding that if your bmi is 35 or above and you have another condition (which you have) the surgery is an option or if you are 40+ with or without another condition you are good to go?

Luckily I was 40+ only.

Dedi

BMI is 33 - I know I am borderline - but I have 4 other medical factors to consider.