Let's talk about risks...

Bonnie, I have to say that I totally agree with you on the risks of malabsorbtion. I made the decision to do the lapband for that very reason. I just can not help but feel like it goes against everything we do to promote health in our patients if we are running around creating on purpose a malabsortion problem for ourselves. No vitamin supplements in the world could be as good as my body's own digestive processes. But keep in mind this is just an opinion and every person has to make their own decision about what it right for them and what will work for them. Good luck with your decision, keep us posted. Pam G

Bonnie, I had my lap RNY 10 days ago. I decided on the lap RNY because of the long term results. I did well. I have not had to take my BP meds or my DM meds since my surgery 10 days ago. My BP yesterday at my GYN/pap visit was 118/70. I was taking Glucoadvance 500 2 tabs bid. My surgars are normal. I have had no nausea or vomiting and am eating soft foods and drinking without problems. I had some bowel problems post op in the hosptial....you know that big "have you passed gas?" question we always asked surgery patients??? My answer was "no" for 4 days. Causes some discomfort but no long term problems.. Feel great. The way I decided???? I knew I was going to have heart problems or go on insulin very soon if I didnt do something. Susan 10 days post op

Bonnie, I've had 2 Lap Band procedures. I've had multiple fills. I was a very compliant patient. I've had 2 obstructions with GI Bleeds requiring 2 ER trips and emergency fluid removal. First, let me tell you that probably NOBODY is qualified in your local ER to deal with a Band emergency. I had to go to 2 different ER's to receive the care I needed. Also, bariatric surgeons don't like to work on one another's patients. So, how far away is your surgeon from where you live? Count that as a risk factor... Ever consider living rural? Forget it if you get a lap band. I weighed 258 when I got my lap band. The appliance broke away from the line that is mounted to the band itself. That meant the fluid drained out into my abd. I had to have the band replaced. Second surgery, multiple fills. I lost down to 189#. I am 5'2" tall. No matter what I did, I couldn't lose another ounce. Let me tell you about the band. You can eat anything you want. You can eat ice cream, cake, candy, everything you could eat before. Oh, you say, but the quantities are smaller. Well, that's not true for soft food, it just slides on through. It's also not true for mashed potatoes & gravy, or biscuits and gravy. Fat assists the food in sliding on through. The band is most effective in restricting meat intake. And what obstructed my band was raw broccoli the first time and rice the second time. When they tighten the band and you're really hungry but can't eat without regurging, you just go to Jack in the Box and buy an Oreo Cookie Shake. Personally, I need the malabsorption syndrome. I'm my own worst enemy. And, first, foremost & last, I am a compulsive eater. If I could control what I put in my mouth, I wouldn't have gotten fat in the first place. My husband had the lap band. He lost from 284 to 218 . He is regaining wt (now back up to 228). My best friend had the lap band, she is down from 350 to 220, but she's been holding there for a long time. On the positive side, I lost enough wt to achieve a satisfactory life quality. I quit being so dyspneic. My asthma was much improved. I started kayaking. I became much more physically active. I could tie my shoes easily. The band works best for volume eaters. People who forage for food, eating only small quantities frequently will not be as successful with the band because you just keep the pouch full. I don't mean to be negative. There are lots of success stories with the band. I liked the fact that I was unrestricted in food selection. I liked the health aspects of the band. That's why I chose it to begin with. But, I honestly thought I would lose all my wt. I went from Morbidly obese to obese over a 2-3 yr period of time. I endured 2 surgeries, 2 GI Bleeds. There are risks attendant on any procedure. It's always about a risk benefit analysis, isn't it. Good luck with your choice, Sandie