Lap Band or Gastric By pass??? Comments Please!!!

I am in the process of going through the hoops of my insurance for having surgery, but do not know which to have. I have been to the seminars and have talked to people who have had both types and still am not sure which to do.  I am leaning more towards Lap Band, but have heard that weight loss sometimes does not happen like you think. I know that Gastric is a much more rapid weight loss, and I am not against losing weight slower with Lap Band, but do not want to NOT lose my weight either. I really would like to hear from lap band patients and how their weight loss has progressed.  Thanks,

Hi I went thru all the feelings too of what would be best ... most  of my family were ok with the lap band. I myself had always wanted the Gastric and that is what I submitted to the insurance co.  I was on the fence about it for awhile as my sister in law had the lap band and has done so very well ( lost 100 lbs in a year) But I didnt feel comfortable with the change to lap band for me and decided to go with my first gut instinct ,gastric by pass. I think you have to do what you think is right for you and no one else..... go with what you feel inside.That is the advice everyone ( except family) gave me anyway.I am very comfortable with this decision as I said. Waiting on surgery date, Adrienne

The average weight loss for lap band is 1-2 pounds a week.  I had my surgery in 9/2005 and have lost 130 pounds or so total.  I'm still losing.  You can click on my profile for my info.  It is a slower rate of loss than the gastric bypass but after 3 years research shows the weight loss outcomes to be about the same for both lap band and gastric bypass.  If your surgeon and insurance company tell you that you are a good candidate for either surgery (like I was) then it boils down to which surgery YOU think is right for you.  Just be sure to do your research and it will help you make the right decision.  No matter which surgery - they are both just tools to aid you in your weight loss.  Best of luck to you! Steph

Thank you for your reply. I am leaning towards the lap band due to the less intensive surgery and it not being a permanent thing.

What was your beginning weight and how much had you lost in your first six months??

 

 

If you have illness like diabetes,sleep apnea and stuff like that I would go with the gastric, I no longer have diabetes or sleep apne and someother illnesses are gone already. I was only about 100 pds over weight but my health was bad so I went with what would help me with my health now not in a year. Annrenee

Thank you for your reply. I have a couple of months yet before I have to make a definite decision.

Have you considered the DS? The weight loss is better, usually 80% or more of excess weight loss, the long-term maintainence is easier as you enjoy long-term malabsorption, and after the first year you can eat normal  amounts of food. Check out the DS forum for more info on this option. We have 3 old lap-band patients on the DS board now wanting to get a revision to a DS after their lap-band failed them. Regain can be a big problem with either of the procedures you mention. I had the DS 3 1/2 years ago, lost 100% of my excess weight, and have had minimal regain problems--I gained back 17 pounds but that was eating 2-3 desserts a day for several months. All I had to do to lose most of that was cut carbs again. I still eat around 3,000 calories a day and am maintaining easily. You do have to commit to a lifetime of supplements and blood work checks, due to the malabsorption, but the trade-offs are wayyyy worth it!