rosedagal

I am in the process of being cleared for bariatric surgery - all that I am now awaiting is the final dietician meeting in a few weeks. I have 90-100 lbs to lose. I have done a lot of research and am convinced I do not want a permanent surgery, such as the sleeve or bypass. My surgeon is fine with providing the LapBand surgery, which is covered by my insurance. Now it looks like I'll soon be spending about 6 weeks in another country where I could legally get a gastric balloon - I know is not cleared by the FDA in the USA. I have done research about the Spatz3 balloon, which can be kept in the stomach for up to a year. (http://www.spatzmedical.com/faq.html) Does anyone have any knowledge or recommendations on what is preferable? Thank you!

I am in the process of being cleared for bariatric surgery - all that I am now awaiting is the final dietician meeting in a few weeks. I have 90-100 lbs to lose. I have done a lot of research and am convinced I do not want a permanent surgery, such as the sleeve or bypass. My surgeon is fine with providing the LapBand surgery, which is covered by my insurance. Now it looks like I'll soon be spending about 6 weeks in another country where I could legally get a gastric balloon - I know is not cleared by the FDA in the USA. I have done research about the Spatz3 balloon, which can be kept in the stomach for up to a year. (http://www.spatzmedical.com/faq.html) Does anyone have any knowledge or recommendations on what is preferable? Thank you!

I want to thank all of you for your honest responses. A big reason I want a reversible procedure is because I'm vegetarian, but would like to eat a vegan diet, and not be so reliant on protein. I came across Joel Fuhrman's book (The End of Dieting) and am even more convinced of a plant-based eating plan. Most of all, I know I have to change my relationship to eating. To Berry78 - Well done on your weight loss, and thank you for the encouragement! I hear what you're saying - I have heard of lapband complications, but compared to the sleeve and bypass, it has the least problems statistically (and there can be problems with ALL procedures). I would be able to get assistance for the gastric balloon whether in the USA or the other country, but I don't know if my insurance in the USA would cover a procedure done in another country, if something went wrong - will ask my surgery team. To catwoman7 - First of all, congrats on your stellar results! Another doctor also said he'd be wary of a newer procedure, although the gastric balloon has been used for years in other countries. And my surgeon in the USA is phasing out the lapband, although he's done many hundreds of them and had good results. To MowryRocks - Congratulations on your success! I can get the balloon done in the USA city where I live as well. The thing is I can't afford it here - but my insurance will pay for the lapband, sleeve or bypass. To Mountaingal - Great work on keeping up your weight loss! I understand that gastric plication is also not covered by insurance, but am encouraged since it is reversible. What are its side-effects? To sammy246 - thanks for sharing your opinion. What would be your pick? I recently went to a bariatric support group where 90% had the sleeve done, and although all had significant weight loss, they were all battling with keeping it off. Again, many thanks - I appreciate your help!