Why did you choose the band over bypass?

[reverie 49]

To me, bypass is the most invasive WLS and I don't think that it was suitablr for me. I didn't like the malabsorption part of it and it scared me to know that 1. people have died from the surgery 2. the whole "dumping syndrome" and 3. that i'd have my insides cut out/re-routed.

I also really like that with the band the weight loss is slower which gives your body the chance to adjust.

I'd never steer someone away from Lapband or bypass simply because some surgeries are better for some people than others.

[emjay 8]

The Lap Band was the only procedure I considered. I've been able to lose hundreds of pounds over my life but couldn't keep them off. I needed the "help" that comes from a restrictive procedure, but didn't want the side effects of gastric bypass.

I'm lucky, I can eat anything. That being said, I keep my band on the loose side and make exercise a daily part of my routine. I still am only able to eat small quantities, but anything I want. The band has given me a feeling of control over something in which I always felt I had no control, and that was my eating. I had a relatively poor diet since I lived alone for alot of years, but wanted to change.

The hardest part for me was underestimating the changes that needed to be made in my head and how hard that would be, but the band gave me the time I needed to get my head in the game while seeing positive results.

You do have to pick the right surgery for you. Based on how I used to be, gastric bypass would have been the more preferred method of WLS, but I would not consider it. I'm very glad I chose the lap band and am proud of the work I've done to get where I am. More importantly, I don't feel like my eating is "out of control" anymore, nor do I feel like I can't help myself. My mindset has changed as my body changed.

I wish you the best whatever you decide. Just consider all your options and look at the long term, not just for next summer.