Dr. discouraging use of Lap-Band

[badta00 0]

My Dr.'s office has been trying to get me to do the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass instead of the band. They initially told me that the results wouldn't be as good with the band. My appointment last month the PA said that they were experiencing more problems with the band (i.e.; acid reflux, slippage, low weight loss). Today I talked to the Dr and after talking about my expectations, he said he'd be hesitant to to the Band on me. He doesn't think that I'll lose enough weight. But after talking about my problems with the Roux-en-Y he recommended the Sleeve if my insurance would cover it.

I'm worried about the sleeve because one of my earlier appointments we had a class in his office and some one asked about the sleeve. The PA said that they weren't really happy with the sleeve due to leakage problems.

What should I do? I'm trying to do research online but I've been set on doing the Lap-Band so long that I'm torn on what to do.

[mattie7632 24]

I guess all you can do is research, research, research and make an informed decision. Bypass and the sleeve are very invasive whereas the band is minimally invasive and can be reversed if necessary. A friend of mine was about 350 lbs, had the band and now is size 11-12. Another friend of mine was about 250 now weighs 98 pounds. There's always someone trying to discourage us.....always! I've had no problems personally, either, lost 20 out of my 80 goal so far.

[fefebutterfly 7]

Well I too am in the pre-op stages and awaiting approval from BCBSNC so I understand what you are going through. I have had people to tell me that I will not be able to lose enough weight with LapBand. But with the exersize I believe that we could do it. Why put your body through the other if you are not absolutley sure. Just do some more research and see if that is something that you would be comfortable with.

fefe

[Jachut 487]

I went from a BMI of 36, about 245lb to one of 19 at 132lb currently, no trouble at all. I've never had a problem with my band, I eat from all food groups - including bread. The main thing I do that some dont is I exercise a lot - I runfor up to an hour daily and do bootcamp a few times a week.

[Stephy5 33]

I find people and Doctors are discouraging when they don't feel confomfortable. I think this is based on their knowledge of the particular procedure. I also think that they make more money off of doing the more invasive surgeries. I am not saying your doctor is no good. But I think you have to do your own research. Each procedure has its issues. I personally made this decision based on my own research. Not on anyones negative reactions.

You know what is best for you. Its a hard decision when everyone is in your head. I am sure most of us here have had the same thoughts and concerns at one time or another. Also as someone pointed out to me, everyone always wants to point out the bad and not always the good. Go read the success stories blog.

Good luck!!!!

[misslardy62 0]

I am waiting to have my first interview with the Dr. about having the lap band. I am so excited, I can hardly wait. I just pray my insurance will help with some of it.

[cwm812 11]

I certainly agree with the poster who said to do the research and makeup your own mind. I went to a seminar for the bypass and I knew that I wouldn't even consider it. For me, it was the band or more endless tries of diet and exercise. The sleeve wasn't readily available when I was banded. For me, the key is that the band is adjustable. That point creates a few problems (lack of restriction early on, ...), but it also gives you incredible flexibility. I've tried keeping it tight and I've learned that looser is better. I am able to eat everything, although there are days when I am tighter and I have trouble with a few foods (mostly chicken). I plan on having my band for the rest of my life. I don't know what health issues may crop up, but I like knowing that I can have the band unfilled or even removed if needed. Try doing that with a bypass or a sleeve.

Surgeons, for the most part, like to do a surgery and have it over with. The aftercare required with a band is generally not their strong suit. I think that's why so many prefer the bypass. I am fortunate that at my practice they have a bariatric specialist who does the aftercare. They let the surgeons do the surgery and a medical doctor handle the rest. It really works well.

Cindy

[lori1629 0]

I am on my last month of physician supervised visits, and I get the same discouragement from my surgeon, even when I went to Support Group meeting the people who had Lap Band seemed to struggle with weight loss though they were all losing it was at a much slower rate than bypass. When I mentioned that I was undecided as to which surgery to choose lap band or bypass (sleeve is not option for me) all by passers were very quick to push bypass while the lap banders sat quietly while I gave my reasons why I was leaning toward lap band. Then slowly one by one they encouraged me to continue on that path because even though they were losing slowly that were all very happy with their decision. Also, when I looked around the room the lap banders were they ones with great skin color, bright eyes, and no Hair loss. That stuck with me the most, yes,I need to lose weight but I want to do it with the best long term health consequence. I do not want to become deficit in other areas. I need something to guide me toward making the right choices to lose weight and change my bad habits. Lap band, I feel is that tool, along with support from my WLS center, websites like this, and good support system I am finally going to win this war of unhealthy weight gain.

[ElfiePoo 109]

Keep in mind that when these doctors are talking about success rates, 'success' is determined by patients losing 50% of their weight...and they only track for a short period of time. By those guidelines, bypass is far more successful, because patients will lose about 60% of their excess weight just from the malabsorption aspect of the surgery...and they'll lose it quickly.

However, you read the statistics 2-3 years out, you'll find that it sort of all evens out and there's little difference between any of the WLS surgeries in terms of 'true success'. There are many bypass patients who never lose any more than that and some will actually gain their weight back. Some do just fine after surgery, but there are also people who have one medical problem after another as a result of the malabsorption...and you never know which one you're going to be until it's too late and you're stuck with whatever it is because it's not reversible.

I've had my band for 15 months now and am having it taken out due to constant phrenic nerve pain in my shoulder. I'm still debating whether I'll have the revision to a sleeve. I'm not worried about any 'leaks'...the success rate without postop complications is very very good. I just haven't wrapped my head around the idea of cutting out most of my stomach...but that's just me. If I could get my head around that, knowing what I now know about the band...I'd do the vertical sleeve without any qualms.

[cutie0615 0]

Hi Everyone,

I am in desperate need of some FEEDBACK also I had the band in 05 and had it tremoved in 07 due to slippage. It wasn't my choice, it was an emergency surgery and it was awful.

Now, 4 years later I am struggling more than ever and I am at my highest weight ever along with some medical issues. I have been researching the sleeve for months but I am just so scared of cutting my stomach out. I spoke with my primary doctor yesterday and he said NO WAY...he said to go back to the band because it is the less invasive procedure and it can be reversed and I am living proof of that.

So, I know since I had the surgery they have better "bands" and the process is much more common. I was looking into the Realize band..any thoughts on this??? I had the regular lap band before.

Also, my friend had her band out and the sleeve done and is doing wonderful but again, she gave up on her band and didn't watch her diet or exercise. I believe the band does work if you WORK the band. You have to make the right decisions and that was something I struggled with when I had the band. I am in a different place now and I feel confident that I will make the right choices. I know with the band you can still eat and enjoy food as long as the quanities and small. With the sleeve my friend can eat maybe 2 chicken nuggets and that is it. I also have 2 friends who did the bypass and gained all their weight back.

So, anyone out there give me your opinion. I am doing my pre operative testing now I just have to choose the right surgery for me.

Thanks,

Christine

[Humming Bird 275]

All weightloss surgeries are taking drastic measures that's for sure. A person has to make sure they are in the right mental place for any of these WSL procedures. Lapband was my first choice because it alters my anatomy less. If I had to have my band removed for some reason I would beg to have another band placed. If there was no way they could put in another band, I think I would go with the sleeve. I guess I don't understand how the sleeve option would have leak problems.

[honk 780]

I have to say I would be concerned about this doctors office at this point. They say band does'nt work and the sleeve leaks so go with bypass. Well are'nt they doing the surgery? How come the sleeve leaks so much? Aren't they training people before surgery about changing their philosphy towards food? The band WILL NOT be successful if you don't change how you look at food and in my opinion if you are a not willing exercise.

Could be difficult depending on where you live but I would look for a new doctors office.

At my first consult with the nurse practioner she asked which surgery I had in mind and I told her the band. She said "well normally for someone at your weight we would suggest bypass (334, 5'4"); but it's your decision. As it was after hearing that I'd had a ministroke the doctor said there was no way he could do a bypass due to the chance off having another blood clot. As it was he warned worse case scenario I could have another stroke (I did not).

[slm2007 7]

I've been going to my PCP for six months now doing my monthly weigh-in's. Each month we talk in depth about my decision etc. At first I was all about the band...then I started leaning toward full bypass but went back to band after talking and honestly the fear of the malabsorption and them skipping most of my insides just wasn't for me. Good...we agree on Band....the visits continue and at my last visit (#6) he says to me...have you ever thought about the Sleeve? I honestly didn't know much about this and thought this was a first step procedure for those who are highly overweight and can't get bypass yet. Anyhow, I've researched it and now I'm more confused than ever. The doctors cutting my stomach isn't an issue for me....the fact that it doesn't rework my insides is a great plus and because I was leaning toward bypass at one point because of the great weight loss, I thought...this Sleeve is for me. But, then I wonder, will I gain it back after I lose it? You can stretch your stomach back out if you seriously don't change your habits. Of course my goals it to change them, but as with most of us, we have a history of losing and gaining so I'm not going to promise the world that I wouldn't gain some weight back...I know it could happen. I'm not worried about leakage, I'm not scared of surgery or anything like that. I'm scared I won't have control two or three years down the road. With the Band....you can keep that restriction going....I have no idea what to do...My ideal situation would be to get the sleeve done, lose weight for about two years and then get a band to keep me from gaining....I know that isn't reasonable. So, if anyone has a crystal ball, may I borrow it.

[vickyd 24]

My surgeon's office also tried to push the sleeve instead of lap-band because of the amount of weight I needed to lose. I told them that I had thoroughly researched all types of WLS and felt very strongly that lap-band was right for me and they let it drop. I actually feel like I want to work harder to prove to them that I was right...what can I say, I'm stubborn that way.

If you have done the research and feel 100% comfortable in your choice, then stick to your guns...

Good luck!

[54Shirley 105]

Hi Everyone,

I am in desperate need of some FEEDBACK also I had the band in 05 and had it tremoved in 07 due to slippage. It wasn't my choice, it was an emergency surgery and it was awful.

Now, 4 years later I am struggling more than ever and I am at my highest weight ever along with some medical issues. I have been researching the sleeve for months but I am just so scared of cutting my stomach out. I spoke with my primary doctor yesterday and he said NO WAY...he said to go back to the band because it is the less invasive procedure and it can be reversed and I am living proof of that.

So, I know since I had the surgery they have better "bands" and the process is much more common. I was looking into the Realize band..any thoughts on this??? I had the regular lap band before.

Also, my friend had her band out and the sleeve done and is doing wonderful but again, she gave up on her band and didn't watch her diet or exercise. I believe the band does work if you WORK the band. You have to make the right decisions and that was something I struggled with when I had the band. I am in a different place now and I feel confident that I will make the right choices. I know with the band you can still eat and enjoy food as long as the quanities and small. With the sleeve my friend can eat maybe 2 chicken nuggets and that is it. I also have 2 friends who did the bypass and gained all their weight back.

So, anyone out there give me your opinion. I am doing my pre operative testing now I just have to choose the right surgery for me.

Thanks,

Christine

I just posted a add on here yesterday Lap Band vs Realize and it does have some information in it.

I to was banded in 06, and the band was a 4cc band that blew at 2cc? Had to be defective. I to am back were I started from.

I am thinking about the other band. If interested check out the information.