Should I switch from bypass to band?

[GBC 0]

I am 6'3" 284lbs 35-36 BMI. I am scheduled for bypass surgery on July 5th. I am now having second thoughts. Since I am not in the really high BMI range, I wonder if the band is better? I was originally looking at the band but I have heard all the horror stories that 25% get it removed, it doesn't cause much weight loss, it slips, etc.

[Rachel412 116]

It's hard because almost all of us have the band. We're not really able to give you our unbiased opinions I did some wavering between the two options myself. I can tell you what I think I've learned in the past year or so of researching and attending support groups that have people who had both surgeries...

• With bypass, you'll lose a lot faster.
• With bypass, you'll have issues with absorption that mean you'll need to take Vitamins and supplements for the rest of your life.
• With bypass, you probably won't be able to eat sweets because they'll make you very sick.
• With the band, you will have to control what you put in your mouth.
• The band will help you to be satisfied with smaller meals, and stay satisfied longer, but it won't keep you from eating "bad" foods.
• The band requires maintenance to work properly, and it likely won't be much help to you until you get to a good fill level... normally 3-4 fills after surgery, then additional fills as needed as you lose the fat around your stomach.
• The band can be removed if needed (though it still may cause permanent changes to your body).
• The bypass is permanent.

I don't know if any of that will help you, but it did for me

[NJGirl32 43]

Although that's a VERY personal decision that only you can make I know you want some input. I would say go with the band.

When you are banded you are not getting your stomach cut and re-routed. My I went for my nutrion meeting there was a woman there that had Gastrict by-pass 7 yrs. ago and gained everything back and now she wanted the band. But I am sure there has been banded people who wentto gastric bypass.

Personally, I would try a less invasive procedure first and especially since your BMI is not that high. The band take a big committment and it's only a tool. You won't lode as quickly as with gastric bypass-but for me that's okay. There are diffently pros and cons to both but I know I really didn't want to undergo major surgery if I could avoid it. Good luck with whatever you decide!!

[GBC 0]

I hear loose skin is less of an issue with the band too.

[sweetsheri1 1]

I am 6'3" 284lbs 35-36 BMI. I am scheduled for bypass surgery on July 5th. I am now having second thoughts. Since I am not in the really high BMI range, I wonder if the band is better? I was originally looking at the band but I have heard all the horror stories that 25% get it removed, it doesn't cause much weight loss, it slips, etc.

I got the bipass in 2002 I went from 344 to 180 lbs , but I gained the wt. back because I streached it back ,I jiust had band put over it 4/29 and Ihave lost about 2lbs per week my begining wt was 293 so I like the constiction that I have If it gets to loose I know I can get a fill

[azbtrfly 2]

I choose the band over bypass because it is a much safer method, my Dr did bypass in the past but has since stopped because of the high chance of complications. People die from bypass. I couldn't make the decision to never be able to have the foods I love again. With the band, yes you may have loose skin, but not nearly as drastic as with bypass because you dont loose the weight as fast. With the band I've heard it's 80% willpower and 20% the band, so it still takes a lot of work.

[HeatherinCA 10]

Well, you don't have THAT much to lose... not sure why you'd need the bypass? But, the bypass does much more work for you. I always saw the bypass as an option for someone who needs to lose like 200lbs, where they need more help than the band can provide. The band is mostly willpower, but it helps control your hunger so you can have an easier time dieting.

But really, it's up to you!

[Melissannde 41]

The bypass isn't necessarily permanent, it can be reversed, but reversal is a major surgery and not often done.

OP, you don't mention your age or gender, but malabsorptive surgeries such as bypass or DS are often contra-indicated for older adults (esp. females) due to the dangers of increased osteoporosis.

Band slips are usually caused by getting and keeping the band too tight and/or frequent vomiting. Treat your band with kindness and respect, following the band guidelines as closely as possible and problems are greatly minimized.

In my 2 years with the band, I've lost 200 lbs. Lost about at the rate of a bypass patient. It can be done. Irritates me when people say that if you need to lose 200, don't get a band. Balderdash. I know someone who's lost 300 with a band. It all depends on how you work it.

[alicez 0]

Think about Lap Band Surgery. It's good. Furthermore it's good to discuss with your medical practitioner.

Thanks