Band vs Bypass

[cristina2332 0]

I am in the early processes of weight loss surgery. I am leaning towards the lap band for a couple of different reasons:

1) My BMI is right on the cusp of being acceptable for insurance to cover the band but not the bypass

2) I want a faster recovery and a less invasive procedure

3) If I do this I want it to be PRIVATE! I feel that in this day and age with the internet, FB and whatever else, nothing is private. The dramatic weight loss with the bypass would cause speculation and the gradual weight loss seems like I can keep this a secret and just tell people I'm "finally being serious about getting healthy", which is not a lie.

So what I'm asking for the forum members is how did you come to your decision on the band? Did you do a lot of soul searching?

[54Shirley 105]

There is a add on Post Banding saying Why did you choose the Band. I think if you read that, it might answer some questions.

I understand about being private. No one knows but the Hubby, and the Bandsters (We all help each other, and the Newbie out if we can.)

Every one that I ever knew that had By Pass has died ! ! ! ! Most of them from Malabsorption or Starvation.

So this was something that definitely did not interest me.

Shirley.

[Lynn Schmibo 1]

There are several reasons why I CHose Lap Band.

1) it is the least invasive and shortest hosp stay time.

2. ) noone is messing with my organs... No cutting stapling or reconnecting from the original design.

3) it is reversible if need be, if another illness occurred and it needed to be taken out, it can be.

4) you lose the weight slower which means less muscle mass lost. Also it lessens the chances of needing plastic surgery to repair excess hanging skin. If u lose weight too rapidly ( w/ GB) u are also losing muscle mass because they don't have enough time to firm up at the rate of which you are losing weight.

5) believe it or not, the LB has a longer term effect than GB. People seem to gain weight quicker after losing it that quickly.

This is a personal reason for me,

6) Eventho going for fills/unfills is hectic , I'd rather be monitored regurly by my Dr than have GB and a couple followups and then on my own. I like that fact that oi will be checked every so often even if the fills unfills appts are annoying. Makes me face accountability to myself and Dr!

It's your choice and everyone has to do what's best for them and what they think will work. I hope it helps finalize your decision. Good luck!

[Lynn Schmibo 1]

There are several reasons why I CHose Lap Band.

1) it is the least invasive and shortest hosp stay time.

2. ) noone is messing with my organs... No cutting stapling or reconnecting from the original design.

3) it is reversible if need be, if another illness occurred and it needed to be taken out, it can be.

4) you lose the weight slower which means less muscle mass lost. Also it lessens the chances of needing plastic surgery to repair excess hanging skin. If u lose weight too rapidly ( w/ GB) u are also losing muscle mass because they don't have enough time to firm up at the rate of which you are losing weight.

5) believe it or not, the LB has a longer term effect than GB. People seem to gain weight quicker after losing it that quickly.

This is a personal reason for me,

6) Eventho going for fills/unfills is hectic , I'd rather be monitored regurly by my Dr than have GB and a couple followups and then on my own. I like that fact that oi will be checked every so often even if the fills unfills appts are annoying. Makes me face accountability to myself and Dr!

It's your choice and everyone has to do what's best for them and what they think will work. I hope it helps finalize your decision. Good luck!

[screeden 21]

I chose LB because I know it is reversible, I did not want to deal with the dumping syndrome bypass has, bypass has more complications, and most people who have bypass gain it all back.

[Dave_NW 92]

I chose banding for many of the same reasons listed above, but also because I didn't have a whole lot of extra weight to lose. I was told bypass was a better choice for people who are more heavy than I was (I had a max of about 150 pounds to lose. In reality, I'll be at my adjusted goal long before then.)

As for the slow weight loss, be careful. I've been banded eight and a half months, and I've lost nearly 115 pounds. That's an average of more than 13 pounds a month - pretty fast. I'm working things properly, but my weight is definitely moving quickly.

Dave

[blessedmom2fourkids 0]

I have not had the surgery yet,but decided on lap band because it was less invasive with a lower morality rate. I have a husband and 4 children and so I needed the option that would have a better chance of me seeing my little ones again :-) I knew my husband wasn't going for anything he thought was invasive, like cutting on my stomach. I liked the idea that it is reversible. I wanted a slow, steady weight loss to give my skin time to bounce back if it is going to :-) I didn't feel, nor did my surgeon think that I had enough weight to lose for any other surgery. For me, if it wasn't the lap band then it wouldn't be any of them. From here I have about 90 lbs to lose and I know I can do that with the lap band.