Gastric Band Or Gastric Bypass? Need To Decide

[Bwilson21b 0]

Hi All, first post here. So I am moving forward closer to my surgery date, but as of now am indecisive as to which surgery I should get.

Stats:

I'm 29

Current weight is 368

6'2" almost 6'3"

I lift weights and am pretty strong, but usually only workout 1-2 times a week unless I get on a good kick then I've been known to go 5-6 days a week.

No other comorbities

I originally went to the bariatric center wanting only to do lap band, but was almost immiediatly told it was not always effective, and was for many people a torture device. So now I'm rethinking my decision and wondering if I should do bypass instead. The problem I have is the bariatric center says its grey area as to which one I should take, so are not pushing me one direction over another. I'm really lost as to which surgery I should get. I would ideally like to lose 140 lbs or more, and I'm not sure if I can do that with the band.

Any insight?

Ben

[KristyT 16]

you can definitely lose as much weight as you want through the lapband, it just depends on you. mortality rate for lapband is 1 in 2000 mortality rate for gastric bypass is 1 in 200, the thing about the bypass that i would not like is the dumping syndrome, I dont have time to stay on the commode all day long. with the lapband I have retrained my body on how to eat properly because that is what the tool does, my indigestion is gone, my bowels are regular and I can still enjoy all the foods I like just in smaller portions. the advantage of the bypass i would say is the weight loss if very rapid where as with the lap band it is slower for some. the lapband is reversable and the bypass is not. you should do some research and compare the 2 and then decide for yourself. I cant really compare because i dont know much about the bypass other than the things I have read but the lapband is good for me because I feel like for once in my life I am in control of the food that I eat. good luck to you and your decision

[vingotti33 14]

Ben I am the same height as you and when I started I was heavier than you. I chose to have the lapband done. Bypass will have a person lose the weight faster but the surgery is far more extreme. With the bypass/RNY they cut out half of your stomach and re-route your intestines. This can cause malnutrition. From my research I found that complications are more prone with bypass. Fatality rate is much higher as well. With the band it is work, but the band will assist you and aid you to success. It isn't a quick fix, you will have to be aware of the your food choices. Protein being the most important source. Definitely research your options, keep in mind the band is reversible where as once you do the bypass there is no turning back.

[54Shirley 105]

The Band can work, if you work it with your Dr.'s help.

If you don't like it you can always have it removed.

If you go the other way, there is know going back !

Everyone that I new that had the bypass is either in the ground, or the latest one is in the Hospital every 2 weeks for a Malabsorption problem. This will be the rest of her life.

She had the bypass, and it did not work, then she had stomach stapleing.

I wouldn't wish this Cross to carry on anyone.

I hope you make up your mind.

[Bwilson21b 0]

Thank you both for the info.

Vingotti, how long have you been banded? Have you found it difficult to conform to the band? Do you still feel hungry?

[vingotti33 14]

Thank you both for the info.

Vingotti, how long have you been banded? Have you found it difficult to conform to the band? Do you still feel hungry?

I got banded back on 12/22. I have not found any difficulty conforming to my band. I do not feel hungry within my next time to eat. I eat usually every three to four hours. I never feel like I am starving.

[Regnu 9]

I have been going back and forth on this also. Decided to to the band, bypass just seems too drastic. Band date Feb 3rd. If I could, I would probably go with the gastric sleeve, but my insurance will not cover it.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[cloudy 11]

I have lap band with plication and it has been great.. I had it May 2011 and I have lost 77lbs. Plication is where they fold the stomach and stitch it. You don't have to get fills.

[honk 780]

At my first consult I was 334. Due to delays because of recovering from a blood clot it took me 8 months before I had surgery. I was 282 day of surgery. I have been a slow loser but this is a lifestyle not a sprint. I would not call the band a torture device.

I shoot to go to the gym 7 days a week. While I am losing slowly I definatley see that the exercise leads to losing inches and my blood pressure is great for some who is 225 LBs (110/62)

[Bwilson21b 0]

I'm leaning more towards lap band. My surgeon only offers banding and bypass. I've been told that men have a far easier time with lap band then women. My overlyng issues seem to me more to do with portion size and slow metabolism.

Any of yall had issues with stretch skin, or does it go back to normal after?