Lapband Vs. Gastric Bypass

[Emily Brokaw 0]

Hey everyone!

I have my first Dr's appointment on Friday. My surgeon does both procedures (Gastric, and banding), and I haven't completely decided which one I would like to do. I've thought about all the pro's and cons, and I still can't make up my mind.

The main reason why I would go with gastric is that you don't have to go back to the Dr. for maintenance. But, both surgeries scare me because of band slippage, and with gastric you can have leakage through the staples after surgery.

This will be my first major surgery, and I think that's where most of my fear is coming from. Any advice, or insight on your experience would be appreciated!

[1shauna1 129]

Listen to what your doctor has to say; obviously if he does both he'll be able to advise you best! I liked the band because I didn't alter my anatomy and it can be removed if necessary. I'm in Canada and neither is covered by insurance so....I think also depending on the amount you have to lose, if you have more he may recommend the gastric.

[Emily Brokaw 0]

Luckily I have military insurance, and they will fully cover both surgeries! I'll definitely be bringing that up when I speak to him. Thanks!

[cmk99 39]

Listen to what your doctor has to say; obviously if he does both he'll be able to advise you best! I liked the band because I didn't alter my anatomy and it can be removed if necessary. I'm in Canada and neither is covered by insurance so....I think also depending on the amount you have to lose, if you have more he may recommend the gastric.

This is the main reason I am getting the band, if I were to choice the bypass or sleeve they are removing things that you can't get back. Read as much as you can and if you have questions for your doctor maybe write them down, I know if I don't I will forget!!

Good luck!!

[waitingpatiently 250]

You are young, so my biggest concern would be going the next 60 years of my life with only half of my stomach. There is no going back. With the band you have time. Most likely you will be a sucess and won't have any set backs, but if you do.the band is removable.

Since you are in your child bearing years you will be able to have the Fluid removed while pregnant and then filled again when ready. I would worry about the malabsorption issues there may be when pregnant and having a bypass or sleeve.

lastly, since you don't have hundreds of pounds to lose, I think the band would be a better choice....Slow and steady is a munch better plan.

My 2 cents worth.

[Skyvic 226]

I have a sister who had bypass, she is now going to do lapband over it. So no surgery is fail safe. I am a quantity eater so lapband worked for me as it is a tool that also says stop or else. I like that our body still gets good nutrition. I like the fact it can be unfilled or reversed in the event a health issue arises (cancer,etc) this is crazy but I have kids and I liked the mortality rate lower with lp.

[Skyvic 226]

Your surgeon can help you make the decision that fits you:)

[Fantasy 104]

What maintainance? When I read about possible monthly Iron infusions because of anemia and malnutrition, beri beri, nerve damage (numbness)in your extremeties, reactive hypoglcemia, seizures, strictures, ulcers etc., etc. associated with the bypass surgery, all of the emergency room hostpital stays, doctor visits those problems entail, I will do my lap band maintainance, happily. You are going to have monthly check up anyway the first year. That is when you get your fills. I haven't had a fill in years. Please do your research then make an informed decision.