Lap Band The Right Choice?

[xxoxoheatheroxox 11]

So I just recieved an email from the psych evaluator and she doesn't think the Lapband would be the right choice for me.. Since I would like to lose 100 pounds.. For all of you that have lost 100 or more pounds ... Did you have the lap band or did you do the gastric bypass or sleeve ? I know with all of them it takes a lot of work regardless .. I guess it's just a little dishearting that something I've done research on and that I think would be the best for me is realistically not?

[Justme9786 50]

Did she tell you WHY she didn't think it was the right choice for you? Did she say that the LAP BAND wasn't the right choice and suggested other WLS? This is coming from the psych evaluation, not medical....so in most cases, the psych eval is used to make sure that the patient is mentally ready for weight loss surgery, in general....not just the lap band. So, if she is saying it's not right for you, TO ME it sounds like she is saying you are not mentally prepared for whats to come with weight loss surgery. However, I don't know exactly what she said.

You have to be mentally prepared for any WLS - gastric bypass & sleeve included.

[2muchfun 8,927]

Many patients go into this with the assumption that the band will do all the work? If you gave her this impression I can understand. The band takes a lot of work. But so do the other methods.

tmf

[O.T.R. sleever 3,386]

I'm a sleever, and to be honest, it utterly amazes me what many so called professionals think they know about WLS. There are so many misconceptions about each of these surgeries that I wouldn't personally believe anything anybody says that hasn't experienced it themselves. And even then I would get multiple opinions from multiple sources.

My recommendation is to write down your goals, and what you are willing to do to accomplish them. If you feel that you are willing to put forth the effort and have the stamina to see it through, I don't see why the band wouldn't be a good idea for you.

Me personally, whe fills that are required with the band were going to be problematic, and I was afraid of what might happen if I didn't maintain them properly. So I opted for the sleeve. My fears may have been totally unjustified, we'll never know. But I can say I made the right decision for me. Just as you must do for you.

[Gigi_Girl 77]

I believe the statistics I read say that band patients will lose on average 60% of their excess weight. On 100 #s that would only be 60#. My physician recommends that higher BMI patients go with a Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass. Talk with your psych evaluator and physician for their reasoning.

[Sojourner 2,446]

I'm pretty certain that the psych eval provider who conducted your evaluation was speaking outside of the scope of their practice.

Your choice as to the type of weight loss surgery you ultimately have done should be a decision you make with your bariatric surgeon. ALL WLS require the patient to revise their relationship with food and make an effort to control what and how much they eat, and to make a commitment to get some regular exercise.

As for the statistics, they don't hold much relevance for me. I believe that you can be successful with your weight loss no matter the path you take if you are sufficiently motivated to achieve that success. I know of several by pass patients who have been less successful that I have been to date because they were not compliant with the diet they are supposed to follow.

My weight loss goal total is 106 pounds. I understand that this will take me over a year to achieve...but this journey has taught me the virtue of patience and perseverance. I could not see the need to reconstruct my GI tract...and both my PCP and bariatric surgeon agreed.

Whatever WLS procedure you choose will come with risks; and the band in general has less of them. I have experienced some medical complications since having my band placed, but these were not caused by the band.

I would self assess your level of motivation for success, and discuss these, along with your weight loss goal with your bariatric surgeon and PCP.

Believe in yourself...and don't allow opinions of those who are not qualified to render them to impact your thinking.

Best wishes as you consider your options...

[xxoxoheatheroxox 11]

I am cleared by the psyc to go ahead with wls ... She had just stated that she doesn't think the Lapband is the right choice because of my goal weight .. I had talked to the surgeon and he said he will do which ever surgery I would like and that I am a good canidate for the lap band ... But he was wanting me to lean towards gastric.

[SusieSunshine 68]

I honestly don't know why anyone wouldn't at least try the band first. Really consider the alteration of your body. This is just my opinion. Good luck!

[2muchfun 8,927]

It's a personal choice then? I couldn't see myself having a major part of my body removed so I went with the band. I guess if this fails I can always go to plan B? But I'm only 37 lbs from my goal so I'm OK with it.

tmf

[Jennifer Hathaway 12]

I don't understand why your doctor is against the band. I lost all of my weight plus some (115 pounds) in 11 months. I am almost 2 1/2 years out and stabilized with 10 pounds back on. It is definitely work, but I would do this again.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

with any surgery that is WLS, its a personal decision.

i have 100+ to lose and so far i took 53 off that number.

i work hard at it by eating right and walking as much as i can

if you over eat on the band or bypass or sleeve, you can gain weight

sure you will loose quicker with the bypass and sleeve but i happen to think

you can lose with the band also. i may not get there as quick, but i will get there.

all the best

[Tomander 614]

I love my band.

I know several people that have had GB and have put the weight back on and have had many side effects.

Two people in my coffee group have now gone with the band.

I have no regrets at all... I can eat anything except rice, apple skins and no carbonated beverages. Best part besides weight loss is that my acid reflux went away 3 days after I got my band.

I started with a 54" waist...now 32".

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

[xxoxoheatheroxox 11]

Thank you guys for your responses.. Let's me know that it can be done! And I know it's going to be a lot if wotk but I'm ready and knowing that the lap band isn't a cure for all but a very helpful tool.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I believe regardless which WLS you choose, the work is yours to do. You are in complete control over how much you lose or don't lose. How much you lose is all directly relevant to how much you are willing to change your eating habits for a lifetime and work for it.

As far as the band not working for higher BMIs- I am living proof that's not true. Granted I am still losing, but I started with a BMI of 72. So far, I've lost 133 pounds and my BMI is now 49. My weight and BMI both continue to fall daily.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Tomander 614]

Well put Mis73.

So many people have WLS and work against it and then say it didn't work.

Take it one day at a time.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs