Isn't lapband for people who don't have much to lose?

[JodyG 0]

I've heard that lapband is for people who dont' have that much to lose. I'd be starting at 300 and would ideally like to end up at 160. I'd like to hear from people who have lost 150 pounds with lap band, how long it took, why they didn't do bypass, etc. Also, do you keep getting your band adjusted forever, or do you reach a "sweet spot" after a few fills and just keep it that way?

[LadyBlue 0]

You have to have a BMI of about 40 and/or be at least 100 lbs. overweight. That doesn't sound like "just a little weight" to me -- but it's different for everyone.

With the research I've done regarding the band, I've come across many, many people who have lost in excess of 100 to 200 lbs.

Do your research, go to the seminars, ask questions.......until you decide what's right for you.

Good luck!!!

[TAB 0]

I sure hope not, I have alot to loose. The reason I chose the Lap Band because I feel its safer than the bypass surgery. It can always be reversed if complications arise, also I was told I will have 6 adjustments, I have had 2 adjustments so far. I'm looking forward to the third, which I was told will be real noticeable to my eating. 1st I could barely tell I had any restriction at all, 2nd was alittle more restrictive, I have trouble with bread, rice the most, I don't even eat them anymore.

[LovelyLaFleur 0]

<p>My friend had the lapband done she was 345 prior to surgery and she is tall. She is so dang thin now. I mean prob 140. she's prob 5'7. My doctor said that the taller you are the better success. and that A person typically only looses 70%excess weight with the band. and 90% with the by-pass. She choose the band becasue, her insurance didn't pay for the by-pass, It has worked well for her. She had it done 2years ago. But, </p> <p>Good luck with your choice.</p>

[jhaywa11 0]

I asked my doctor this question and he told me that the results are the same in the end, but the lap band takes a little longer. I got the lapband because I didn't like the risks of bypass.

[mattintosh 0]

Its a no brainer. 2 out of a hundred poor souls die directly from Bpass surgery itself. It saps you of vital nutrients shortening life by as much as 15 years! regardless of the supplements.

we have seen many Bypass patients that have failed their bypass and now are wanting a band.

I am banded. down almost 200 lbs.

You gotta work your band and you gotta work the bypass as well.

Yes you can get adjustments as much as you need or want they are simple and take only a few minutes using flouroscopy.

Sweet spot ? Yes sometimes. Depnds on how consistent the patient is.

If you like to regularly go off the program you will never hit the sweet spot nor will you reach your goal weightloss of say 90%.

Matt

[jackie506 1]

Its a no brainer. 2 out of a hundred poor souls die directly from Bpass surgery itself. It saps you of vital nutrients shortening life by as much as 15 years! regardless of the supplements.

we have seen many Bypass patients that have failed their bypass and now are wanting a band.

I am banded. down almost 200 lbs.

You gotta work your band and you gotta work the bypass as well.

Yes you can get adjustments as much as you need or want they are simple and take only a few minutes using flouroscopy.

Sweet spot ? Yes sometimes. Depnds on how consistent the patient is.

If you like to regularly go off the program you will never hit the sweet spot nor will you reach your goal weightloss of say 90%.

Matt

CONGRATS TO YOU ON LOSING ALMOST 200 LBS!!!! Hearing stories like this reiterates how well the band DOES work. I am scheduled for surgery on July 23 and can not wait. I want/need to lose 130 lbs and can't wait to start this journey!!

[princess_n_thep 2]

((sigh)) don't we all have a lot to lose? I think the band is for anyone who wants to use the tool in their weight loss endeavors. I think it is just important to know that the band is long TERM not life long and someone considering the band needs to know that up front that the band will require additional surgeries for maintenance and upkeep.

[jackie506 1]

((sigh)) don't we all have a lot to lose? I think the band is for anyone who wants to use the tool in their weight loss endeavors. I think it is just important to know that the band is long TERM not life long and someone considering the band needs to know that up front that the band will require additional surgeries for maintenance and upkeep.

Everyone will need additional surgeries? I know that there are complications but I have never read that there is always additional surgeries. Please tell me more about this. Thanks

[Jachut 487]

My band seems quite changeable, I've had good restriction a few times, but it changes very easily with weight loss. To me that's GOOD though. I cant live with the restriction a tight band places on my lifestyle, its not what I wanted from this, and if you work the band in a way that works for you, you dont have to live like that, many other people find it a more than acceptable sacrifice for weight loss, its up to you. That's the beauty of it. But my band loosens very considerable with only 10lb loss or so, perhaps because I was lower BMI to start with.

[allwright 0]

I chose the band because of the safety factors vs. a complicated surgery. Either one can assist you in loosing weight. It is up to you and your physician to decide the route for you to take. You have to be committed either way. My sister had the B/P and I opted for band. We are both happy with our results. Difference is she had amputeed leg and could not exercise and had other health issues. The band was the smart thing for me as I could not be away from work for the post-op recovery but was dedicated to losing the weight.

Good luck with your choice!

[insubordination 0]

My doctor said that the taller you are the better success.

While I doubt that has any scientific basis, I choose to believe it's true as I'm very tall.

[DBAGuy 0]

I started at 354 and have a goal of 190.

My surgeion hasn't said anything about 'required additional surgeries'...the only time I've heard of additional surgeries is if you have slippage from too much overeating/vomiting or in the rare instance of erosion.

But, I am a newbie here...I'll check with my surgeon when I get my first fill on Thursday.

[juliegeraci 7]

Jody, you sound like most of us. I had 100+ lose and I am over 1/2 way there. I love being banded. I only missed a few days of work, I eat like a bird and the weight melts off. I will never diet again. With good restriction it is wonderful. Hope you make the right decision. Good luck.