Talking to friends and family who have had wls in the past

[RnyMallory 3]

So I really just want to rant a little. I have a friend and a family member who I thought had gastric bypass a few years back. Over the years they've gained all of their weight back. One got pregnant twice. I emailed them both saying I was just starting my journey to rny gastric bypass. And then they told me they had gotten the lap band! But all for all those years they said they had gotten gastric bypass. I don't know if they just used that as an easy way of describing it or what? Yet I know more people who have kept the weight off. And these people have confirmed to me that they really did have the gastric bypass... Which makes sense to me because they are still kickin it with their small pouch. I guess it just irritates me when people aren't as informative as I want them to be. And...! I'm soooo glad I didn't base my decision on them gaining their weight back! But being overweight and then being obese my entire life... I just wish they could have given me a solid answer. I like the people watch and learn from what I see. And I probably would have gotten the surgery about 5 years ago if I could have done my research. Don't get me wrong I know two people personally who have been successful with lap band. But two out of the four I know have failed. Which seems to be the average of failed lap bands anyway. Another reason why I'm just going all out and getting Gastric bypass done. Among other things.

[Ashlegal 525]

I have a good friend who had Lap-Band about five years ago and I have a co-worker who had Lap-Band two years ago.

Both of them have not only had yo-yo'd weight loss but horrible complications due to the Band.

When I mentioned to either one of them about my decision for Bypass, they both acted like I sprouted second head.

They didn't understand why "I'd choose something so extreme, when the band has worked for them."

I am glad that I could see through their denial and overcome my fear of doing something much more permanent than the Band.

[RnyMallory 3]

I'm glad I'm not the only one! I think they tend to associate gastric bypass to the show on TLC my 600lb life. And that you have to be on your death bed in order to get it done. Its the golden standard wls. I have a co worker who has the band who's been successful with it. But she has told me she almost died because of it. Yet when would do it all over again. The people who say its too extreme don't realize that the lap band can harm just as well. The main reason I don't want it is because my surgeon said you can work against them lap band and basically eat things that won't "stop up" the hole. Basically not giving you as much restriction. Any who I can go on and on!

[rehtaehet 11]

It's your life so make the decision based on what is best for you. I have researched the lap band also but chose to not have it based on the success rates and also the opinion of my surgeon. If you feel that the band will work for you then get it and rock it!