A question about statistical success of lapband

May 6, 2005

I have been in contact with a Michigan lapband surgeon about the success rate of this operation. He reported to me that "25 to 40 percent of LapBand patients don't even lose a significant amount of weight".

I was shocked to learn this and have asked the surgeon by e-mail if he can tell me the basis for this statistic. Then I started searching on the internet for statistical data on the success rate of the surgery and I am not finding much of anything. I have to say, I am not thrilled with the prospect of paying almost $10,000 for a surgery if I only have a 60% chance of having success.

Reading the boards have left me with the impression that the success rate is higher but perhaps that is because those who are not successful do not post on the boards.

Do any of you have any information on this question? Thanks in advance for your replies.

La_madam · May 6, 2005

Paula, this comes right from the Inamed handbook I recieved after surgery

Q- How much weight will I lose ?

A- The ammount of weight you may lose depends on several things: the band placement, your new lifestyle and new eating habits. In the U.S. clinical trial, 2% of patients gained some weight; 5% neither gained weight or lost weight. 61% of the patients lost atleast 25% of their excess weight; 52% of the patients lost at least 33% of their excess weight; 22% of the patients lost 50% of their excess weight; and 10% lost at least 75% of their excess weight. The goal is to lose weight gradually. Losing weight too fast creates a health risk and can lead to a number of problems. Nausea and vomiting are the most minor examples. A weight loss of 2-3 pounds a wek in the first year is possible, but one pound a week is more likely. Tweleve to eighteen months after the operation weekly weight loss is usually less. Remember that your main goal is to have wieght loss that prevents, improves or resolves health problems connectedwith sever obesity.

Here is my stats the day of surgery on April 6th 2004

5'5 265 lbs size 20 -22

Now May 6th 2004 13 months later

5'5 174 lbs size 10

- 91 lbs

I hope this information is helpful to you

the best me · May 7, 2005

Hey Paula, there are a few threads on here I thought you might find interesting. I tried to link them earlier today but got the screens mixed up and lost my post, then I had to go, yada yada. So I'll take another shot at it. Try these...

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=556&highlight=sabotage

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=4317&highlight=sabotage

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=5015&highlight=Kuri

La Madam has given you the goods, and these threads offer some interesting reading on the weight loss figures, etc so I hope it will supplement your research. If I come across or remember any more, I'll post a link for you. Good luck!