Band v. Bypass-rolling the dice on complications?

LB4Life · July 1, 2008

Hello,

I find this site so very useful and am still in the process of finalizing my WLS decision. I'm looking for your thoughts on which set of complications would give the better odds of fewer problems in the long run: LapBand or Gastric Bypass. My personal dilema is that my insurance would most likely cover the Bypass in my province but with all those staples and reconfiguring of my anatomy, yikes. Then with the band, I will have to travel out of province and self pay, but with all the slippage/erosion/leak problems.....which is the better choice?? All you veterans out there please share your experience. Thanks!

Totallytater · July 1, 2008

I personally know two people that have almost died from gastric bypass. One recovered (but she was only 20) and one is still very sick. She is going back and forth to specialists at Duke University Medical Center to try to find out what's going on. They are sure it is related to the surgery but haven't isolated what the problem is yet. She has had to quit working. She has been so sick in the last year that she was not able to work. She feels like she will die if they don't find out what's going on.

I have never personally heard of anyone that has been sick like this from the lap band.

Good luck in your decision.

rdbiles@sbcglob · July 1, 2008

I have a band and my sister the bypass. I have problems with my esphogaus which effects my band. The most frustrating is eating, it's been over a year and every day is different. One day I can eat and the next I struggle. Now my sister, she has a problem with malabsorption, so she struggles to not lose more weight. A lot of health issues for both of us have been eliminated since having the surgery. You have to weigh the risks of everything and make a decision.

Michee · July 1, 2008

Not sure about Nova Scotia, but here in Ontario a friend of mine was approved for Gastric bypass, but the wait list was 5 years.

She ended up travelling to Rochester New York. OHIP covered the actual surgery because she had a doctors letter stating that she could not wait the 5 years due to co morbidities.

The surgery was not free to her, as she paid for her own travel and that of a companion/caregiver, plus hotels and meals for both. She did this several times, some pre-op, of course during the surgery and then post op visits. Also if she has complications the doc recommended that she go back and see him. Including extra time off work, due to travelling to Rochester, it ended up costing her about $6000.00. For sure it was cheaper than the 16k I paid last summer.

Good luck with your research and your decision, I am sure you will do whatever is best for you!

PS I am extremely happy with my band, despite the debt!

LB4Life · July 1, 2008

Thank you for all your replies! This site rocks for providing tons of information and support - the ones designated for my province are pretty crappy :lol: I think once I have the consult with my surgeon on Thursday, then I will be more assured and confident in my decision.....which is leaning toward the band. I agree that we are worth the money and the complications are fewer with the band. I think I'd go insane waiting 5 years no matter which surgery! Since I've been battling weight my entire life, I am happy there are finally tools like the band available so we can help ourselves become happy and healthy - no matter the risks I think they are worth taking.