Band versus ByPass....

[NancyLeeIL 0]

Hi!

Well, I am SO glad to find that the forum had a group by age....not that we all can't relate to weight issues no matter what age...but...sometimes things are age specific...so it's good to know you are all out there!

OK, well I am just starting on this journey. Kinda. My doc mentioned WLS to me two years ago and I dismissed it but continued to do research on it. Now I'm ready.

This is my question...one I'm thinking that some of you "pondered" also...prior to your decision.

I went last night to the initial "informational" meeting the hospital I'll be having it done has...and they present essentially three types of weight loss surgery options. The Band, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve...and the pros and cons. And it appeared via the statistics (and what I've read elsewhere) that the risk correlates with weight lost.

Meaning the lap band has the least risk...but the weight loss isn't as complete (statistic wise). That "on average" most people (all age groups) lost 50 % of their weight with the band (and maintained it) versus a much higher percentage with the bypass (of weight loss and maintained).

What are your thoughts on this? My question revolves more around a being in your "fifties" issue than the procedures themselves. My BMI is somewhere between 49 and 50....which health wise is pretty deadly. So far I take meds for hypertension and am "prediabetic".

Is weight loss in your 50's slower? I've read people on here who've lost a lot of weight relatively quickly (i.e. within a year) and other's who are really struggling with weight loss due to age?

At our "age" is it better to drop the weight more quickly (i.e. via bypass) to do all you can to give yourself the best chance at health...and not be too paranoid about complications? (i.e. bypass versus lap).

I know it's a personal decision what risks each person is willing to take, I really just wanted to hear how you guys came to the decisions you made for our age.

Thanks for reading and for any answers.

Peace,

Nancy

[kansascase 0]

I, too looked at other posibilities than the lap band. My reasons for choosing this option were due to the information I was provided by the Bariatric Group and two friends that had the bypass.

Both of the people that had the bypass wished they had gotten the band. I will tell you that after the bypass surgery, you will be extremely sick and in pain. One of my friends said they would rather die than go through that first week again. One of my friends with the bypass has now joined Weight Watchers - she is having trouble keeping the weight off. She also has problems with vomiting.

The people who had the bypass can't have it undone - they have to live with it. That is not true with the band. Also, since they cut out an important part of the small intestine - the part that absorbs foods and Vitamins and minerals. Even with the lap band you have to take Vitamins, etc. but the bypass people have to be very careful. I was not ready to make such a drastic decision - mortality rates are higher as well.

Of course, you will have to decided for yourself but I suspect the difference in weight loss is not as signicant as you think. It takes longer to lose weight with the lap band, but I suspect it is just about as much overall. Choose whatever tool you think you can live with.

If the lap band doesn't work well for me or I have problems, I can get the gastric bypass done. I was banded on June 4th and I am quite satisfied with my weight loss and "living with the band."

[Sooverit! 1]

Hi nancy: I am starting to research the sleeve ..I believe it's different than bi pass. I heard someone here say they want to do the sleeve because they don't want the "drama" caused by the lap band. From all I've read on here there can be difficulties with the band and fillls etc. not to mention out of pocket costs. Look up a member named Bubblebutt on surgery in Mexico she had the band and is switching to the sleeve. I'll keep you posted on what I learn as well. Best to you in whatever you choose.