Confused as to lap band or gastric bypass

[TXMom38 0]

Hello,

Well i just i attended my first appointment which included the seminar, doctors visit, psych consult and consult w/the nutrionist. I went in thinking i wanted to have the lap band surgery and came out thinking i should have the gastric bypass. I weigh 317 and my bmi is 50. So the doctor said there was a time he wouldn't consider doing lap band on someone with a 50 bmi. I felt like my consult wasn't enough.,I got nervous and didn't ask enough questions and they were extremely busy that day. I couldn't believe how many people were there. Anyways, he also mentioned that if you have sweet cravings that the gastric would be better because that surgery wouldn't allow you to eat sweets (people apparently get a very upset stomach). So now my husband is scared of me having the surgery and i feel confused. I know i need to lose this weight but i just want to make the right decision. Is there anyone who weighed over 300 lbs and had the lapband with success???

[Jaffa 5]

Well you could have gastic sleeve?

Most people think of it as the best of both worlds. You just get the reduced Portion Control, and can still eat just about anything. Of course if you just eat a little, but eat all day long, then this to can be defeated.

Of course in the end, if you eat things that are absorbed quickly and have hi caloric content per gram, then you won't be successful with any Weight Loss Surgery.

[TXMom38 0]

thanks Jaffa Steve,

Unfortunately, the gastric sleeve is only on a self pay basis and so far I've been told that the gastric bypass and lap band should be covered by my insurance. I've been reading on lap band vs gastric and many people here seem to feel that lap band is the better choice. I'm wondering how long the lap band has been around and if anyone who's had it for over 5 years if there's been any problems.

[Jaffa 5]

Any problems? Well of course. There have been several studies and I think it is around 5% total complications rate with the band at 5 years.

No one can really tell you which surgery is best for you. It really is an individual thing. People can really only tell you how the different surgeries work and what the upside or downside to them might be. In reality the doctor has probably already took these things into consideration, if he has asked you about your eating habits and such.

I had lapband because it was the only choice available for me, but if I could have had Gastric Sleeve, I probably would have went that direction. Mainly, because I am self pay regardless, and after the first year I have to pay for aftercare, or god forbid any problems.

Since you have Insurance paying for it, you should be able to look at the pros and cons of both and decide which one you like best.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Your surgeon should not have pressured you. People lose up 65% AVERAGE of their excess weight by being banded...and at 3 years out, weight loss for the bypass and the lap band is comparable. People can gain with either surgery.

It IS a personal decision, and I don't want to attempt to sway you any more than I feel your surgeon should have. I will tell you I have a higher BMI and I chose the band because I did not want my stomach cut up and my intestines rerouted. I worried about what would happen to me with an impaired digestive tract as I age (and older people don't utilize what they eat as well) Plus I know of many many side effects with bypass (for example the stomach is sewn shut but still produces acid etc...the thought of it floating around in there closed off and still "working" gave me the creeps LOL)

The band can be removed and in most instances, leaves no ill effects, should a need arise. Bypass...CAN be reversed, but it's dicey

And finally my husband is an RN and worked in a GI lab for years and told me flat out we'd have real problems if I decided to get bypass because he's seen the bad side effects that can happen (and often do, unfortunately).

Both surgeries should not be undertaken lightly. Both surgeries help people. Both surgeries can be negated by eating improperly, and both carry risks. You need to decide which is right for you. A high BMI should NOT be the only factor.

[TXMom38 0]

Thanks for the replies,

I have lots to think about. I've always said to go for your first instinct and my first instinct was the lap band. Only because it feels it would be the safer choice. Not to mention i knew of someone who had the gastric bypass and she was out of work on several occasions due to problems. She also lost the weight so fast that she looked unhealthy. I know everyone is different but i don't want to look older, tired and unhealthy. So that's another thing i've been thinking about.

[Ginna Dorkin 0]

Several different forms of weight loss surgeries are available nowadays. Before opting for any surgery one need to know about Lap Band Surgery and Gastric Bypass Surgery and comparing the differences will help give you to make an informed decision as to which type of bariatric surgery you want to pursue. Deciding to have weight loss surgery is a big step in your life, making sure you locate the right doctor who is ready and able to do your surgery is something you should take very seriously.