Band VS Bypass - Why did you choose the band

divaliciousdee · September 14, 2005

I chose the band because Gastric Bypass freaks me out!!! I work in a hospital lab and I see things associated with GB. I see the good and the bad, but I tend to weigh the bad. I want to get off of blood pressure meds and take no meds. I do not want to swap bp medication for B12 shots, and a thousand Vitamins that may not be digetsted anyway with GB. Malabsoprtion, anorexia, are common with GB patients. I have seen it. Not all GB patients have bad outcomes I know this but for me it only takes one to die, or end up living in misery to have and affect on my decision. In my life I have met many GB patients and I can honestly say for every 3 I know 2 have some sort of problem. Potassium deficiency, b12 deficiency, anorexia...etc. This is not meant to offend anyone who chooses GB. It is just not for me. If GB was the only option for surgery I just would be doing what I have done all my life, finding another diet to go on.

DeeDee

JAYGERL05 · September 14, 2005

My doctor did the seminar on both and provided pros and cons as well. I never wanted GB. I wanted lap band because it was reversible and less traumatic as far a scars, surgery and recovery. I had my surgery on Thursday 9/8 and today is 9/14 I have lost 6 pounds. I have been walking everyday 20-30 min. I will start lifting hand weights tomorrow 3 pounds. I am just a little soar around the port. With GB I probably would have never been up and running that fast. Plus if you have GB you have to really extremely excercise because the weight comes off sooooooooo fast and you dont want to be small but look old, saggy and bad.

CandySmooch · September 19, 2005

I chose the band simply because bypass was not an option in my book - I DID NOT want my insides re-arranged - period. I'd rather be a fat girl than have bypass. And because the band is completely reversable if need be. I've read, heard, known and had a friend die from complications of bypass. Not an option for me period.

flower · September 20, 2005

The reason I chose the band was it was newer and technology is always trying to do better. My husband didn't want me getting bypass because of some football player that had complications. My mom knows someone who had bypass and looks old and weathered and she had to have a reoperation because her pouch stretched. however would of liked the faster weight loss. nevere is fool proof but I'll die trying.

tztmama · September 20, 2005

One in 200 die from GB, 1 in 2000 or less in LBS (better odds/less risk). I have a friend who had GB and she lost weight so fast that she now looks much older. I may too once I get this weight off but I don't want to lose so fast. ALso, rearranging my anatomy (GB) just scares me! I don't like the sound of "malabsorption".