Ok, my sister was just banded last Fri May 6th. As an African American female, I would have NEVER considered surgery, but today I finished my final nutrition consultation. Now, it's a waiting game. After my appt, I went to pick up my CPAP for the new sleep Apnea diagnosis I recvd yesterday...talk about timming! While waiting, I have a discussion with two women about the benefits of Gastric Bypass and now I am confused.

Here are my questions:

1) What is the good, bad and ugly of the lapband?

2) Lapband or Bypass?

the long term results (i say long term, but really 5 years out) are about the same amount of weight loss. with bypass, you lose faster than with the band, but you can easily regain all of that weight by stretching out your new pouch. with the band, it is adjustable and removable. you HAVE to learn a new way of eating with it that you don't have to learn really with the bypass. the weight loss is slower (1-2 pounds per week) but it's the healthier way to lose in my opinion, plus, it gives your skin a little bit of time to catch up with you. you still might have loose skin, but hopefully you won't look like a deflated bag like most bypasser's eventually look like. plus, you can can get nutrients with the band. there will be things you cannot eat with the bypass, and you will be on suppliments for life, as you can no longer absorb nutrients from food.

you have to do what is right for you, but what was right for me was the band. good luck in whatever you choose.

Ok, my sister was just banded last Fri May 6th. As an African American female, I would have NEVER considered surgery, but today I finished my final nutrition consultation. Now, it's a waiting game. After my appt, I went to pick up my CPAP for the new sleep Apnea diagnosis I recvd yesterday...talk about timming! While waiting, I have a discussion with two women about the benefits of Gastric Bypass and now I am confused.

Here are my questions:

1) What is the good, bad and ugly of the lapband?

2) Lapband or Bypass?

Ok, I agree with everything Dawn said and will a acouple of things. Take some time and read through this forum, there's a lot of good info here (and some that's not-so-good). You will also learn that the band does not work for everyone. Personally, I find it a God send. But, some people have had problems -- big and small. I didn't get bypass because I have had all the "invasive" surgeries I care to have in my lifetime -- the back surgery in 2004 was enough to make me not want to see a hospital for a long, long time. But, there I was 6 years later, lying on a table waiting to go under for lap band. I am glad I did. I am a slow loser -- something else you should know, some people lose fast, some slow, all depends on how you choose to work your band. The lap band experience is unique to each person for the most part. The similarities have to do with the way the lap band works, and even then it is not the same for ALL. For example, if you are a person that has frequent bouts of physical hunger you are going to expect the band to ease that hunger in order for you to achieve your weight loss goals. But, if you are like me and suffer from head hunger more than physical hunger; you are going to be looking for the restriction that the band can give (there are those that say they never reach restriction, and you won't know if you are one of them until AFTER you have the band surgery). Fortunately I have restriction and it helps me not to overeat, that, along with therapy with an obesity specialist has helped me go from a size 26 to a size 14/16 and I am still losing. YAY

Band or bypass, it is a personal choice. Do your research (and you also have firsthand experience from your sister) and decide what is best for you.

Now, I have a question: What does being African-American have to do with wheter or not you would have considered WLS? I am African-American and most of the people that I know personally that have had WLS are A-A, I don't get it? A-A's get WLS all the time ... am I missing something? Please don't take my question the wrong way, I really don't get the connection and would be happy to hear your response. Sometimes it's a matter of perspective and maybe I have a different perspective so, know that I respect your opinion either way. Thanks.

~Fran

I chose the band because RYN scared me! I did not want my insides cut up and re-arranged. If something goes wrong, or you regain your weight you are stuck that way. I know a few people who get the band AFTER RYN because they have regained weight.

I also liked the band because it can be removed if something goes wrong, or if I get pregnant I can remove Fluid instead of stretching out my stomach, and there is no malabsorbtion. I am fine with having to eat right because I need to do that anyway to stay successful for life. Of course, there are complications and they aren't always fun (errosion, band slippage, ulcers, etc) but they aren't all as serious as RNY complications.

I also like that the band is adjustable. If I have not met my goal but I am at a plateau for a long time, or I feel I have lost restriction, I can get a fill!

I can't tell you which is better because everyone has their preference, but that is why I preferred the band to RNY.(I also agree with everything Dawn said above! She is also right.)

Bottom line is....it's up to you! A matter of choice. What worked or didn't work is to each it's own! If you talk to people who have had gastrics, they will talk negativity about the band, visa versa! This is perhaps one of the most important things you are doing for YOU! GOD BLESS!

Ok, my sister was just banded last Fri May 6th. As an African American female, I would have NEVER considered surgery, but today I finished my final nutrition consultation. Now, it's a waiting game. After my appt, I went to pick up my CPAP for the new sleep Apnea diagnosis I recvd yesterday...talk about timming! While waiting, I have a discussion with two women about the benefits of Gastric Bypass and now I am confused.

Here are my questions:

1) What is the good, bad and ugly of the lapband?

2) Lapband or Bypass?

Thank you so much! I am now reading up on "complications" my sister just got banded last Fri and is back in the ER for Acidosis...do you know if this is common for banded patients?

Hey Fran-

First, let me say "thanks" for your response/question. I come from a "very" religious family that believes "through Christ all things are possible" however, my perspective is that God puts doctors in place because he knows we are human. I don't know 1 AA female (besides my sister) that will admit or mention WLS. I have reached out to people who I believe "clearly" had it and they have denied it. Now, as an educator, I work with a LOT of non-AA females and they speak freely about it. The more I think about it, I wouldn't know about it if it were not for my stepsister.

I say go with the band. It is much more less envassive to your body plus you can take it out if needed. Gastric Bypass is scary to me. I wouldn't want to re-arrange my innerds

Good luck with your decision.

Hey Fran-

First, let me say "thanks" for your response/question. I come from a "very" religious family that believes "through Christ all things are possible" however, my perspective is that God puts doctors in place because he knows we are human. I don't know 1 AA female (besides my sister) that will admit or mention WLS. I have reached out to people who I believe "clearly" had it and they have denied it. Now, as an educator, I work with a LOT of non-AA females and they speak freely about it. The more I think about it, I wouldn't know about it if it were not for my stepsister.

Thanks so much for your response. I totally "get it". I live in CA where EVERYONE is expected to be "green and lean". Me, not so much -- to the point that I needed lap band surgery. LOL

I too am a Christian and I definitely believe that "through Christ all things are possible" and I believe that Christ made it possible for me to have this surgery and through this surgery I have seen the promises of Psalm 103, which I used to read every morning before work for about a year in 2001.Only recently has it occurred to me that my "youth has been renewed like the eagles". I also agree with your perspective that God puts doctors in place.

I wish you the best, whether you choose to go ahead with the surgery or not.

~Fran

Hey Fran,

Have you had any complications since you were banded in 2009? Where can I learn about your journey...I having been reading about complications from Lapband for the last 3 hours and I think I'm even more confused now...I would LOVE to hear your testimony (since we are both saved...LOL). It's nice to know everyone her is easy to talk too. I came to visit Cali a few years ago and I could n't imagine living there the size I am now....

Hey Fran,

Have you had any complications since you were banded in 2009? Where can I learn about your journey...I having been reading about complications from Lapband for the last 3 hours and I think I'm even more confused now...I would LOVE to hear your testimony (since we are both saved...LOL). It's nice to know everyone her is easy to talk too. I came to visit Cali a few years ago and I could n't imagine living there the size I am now....

Hi Awright,

I am thankful and happy to report that I haven't had any real complications. I haven't seen my surgeon since I reached my "sweet spot" about a year ago. I will send you a private message with my story. Too long to bore everyone else.

~Fran

There is a forum here for Christian bandsters:

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forum/141-christian-bandsters/

Ok, my sister was just banded last Fri May 6th. As an African American female, I would have NEVER considered surgery, but today I finished my final nutrition consultation. Now, it's a waiting game. After my appt, I went to pick up my CPAP for the new sleep Apnea diagnosis I recvd yesterday...talk about timming! While waiting, I have a discussion with two women about the benefits of Gastric Bypass and now I am confused.

Here are my questions:

1) What is the good, bad and ugly of the lapband?

2) Lapband or Bypass?

Well from what I have determined from my doctor and my own research, I have chosen lap band over bypass. This is mainly because the lap band, if my body rejects it, can be reversed. Also, if I start loosing weight too fast, it can be adjusted. The bypass is much more difficult to be reversed and is not adjustable. I don't want to lose the weight too fast because I want to be able to tighten up my skin as I go along. Each person has their own preference, I would suggest that you do some more research just to be certain what you want.

Hi just thought i'd jump in here. I also am an AAF and i am getting banded on May 20th. I too am saved. I personally have only choosen to share my lap band surgery with few of my church members, and i think it'x cuz i dont want to hear them say, you are not fat and you dont need to have that surgery. Anyhow. where are you from AWright. since i'm in the process of getting banded in like 7 days(omg)! feel free to PM me. I am totally open and honest and am willing to share the good bad and ugly about my experience thus far and to come. Best wishes hun!

Hey Fran,

Have you had any complications since you were banded in 2009? Where can I learn about your journey...I having been reading about complications from Lapband for the last 3 hours and I think I'm even more confused now...I would LOVE to hear your testimony (since we are both saved...LOL). It's nice to know everyone her is easy to talk too. I came to visit Cali a few years ago and I could n't imagine living there the size I am now....

amen to that Fran! I thank God for even making this possible for me! (not banded yet I got to mp pych appointment next week

Hi Awright,

I am thankful and happy to report that I haven't had any real complications. I haven't seen my surgeon since I reached my "sweet spot" about a year ago. I will send you a private message with my story. Too long to bore everyone else.

~Fran

I was also confused about what I wanted to go with. I either wanted the lapband or the sleeve. I chose the lapband because it can be reversed and also when getting the gastric, you are taking the chance of being mal nutritioned and also some people have tons of hair that falls out and you loose weight so quick that even if you do exercise you skin will start sagging no matter what. My aunt had gastric, granted she looked good and lost alot of weight, but now 10 years later she has put her weight back on. Lapband you will be able to get fills to maintain your weightloss. No matter what you hear, agree on, or disagree on, just make yourself happy!!!! I really hope this helped and I hope the best for you and your weightloss!