I am 54 and about 60lbs over weight. I was above to have gastic bypass from my insurance. My Dr. thinks gastic bypass is best for me. I am not sure about that! I think I would feel better with the band. I am now reading all information about the band. I have a friend who had the band and it did not work for her. She did not loss weight and was very sick with the band. I know you do not loss weight as fast with the band that you would with the bypass. I am very scared to have the bypass. So now I will be seeing my dr and tell her that I would feel better the band. Has anyone had both surgeries? Please share your experience

Darn it I just lost my whole reply to you bc my battery IPod went dead...... I will try to remember what I said....here goes again----

Ok I'm reading my 3rd book on gastric bypass surgeries. I have, w/out a doubt chosen the Lap Band because of several reasons...

1) the LB is the least invasive of the 3 types, gastric Sleeve and the RNy. It requires the least amount of hospital stay time, usually under 23 hrs , but mostly around 12 hrs or asa you can walk. The others require 1-2 days and the RNy requires 2-3 days!

2) noone is messing w/ my organs! No cutting, stapling, rerouting or reconnections!

3) while it is possible to lose weight faster with the other two, they also have the highest % of weight regain and the least long term time. I mean that in one of the books it says that the sleeves avg long term time is 7-8 yrs, RNy is around 8 yrs (+ or-) and the LB avg time is 10-11 yrs. Lasting! I'd rather take my time losing!

4) the LB might require additionL Dr appts compared to

others being done, a couple followups and it's over. I'd

rather have lots of rechecks and constant monitoring.

5) I like the idea that it is reversible, removable if need be!

There are somany other reasons but I've written long

enough. Hope it helps u to make a sound decision.Good

luck!

The books I read are:

A GUIDE TO WEIGHTLOSS SURGERY, Rhonda Hamilton MD

OUTPATIENT WEIHTLOSS SURGERY, Kent Sasse MD

GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY, Mary McGowan M D

I would ask your doctor why...maybe go talk to a dr or clinic that specializing in the lap band. Me...I am 55 and was around 150 pounds overweight, more if you go with my "ideal" weight. I chose the lap band for the following reasons.

1) recovery time

2) reverseable

3) it made me do some of the work myself

4) I wanted to lose slower and give my skin a chance to catch up. I don't want a tummy tuck if I don't have to.

5) hospital stay was shorter.

I would definately get a second opinion if your current doctor isn't agreeable.

Hi Im Cheryl and I was banded on Wednesday, July 27th. I'm feeling great just learning to eat and start this new life.

Thank you all for the information. Please kept in touch and I will let you know what happens to me!