Hi everyone,

I am so happy to find this site. I just sent all my info in to my doctor so I can get scheduled for my first consultation for a Lap-Band. I am curious if the folks in this forum have all had the same type of band because from researching I can tell there is an older version and then there is the reversible one that was just approved in 2001. I am getting the reversible one...I heard the newer one helps people recover faster and there are less adverse affects... I would love to hear what others know. :help: By the way, I have had 3 sisters have the g-bypass and all three have mal-absorption problems...and their stomachs have stretched out and they stopped losing....please tell me things will be different with the lap-band.

Thanks!!! -Charlotte

Hey Charlotte, welcome to LBT!

Oh yes, things will be very different with the band. But be prepared to put some work into your success. The band, unlike the bypass, does not circumvent our issues of eating high calorie foods that we can "get past the band". Weight loss will be slower but healthier.

There are risks involved of course, but nothing as dangerous as those associated with the bypass. Im sure you see that already.

Enjoy your journey, get to know everyone here, cruise the boards and find a wealth of info that will get you started with confidence and excitement!

Oh, by the way... the stats show that over a period of 5 years bandsters lose about the same amount as bypassers but they keep it off! Good news eh? *smiles*

Hi Charlotte, welcome to LBT! As for the size of the bands...I've been told that right now there are basically two sizes. My DW (darling wife) was given the Vanguard band which is the big one. Something like 11 CCs. Then there is the smaller band, which holds a max of 4 cc. And they are all reversible, if by reversible you mean they can be removed.

WElcome & congrats on your journey!! You may want to post under the introductions area instead of here so that way many more people will see your post & say hello. Sounds like your on your way to a great start:0)

You do a search under "types of bands" I think you'll find more info. I beleive there are currently 3 FDA approved lapbands in the US. ALL lapband procedures are reversible. Sorry to hear about your sisters & yes things are much different w/the band.

TRY :http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=6654&page=3&highlight=bands+sizes

Look at thread #37.

:welcome: :welcome: :welcome:

We're glad you found us too! Good luck at your first consult. I am too new at this to tell you what I think about the band that you can't learn from the literature or the experienced folks here. I still wish you well, though and welcome you the site!