Hey everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself and ask a few questions. I'm 36 years old and a lifelong dieter - I've tried everything atkins, weight watchers (6x +), nutrisystem, etc....have always lost but also have always regained my weight back. About 5 years ago I considered WLS and then chickened out and vouched to do it myself and I did lose 50 lbs only to regain it again. I KNOW for certain I need this tool to finally get down to a "normal" weight. I have a lower back injury and severe sciatica that is only aggravated with my excess weight and most recently I have some nasty acid reflux when I lay down at night. I've been reading stories on this site for some inspiration....OK here are my questions

1. What made you decide lapband over gastric bypass? To me I would think less invasive surgery, no re-routing of intestines, less hospital stay, and no need for lifelong meds after surgery. However, I get nervous when I read about band erosion or things getting "stuck" if they eat something and didn't chew it well enough.

2. Also my doctor gave me a packet of information that basically says that on average you can expect to lose about 33% of your excess weight in the first year (by following the program properly) with the lapband, in comparison, to about 77% with the gastric bypass. This is a HUGE difference to me. I am overweight and need to lose @ 110 lbs....33% in one year is only about 36-40 lbs. Was this percentage (33%) true in your case? When comparined the two stats, I tend to wonder if I'm going to make this huge change which is the right choice.....I would like to reiterate I really want the band...but 33-40 lbs just isn't going to get me to where I need to be.

Thanks and hope to hear from some of you!

I've only seen about 10 or 15 practices that offer the band with plication, my doctor had only done about 40-45 before he did mine. I think that it will become more popular in time and it's up to you and what you are willing to do get it.

As for the realize band, I think what your doctor meant about it being more forgiving is that the band requires more Fluid to be filled so you have more room for adjustments. You should have your doctor clarify what she meant to make sure you are on the same page.

I don't know where they come up with all those stats we hear so often. They tend to be different depending on who tells you about them. All I can speak about is my personal experience.

From my experience, I think those numbers are hogwash !

I lost 100 pounds in the first year after lapband surgery with a couple fills and zero exercise. When you reach a BMI of 25 it means you have lost 100% of your excess weight. I have a BMI of around 24, so I have lost more than 100% of my excess weight. With my experience with the band, I don't understand how someone could not take off most or all of what they need to. The band , with proper adjustments, has made it imposible for me to overeat. I know many others may disagree, but I can't grasp it any other way. My band has worked properly, so that is all I can base anything on.

My Dr did an iband, I didn't know this until after surgery, researched it and am I glad he did. I am 2 weeks PO and have lost 16#. I know this will slow when I am on regular foods, I would rather lose slowly as it is much healthier. I have a family member who had the bypass several years ago, they lost more than half their weight. They have gained 80# of that back and their health has been severely compromised by malabsorbation which is how RNY works. When I realized I couldn't keep this off by myself, I knew I could never do the bypass it scared me too bad. When I started hearing about the lapband, I knew after I researched it, the lapband was my future. I know this was lengthy, but I hope it helps. Much Luck.

OK here is the deal, you will get out of the lap band what you put into it. It is a tool and you have to remember to use it as instructed. I lost 100 pounds by six months and have now have lost 135 at ten months. I am 9 pounds from goal and know I will reach it before my 1 year. I have worked hard to get here, sticking to the program and exercising. I am not perfect (don't tell my dh I said that!) but I do work hard at it. I wish you luck and remember you are great and you can do this