So ... I went to my orientation today, and the doctor that I spoke with basically told me to not get the lap band because it does not work. These were his exact words. He said its a waste of time and that they should really stop offering it. This was of course devastating to me. This left me with only 2 options, gastric bypass or the gastric sleeve. He also told me that success is minimal in people my age who get these surgeries. I was also sad to find out that I would never, ever be able to drink again ( I just turned 21 3 weeks ago). Idk if im still going to go through with it. I also dont know how im gonna be able to lose 100+ lbs. =(

Well I think your Dr is wrong the band does work so long as the patient is prepared to work with it.

It doesn't make you lose weight on it's own, it's not magical, doesn't cause any kind of malabsorption the only thing it does is make you eat smaller portions oh and of course it helps to control hunger.

But if you are prepared to work with it by making healthy choices , exercising and not trying to eat around the band then yes it does work.

Think of your band as being a partner in your weight loss journey but you are the managing director.

Now I'm not a Dr, I don't have all the stats but he may be correct when he talks about younger people having minimal success.I am sure it is not true for all people your age and that there are some who have been successful but many of the younger people on this board seemed to have struggled. I don't know if it is because they aren't ready to make the changes that are necessary to be successful or if there is another reason.

I am sure that you can have alcohol again in the future. The problem with alcohol is that is high in calories and they are empty calories. Once banded it is preferred that you eat your calories not drink them. the other thing with alcohol is that people tend to eat more when they are drinking and they often don't think about what and how much they are eating.

Deciding which WLS is right for you is a big decision. Different surgeries suit different people. If you are sure that the band is your surgery of choice then I would suggest you find another Dr that will support you.

All the best.

I had the lapband with plication and it has done me great. I had it in May 2011 and I have lost 77lbs. I do not over eat now. If you find the right Dr. you can get help.

I think this doctor does'nt like to do Lapband surgeries. They require having more staff to do the fills maybe he does'nt like having 1-2 nurses on staff. In regards to people "your age" he may feel that younger people have trouble living a life style where they choose heathly foods 90% of the time. Though I think that's a bit judgemental. Do I wish the band was availble when I was your age ABSOLUTELY!

As to alcohol. Did he/she say alcohol or did they say beer? Most doctors say you should not drink carbinated beverages (beer OR soda). Luckily for me I have never been a drinker. So I know this is easy for me to say. I just googled Long Island Ice Team and it has 292 calories. Could have a nice piece of cake or bowl of ice cream for 292 calories (yeh I know they have higher fat).

My opinion? Find another doctor.

Wow I am sorry that he doesn't believe in you hun. That may be why he said it...who knows...cuz he might think you aren't ready or something....or what these other girls said...that he doesn't wanna deal with the aftermath...I've heard of that before. I think you should look for another doctor...because that's not cool. And I don't get it...you mean to tell me all these ppl gathered for lap band orientation and he told everybody not to get it?

I'm not banded yet so I can't say that I know lap band does work but look all the people on this forum and how successful they have been whether they lost 40 pounds or 100+ pounds, that's something. My surgeon told me out of the three surgeries, lap band would not help me lose as much weight as say, gastric bypass or the sleeve. However, after floating around these boards I know that is up to ME. If I want to lose 100 pounds+ with the band, it can be done if I'm willing to do the work. I am also young (22) and my surgeon said nothing to me about being so young and probably being unsuccessful. He actually was more optimistic that I was so young, after all we have all the time in the world to make this work for us! If you're that concerned that it can't be done, check newtoy4kt on YouTube. (check out bandedwendy's channel also!) They were what pushed me to my final decision of lap band. Whatever you choose, good luck!

Mrsmyers is right....I spent many days (and still do) on youtube and here researching like crazy and its the best thing that you can do...I was very inspired by some of the people I've seen on youtube...esp. bandedwendy! Believe me, it will help..so find out for yourself...I mean...the proof is all here that it works...obviously...so it makes me wonder why he doesn't want to put the band in??? Maybe he as a surgeon has been doing a crappy job? Maybe most of his band patients failed because he failed them? Or he failed to correctly tell them everything they needed to know afterwards? I don't know but I would just find another surgeon right away! There are many of other surgeons that would be happy to give you the band, and specialize in doing it...and know what they are doing!!!!!

Don't worry, you will make the right decision!!