I am thinking about getting the lap band, but the doctor that I went to go see discourages me from getting it and wants me to get the Vertical sleeve. Says the lap band is not good for people to get. I want to know has any of the doctors that you are seeing tell you or have told you the same thing? And, if anyone knows how long does the lap band have to stay in? If you lose all your weight in a 1 1/2 years can if be removed? I would really appreciate if anyone can let me know.

Beth

I am thinking about getting the lap band, but the doctor that I went to go see discourages me from getting it and wants me to get the Vertical sleeve. Says the lap band is not good for people to get. I want to know has any of the doctors that you are seeing tell you or have told you the same thing? And, if anyone knows how long does the lap band have to stay in? If you lose all your weight in a 1 1/2 years can if be removed? I would really appreciate if anyone can let me know.

Beth

i've had mine for almost 4 years! I wouldn't want to remove it because I might gain my weight back., I don't plan to get any more fills and just ride the restriction I have now. I had many people try to talk me out of the LapBand. BUT it saved my life! I've lost over 250lbs with the LapBand and I totally believe in it! The sleeve is nice, sure, but you will lose 3/4 of your stomach, permanently. I'm not sure I wanted something that drastic!

I think my doctor only has people who are way over weight get the sleeve. Not even me who is 325 lbs, 18 years old, 52 bmi and 5'6 did he even mention the sleeve to, so Yo'd prob have to be pretty up there.

xxTiana

My original doctor was pushing me to get the bypass even up to the day that I scheduled to have surgery, even her coordinator was trying to get me to switch. As a result I ended up doing research about the sleeve and even considered it for a while, but i also found out about the band with plication which showed promising results. I ended up switching doctors and I've been banded for about a week now and I am totally happy with my decision.

Anyone know of a lap band support group near Clear Lake?

Most of the time a doctor will suggest another type of surgery not just because he thinks it would be better for you but, to pad his wallet. A lap band gets about $18000 where as the sleve nets about $30000 or more. Over all it is your choice and he will have to do as you ask or you need to see another surgeon. I have read where the sleve usually is the first step to a gastric bypass. I have the Lap Band and it's probably the best thing I have ever done. Good Luck

Most of the time a doctor will suggest another type of surgery not just because he thinks it would be better for you but, to pad his wallet. A lap band gets about $18000 where as the sleve nets about $30000 or more. Over all it is your choice and he will have to do as you ask or you need to see another surgeon. I have read where the sleve usually is the first step to a gastric bypass. I have the Lap Band and it's probably the best thing I have ever done. Good Luck

Actually, the sleeve is the first part of the DS (Duodenal Switch), not the RNY. The RNY is totally different configuration of the stomach, the DS starts with the sleeve first. Many have the Sleeve if their BMI is over 65 and then return for the rest of the DS procedure.

I am thinking about getting the lap band, but the doctor that I went to go see discourages me from getting it and wants me to get the Vertical sleeve. Says the lap band is not good for people to get. I want to know has any of the doctors that you are seeing tell you or have told you the same thing? And, if anyone knows how long does the lap band have to stay in? If you lose all your weight in a 1 1/2 years can if be removed? I would really appreciate if anyone can let me know.

Beth

hi beth it can stay in for life as you will not want to get it removed, but it can be deflated when u hit your target weight, meaning u can eat normally and not put weight on again simply because u wont over eat, also my surgeon would be happy to band you in Belgium.