I'm just starting the lapband process and making all the appointments with the necessary drs. I don't even know if insurance has approved me yet. I was so gung-ho about having this done until I started reading about deaths associated with lapband. Does anyone know how often death occurs bc of lapband? Or WHY death occurs? I chose this bc gastric bypass was way too scary and severe. Now I'm wondering if this is something I really want to do.

I am not sure that I have heard of any. I am a year out exactly (had surgery 3/18/11). It is the best thing I have ever done. I have heard of people needing revisions. Buy the book "The Bandwagon" by Jean McMillen. You have to follow your gut but I know 4 people who have had lap band surgery personally and all are doing wonderful. Two are years out from surgery with no complications. Follow the diet they give you...do not cheat post-op. Listen to your body and the people working with you (your surgeon, doctor). Go to follow up appointments. Make sure your surgeon is experienced and knows what he/she is doing. Do research on him/her. Please don't let your nerves get in the way....obesity is more likely to kill you than band complications.

Lots of hugs and if there is anything I can do, let me know!!!

Rachael

Rachael, thank you so much. I want to do this so badly. I just worry about something terrible happening. I have 2 small children that are EVERYTHING to me. I can't fathom leaving them. Hoping to get more info when I go to the first group session. Thanks again. You did ease my angst a little.

I guess I would just say that there is risk with any surgery. It is very low with this one though, since it is laproscopic. Another thing to think about.......what are your chances of an early death by NOT doing this and staying the way your are?? I have no idea what your situation is, but obviously since you are pursuing the lap band you are overweight. The risks of staying overweight were far greater than the teeny tiny percentage of people who die during this procedure.

Best of luck!! I am less than two weeks out and couldn't be happier with my decision!

Just by nature as to how essential Protein is to the body's health, it would make sense if someone did not get enough, or no protein,over time would be very harmful.

Not to mention the effects of dehydration from lack of Water.

Since the band can limit how much we are able to eat, it is very easy to eat all the wrong foods and ignore protein.

Everyone should google protein for themselves. It's a lot more than just hair.

I am not sure that I have heard of any. I am a year out exactly (had surgery 3/18/11). It is the best thing I have ever done. I have heard of people needing revisions. Buy the book "The Bandwagon" by Jean McMillen. You have to follow your gut but I know 4 people who have had lap band surgery personally and all are doing wonderful. Two are years out from surgery with no complications. Follow the diet they give you...do not cheat post-op. Listen to your body and the people working with you (your surgeon, doctor). Go to follow up appointments. Make sure your surgeon is experienced and knows what he/she is doing. Do research on him/her. Please don't let your nerves get in the way....obesity is more likely to kill you than band complications.

Lots of hugs and if there is anything I can do, let me know!!!

Rachael

Rachel, you are so right! Being obese is likely to put someone 6 feet under just as well. I am very apprehensive about getting the surgery. But I figure if I do not get the surgery I am jeopardizing my own longevity!

I'm not gonna lie, I was very scared at first, then I thought about not living if I didn't get some help. I was like a damn if I do/ damn if I don't.

I was banded on 3/14/12 and I do not regret it! One thing I can say is you must have an excellent support system, including help with the kids. Most of the people I have met on this forum has been very helpful! So, just follow your "gut" and make your own decision.....Good Luck!

Having doubts before and immediately after lapband surgery is normal, at least for me. I wondered what in the hell did I get myself in to! That lasted only about two days after surgery. Now, I knw it was the berthing I have ever done for myself. Going for my first fill onnThursday!

Any time someone is put under general anesthesia there is a risk regardless of the reason. When the person in question is obese or has other health issues, that risk increases. That being said, the only deaths I am aware of are by those quacks at 1800getthin in California, who by the way are under federal investigation and are being shut down because of it.

I too was afraid, but I also knew if I didn't my fat would kill me way before my time anyway.

I had my surgery on Jan.6, 2012 and have lost 58 pounds so far. Honestly, this is the best thing I've EVER done for myself. I still have a lot of weight to lose but I feel so much better!! It's work and you must change your eating habits for a lifetime, but SO worth it.

Best wishes to you, whatever you decide

I have had the same concerns. I asked my doctor straight out how mant deaths have occured in his practice when it comes to lap band. He said none! And they have done thousands! But the the satistic is 1:1000 will die. and 5:1000 will have major complications. But that those that die and have major complications are usually already in horrible health and are hundreds of pounds over weight. That for those that are 125 lbs or less the risk in minimal.

Hope that is comforting. It made me feel better.

Gastric banding is the safest of the all of the weight loss surgeries. Find a reputable surgeon, I'd suggest going to a Center of Excellence practice. When you meet with the surgeon, ask about the complications, including deaths, at their practice.

When researching your surgeon, check with your state's medical licensing board for complaints. Florida has medical licensing, physician complaints and insurance claims against doctors on the internet. I'm sure other states have that information accessable also.

Getting banded is truly the best gift I have given myself.

Most surgeons do an info seminar. Mine covers mortality rates during his, both of the WLS world as a whole, and his practice specifically. Your surgeon should be willing to talk about these things. Also, research your surgeon on your state's medical board's website. The deaths mentioned earlier had problems with aftercare. If you google them, then search the California Medical Board for the doctors involved, you will find very interesting reading.

ANY surgery has risks, especially if you are having general anesthesia. You have to measure the risk to benefit for yourself. For me, the benefits far outweighed the risks. I did a pro-con sheet.

Any of us could die in the vehicle we drive, walking across the street, choking on the food we eat, so many things "could" happen everyday! Trust that the Lord is going to be with you and you will be safe.

Thank you all so much for your input. I am 34, 5'5", 232, no comorbidities. So I guess I fall into the "generally healthy" for surgery. Your comments have all really helped and I am getting excited about it again. I think I will feel much better after the group info q&a session in a couple weeks. Thanks again to everyone who replied!

Thank you all so much for your input. I am 34, 5'5", 232, no comorbidities. So I guess I fall into the "generally healthy" for surgery. Your comments have all really helped and I am getting excited about it again. I think I will feel much better after the group info q&a session in a couple weeks. Thanks again to everyone who replied!

I don't know you, but if there was a to bet money on it, I would say that for you, being healthy, 5'5 and 232 lbs, with exercise and following the program, you could loose 70-80lbs in 12 months. Is that sound like something you would like?

Again, I can't say for certain,but I would be willing to bet $ on it!

There are a few other people just like you I am watching closely, who were banded in December. I feel the same way about them.

Are you listening "B"?

B-52, I am a little confused. Do you mean exercise and follow the plan with or without being banded? Either way, 70-80 lbs in a year would be fabulous!!!!