So i am having difficulty if I want to do lapband or gastric bypass... They said that we only have one time to be covered by iinsurance... Pls. Gimme insight. If u do gastric it is permanent, if I do lapband what are thr advantages?

I was originally scheduled for Gastric Bypass, I canceled at the last minute. I just couldn't justify permanently rerouting my intestines, dealing with malnutrition issues, dumping, and a higher mortality rate when there was less drastic option available. The Lap Band is reversible, doesn't change your internal organs, no malnutrition issues, no dumping, and much lower mortality rate. To me, it was an easy decision. I chose the Lap Band and I'm so glad that I did.

Thank you so much...

I went to the orientation for gastric bypass this spring. Decided it was definitely not for me for the same reasons as mis73. I will be banded on October 19th and so far I am not regretting my decision at all.

Mis73 said it all perfectly. I felt the same way and just got banded 8 days ago. I have no regrets yet.. Just enthusiasm for the future. But know that whatever you decide it is YOUR decision. Only you can decide what is the best option for you. Good luck to you!!!

I agree with Mis73 but would like to add that my mom is a nurse and she also convinced me that the band was a safer option. Also, I've seen several people "beat" bypass by overeating and thus gaining all of their weight back. That can happen with the band but since it's adjustable you can get yourself back on track.

I agree with Missy and Jups...

I am a nurse as well, and know many individuals who have done the bypass. Besides the malnutrition and higher mortality rate associated with it, it's not adjustable....many have continued with their previous eating habits thus stretching the stomach again and gained the weight back. Now many who have had the bypass are now getting the band as well. The neg. thing I still do not like with the band is the slippage issue, but not many experience it, and the newer bands are a bit better designed to reduce the risk and now they are stitching the stomach over the band as well to reduce slippage episodes.

So for me, despite that 1 negative aspect, I chose to go with the band because I could not imagine letting them cut my stomach. But again it is definitely YOUR CHOICE....a lot of people don't like the band because of the maintenance it requires, but that I don't mind at all. I love having that rapport with my surgeon to ensure all is going well.

The reason why I chose lap over the gastric bypas, was i did not like the idea of a huge verticl incision going over my thoracic cavity and the healing involved with that. Also you loose weight wickid fast on the bypas and as a result the skin does not get a chance to "snap" back due to a slower overall rate of loss of weight. but it also depends on how much you have to loose overall and how you will deal with aftercare and other issues.

I encourage you to attend seminars on both options, and if you like one option over another, research several surgons that practice the method you chose. This is your body and ultimately your choice you have the right to decide who cuts on you.

When you go for any informational meetings ask questions and write down your surgon's answers, and if he/she does not answer your questions then they are not the surgon for you.

Some of the questions I asked where:

-how long will I be under antestetic?

-Are there any complications with this surgery? and how do you as the surgon plan to deal with any compications should they arise?

-If you are female and considering having a baby in the near future ask about if the doctor recomends you be on birthcontrol prior to surgery and durring your Weightloss. Some doctors seriously recomend not getting pregnant for up to two years after surgery and weight loss.

-what will recovery time be? out of hospital time ie: how many weeks off form work will i need

-are you going to be same day surgery or kept overnight?

these are just some questions but most importantly is how many of said procedures have you done? and most importantly have you had any serious complications such as death from surgery?

Also if you are opting for a Lap band and you have a laytex allergy ask your surgon if the band they are using is latex free

But, you also need to weigh the "forever" fact with the band. You will forever be going to dr's for adjustments. That's what I'm complaining about 3 yrs afterwards. Not that I regret my band (totally opposite, I would do it again in a heartbeat), I just wish I didn't have to drive 6 hrs roundtrip and pay $160 each time I visit the dr's (and following a slip, I've had to visit quite often). Yes, I will forever be able to "tighten up a bit", but it also give more room for complications (like a slip). Weigh that also.

Like I said, I would do my band again in a heartbeat. I'm just bummed that the maintenance is more than I expected.

Marci

So i am having difficulty if I want to do lapband or gastric bypass... They said that we only have one time to be covered by iinsurance... Pls. Gimme insight. If u do gastric it is permanent, if I do lapband what are thr advantages?

why are you having a difficult time deciding?

what are your thoughts on each?