Hi, I'm just starting this process so bear with me but I'm wondering what made you decide to go with the lapband instead of sleeve or bypass...I've come wo the realization that I just can't loose my weight without some help but I'm unsure, nervous & plain old scared! Can anyone share their pros / cons?? Thanks!

Personally, I simply couldn't logically justify hacking out 3/4 of my stomach or re-routing my intestines. I also didn't want to deal with dumping, Vitamin deficiencies, or malabsorbtion either. So, for me the only logical choice was the Lap Band.

I honestly can't think of a single con. I have had a great experience with my band and would do it again in a heart beat.

Best wishes.

Hi and welcome. I chose the band because there is no major cutting of the insides and it can be removed if need be. You lose weight slower at a real nice pace and you can control everything. I know of about 6-10 people who had the bypass and they gained back and then some. The band and every other WLS is a tool and you have to learn to control the tool and want it to work for you. I had the band in July at almost 62 and it is the best thing I ever did for me. The weight comes off slower but I am happy with that. I gained the weight over many years so I can wait. I would recommend the band to any one who wants to try WLS for their health and longer life.

Good luck with your choice.

For me, several reasons..

1.Slow loss was a healthier way for me to lose

2. Recovery time I had to be back to work quickly

3. Long term. I know me and I would gain it all back if I didnt have my little band buddy reminding me I am not that person anylonger. As I see it it is going to take the year or so to train my mind,body new habits and healthy lifestyle and to be "OK" thru stressful times.

I choose lapband because I didn't want cutting or rerouting of any digestive parts. It is also reversible if need be.

any bariatric surgery is a tool to kick start weight loss, but it takes 100 percent commitment from the patient to see lasting results...if you get the band or the bypass or the sleeve or the ds, you will have to change what you eat, how much you eat and develop a whole new mental attitude from dieting letting whichever tool/ wls to help you. by someone just getting the bypass or sleeve or band and continue to overeat, it wont work.

no WLS is not a miracle cure all.

you have to eat better food in smaller amounts

3500 is a pound whether its ate or drank

if you take in more cals than you burn off, you gain weight

so whichever you get and follow the instructions as given

its up to you if you are a success or not

best of luck in whatever you decide in what works for you.

I am having surgery next week. I chose lap band for a few reasons. It's reversible if I decide to have more children. Also, I have always been able to lose the weight (with difficulty) but never been able to keep it off, mostly because of being put on meds that make me over eat. The band will be a physical reminder to me to not gain weight.

Hello there. I didn't choose the band it chose me. I say that because I have been struggling with my weight for the past 19 years (since I had my first child). I have tried every diet and diet pill you can imagine. Some worked others didn't. I have lost weight and then gained it right back. I thought it was meant for me to be fat. So I gave up until I was told I had a hernia that needed repairing. I always new I didn't want my insides cut but left in tact so cutting and stapling was not an option. After the doctor repaired my hernia he slapped the band on too. I have been a happy camper ever since. No cons here either. Good luck with your decision and your journey.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.. .as I am sure you all can understand, I have been struggling for many years....I have lost and then gained so much weight, it's disgusting & unhealthy in itself...I know I can stick to a meal plan since I've done it before but the band may be the "physical reminder" (thanks Countess) that I need...does anyone have any doctor recommendations in Central Jersey area?