What would you say we're your top three reasons in choosing the band over other weight loss surgeries?

I control it. Reversible. Been around long time so more info to study for long term success

Surgeon felt it was my best option, all things considered. I would have done the VSG otherwise... I had to trust his experience and judgement.

I am not a big fan of weight loss surgery. That is just flat out honest. I was diagnosed with diabetes and some way I need to get this weight off of me because just dieting is not working. When doing research I saw that the lapband was the least invasive. It also cost me the least out of pocket and it is reversible. Those are the top three things that made we decide on the lapband. I have one more doctors visit and then info is sent to my insurance for approval. Fingers crossed!

Reversible, least invasive and I would die before my time from morbid obesity.

My sister had Gastric Bypass, lost all her weight and gained it all back.

With any wls, the surgery is just a tool to help you. You have to be committed to making the lifestyle change.

Good Luck on your wl journey!

I weighed all the options.. didn't like the idea of bypass.. had several friends who had it and did not do well.. didn't know enough about the sleeve but it looked drastic,, didn't want to staple my stomach.. also heard of dumping issues with the sleeve.. My surgeon actually said I was a good candidate for the band and he had done them for many years and had a excellent record.. needed to lose weight due to diabetes, blood pressure, etc. Not the easy way out for sure but the least invasive surgery..Really glad I did it and hopefully I will have good health as a result.

I agree with sharpie I had mostly the same reasons. I did not want my insides cut up or rerouted. I would have went with lap-band with plication, but my Dr. did not offer it and my insurance wouldn't pay for it. Plus if there come a time that it has to be removed I figured they may know a lot more about WLS and there maybe more options.

~~~Stephanie

least invasive

I needed something to keep me from binge eating. I can diet with the best of them but at some point my emotions would get the best of me and I would eat way too much. I've always had trouble with portion control. I chose lap band because it was the least invasive, quick recovery time and its a tool to HELP me change my life. The band isn't going to do it for me and that gives me a huge sense of accomplishment. So far I am overjoyed with my choice! I make healthy choices and the band keeps me from bothering with a buffet no matter how stressed I get!

Another reason was my age... at age 65 most doctors are very leery about doing elective surgery. I saw a lot of articles that questioned how long bands would last in the body before the band failed, or caused health problems. At age 65 I figure the track record for the band just about matches my expected lifespan, so that became a non issue. The newer bands have a better track record. Hopefully I will not have to under surgery to correct a slippage or for removal or a revision surgery... but that is the chance we take when opting for any WLS.

Yeah, the band is reversible, but do I really want to have an emergency removal 15 years down the road? On the other hand, I have read and seen horror stories for the other WLS surgery options. We all do what gives us the best odds of beating our weight problems.

no matter what WLS one gets, all have good and bad and all have differerent results...that being said, whichever one chooses, unless the person changes what they eat (from junk to better options) exercise (even alittle as i did when i started) and help use the aid, no surgery will work...so many people think just have WLS will guarantee weight loss...maybe sometimes but in reality, in the long run, it comes down to eating less calories then one takes in and the band helps with that...

my ins does not cover the sleeve or the ds

and i did not want to cut my insides, once that is done, there is no going back. so i opted for the band..the dr wanted me to do the bypass because of my size, but now he calls me his super star...whichever one gets, do the best you can and make it work....