I've been doing a ton of research regarding lap band and othet wls out there. Why is losing weight with lap band a lot slower than other surgeries, like vertical sleeve? What makes this one slower? Does anyone know? I have my first consultation this week. Thanks

Heather

There's a lot more initial physical restriction with other types. Make sure to consult with your surgeon about all options.

Short answer: in order to work properly, the lap band has to be adjusted to just the right amount of restriction. This process varies by individual and can take some time. Until complete, many (but not all) patients report little to no help from the band and any weight loss is mostly due to good old-fashioned dieting.

Sleeve and by-pass are instantaneous and weight loss is fastest right out of the gate.

Long term, all methods CAN be equally effective. Some lap-band patients never reach the famous "green zone" and give up, others develop complications and have the band removed (which of course is not an option with any other WLS). I don't know the numbers when correcting for these patients (who typically don't loose a lot or regain weight), but according to my surgeon If the patient is compliant the long term success is actually easer with the band because it can always be adjusted whereas the other methods are a one-time deal.

I've been doing a ton of research regarding lap band and othet wls out there. Why is losing weight with lap band a lot slower than other surgeries, like vertical sleeve? What makes this one slower? Does anyone know? I have my first consultation this week. Thanks

Heather

lets see

jim lost 200 pounds in just over a year

missy lost 200 in about a year

i lost 124 in a year

shrc lost 100 in about a year

and i could go on and on.......

what slow losses??

the band works if a person helps is....

just having WLS wont just magically make one lose weight..

granted with the sleeve/bypass it will come off quickly, but if the

eating habits dont change from junk food to more healthy food, no WLS

will help..

I'm so thankful for the band! April 1 to June 24th and a 50 lb weight loss... I will take it.

I personally know quite a few people who have had gastric bypass and gained all the weight back over the years.

The band can be adjusted and I don't feel like I'm dieting at all. I eat very small portions and I'm completely satisfied. I'm not in the green zone yet, so I get hungry sometimes before the 4 hour mark, but I try to ignore it and eat when I'm supposed to eat. That's it.

Good luck!

Thank you everyone for repliying - I am still really new to all this & don't have my knowledge about any of the WLS. I had read a few of the success stories & went on a few profiles to see date of surgery & amount of weight loss...the ones I saw weren't as high as what you listed Carolinagirl so I apologize if I didn't have any of the facts straight & offended anyone. I'm simply just asking questions and getting answers from others who have more info/knowledge. Thank you for taking the time to reply. I know this isn't a magic wand & poof the next day all the weight will be gone....but when I've read stories & testimonials they all seem to be slower on lap band than other WLS - that's all. Thanks!

I have lost 95 lbs in 6 months...my doctor says that's faster weight loss than most of his sleeve and bypass patients...It's up to you how you lose...regardless of the type of surgery..eat right, follow the rules and exercise