Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Please respond if you know anything about lab band surgery



Recommended Posts

I'm not sure why she told me those things either and am glad i brought my husband with me because he heard the same thing i did. She did admit the sleeve is new, I think she said 5 years they have been using them. So it is hard to use statistics with the sleeve, but she seemed to prefer the sleeve over the lap band. I prefer the lap band because they don't have to cut out some of my stomach, I don't have to wait for the stitches to heal increasing my chance of infection and the surgical incision line coming open. Now i have to admit that i know nothing about these surgeries but sure have lots to learn. That gave me an idea. I should take a ceu nursing class on wls. That would give me facts and not opinions related to which surgery is beneficial to the hospital or doctor.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

NurseCheryl,

Make sure in your research that you Google---- Gastric Banding + Referred Left Shoulder Pain.

It's quite common. Being an RN, you probably know about the Vagus nerve that goes from the base of the skull down into the diaphragm, stomach, etc. The band's presence adversely affects that nerve in quite a large number of people. Even on this forum you'll see threads titled, "Back pain; shoulder pain" every day. It's due to that nerve and the band irritating or damaging it. Some people think it's a "good" thing---the consider it their "stop eating" sign. However, one that nerve is screwed up, it has a tendency to stay screwed up. It should never be considered a positive event, that pain.

Just something else to add to your long list of things to research.

The VSG isn't new. It's newer as a weight loss surgery, but gastrectomies have been done since the 1880s. Patients with severe peptic ulcers often had to have part of their stomachs removed. One side effect was weight loss. The part of the stomach that produces Ghrelin is often removed during VSG.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you read actual studies that take patient compliance into consideration, only 5% of Lap Band patients have complications by no fault of their own. Plus, when the patient is compliant with their surgeon and their rules, the long term weight loss is actually comparable to the Sleeve or Gastric Bypass.

Here's an actual study to support this information: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/

Weight loss and success with the band really comes down to patient compliance. You will hear a lot of horror stories about the band, but what the majority of those people won't tell you is that they caused their own complications and didn't do what was necessary to be successful with their band.

As for myself, I've lost 227 pounds in the 19 months I've been banded. That is about 87% of my excess body weight- and I'm still losing. I'm living proof that you can lose as much with the band as you're determined to work at losing.

Best wishes.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

any WLS has complications

no one is better than the other

i find it basically boil down to what you want......and what you truly want to do

what happens to ms joe blow may or may not happen to you.......who can say, none of us can see into the future........which ever you get, do your best and comply to how to use it..

ps, that small risk that the band (has) was well worth the risk for me

i got my mobility back and my life........yes, i'd do it again in a second.......

and i'd recommend it to anyone who asked BUT stress, unless you change what you eat, begin to exercise and have a mental attitude change, NO WLS will help.....my opinion

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Make sure when you find another surgeon to talk to, ask about lap band with plication. Its sort like the sleeve combined with the lapband. My surgeon told me it also reduces the risk of slippage to almost nothing and its also reversable. Plus, if you lose your band for whatever reason you can still keep the plication. I've not had a fill yet and have lost 35 lbs. I had my band 5/10/13 and I feel when I finally get my first fill, I won't need as much. Could be wrong, but thats what I'm hoping at least.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had similar experience accept I wanted the sleeve but my doctor discouraged and said I was a soft candidate for it and said he didn't feel comftrable taking my money specially since I'm self paid!!! Not only did he give me an honest opinion but instead of charging me 19 thousand he only charged me 14!!! My advise to you-google his name to find out more about him!!! I'll be more then glad to share with you my dr's name!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

One doctor's opinion is just that: one doctor's opinion. I got told by my doctor that average weight loss with the band was 60% but it didn't mean you couldn't lose 100% of your excess weight (and I did), that 60% was the average across ALL banders including the ones who didn't lose a lb due to non-compliance. That's why it's called an average.

In Australia the lapband is still the most used wls in the country, and Australia surgeons have been placing bands for a lot longer than US doctors. And in Australian studies, the prognosis for banded patients, and the longevity of the band, come up very favourably. It often makes me wonder why there is such a difference? Is it anything to do with the fact that Australia has socialised medicine and most private insurance usually automatically cover the band that we get focussed, frequent aftercare that doesn't cost the earth? Or the fact that we don't have to suffer with complications because we can see our doctors NOW if something doesn't feel right? Or that our surgeons give us rules we can live with for life that makes Australian banders generally do well?

I hear ALL the time how the longevity of the band is in dispute but talk to any premier Australian bariatric surgeon and you'll probably get a different answer. Weird, huh?

My suggestion is if you want a band, make sure you get the best, most supportive physician you can. That's absolutely crucial. Aftercare and experience is important with a band, so you want the best team backing you up as you can possibly afford.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

NurseCheryl,

Make sure in your research that you Google---- Gastric Banding + Referred Left Shoulder Pain.

It's quite common. Being an RN, you probably know about the Vagus nerve that goes from the base of the skull down into the diaphragm, stomach, etc. The band's presence adversely affects that nerve in quite a large number of people. Even on this forum you'll see threads titled, "Back pain; shoulder pain" every day. It's due to that nerve and the band irritating or damaging it. Some people think it's a "good" thing---the consider it their "stop eating" sign. However, one that nerve is screwed up, it has a tendency to stay screwed up. It should never be considered a positive event, that pain.

Just something else to add to your long list of things to research.

The VSG isn't new. It's newer as a weight loss surgery, but gastrectomies have been done since the 1880s. Patients with severe peptic ulcers often had to have part of their stomachs removed. One side effect was weight loss. The part of the stomach that produces Ghrelin is often removed during VSG.

If you are unhappy with your decision to get the band why would you be on a lapband website bad mouthing the band. I do believe there is a website for unhappy bandsters to moan and complain about why the band did not work for them. All in all there have been more successes with the band then not.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wanted to thank all of you for the information you have given me. It has been so helpful in my research so far. I am going to an information session at another hospital today. I listened to a video online about wls that was put on by this hospital. They still do lap band surgeries, at least per this video, and said it is less risky then the other two surgeries, but takes longer to lose the weight, they added that slower weight loss is healthier. They had a positive take on all the surgeries and said most of them have little risk in comparison to the risk of obesity. Both of the hospitals have great reputations and I feel safe going to either of the two. I'll let you know what they say.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wanted to thank all of you for the information you have given me. It has been so helpful in my research so far. I am going to an information session at another hospital today. I listened to a video online about wls that was put on by this hospital. They still do lap band surgeries, at least per this video, and said it is less risky then the other two surgeries, but takes longer to lose the weight, they added that slower weight loss is healthier. They had a positive take on all the surgeries and said most of them have little risk in comparison to the risk of obesity. Both of the hospitals have great reputations and I feel safe going to either of the two. I'll let you know what they say.

my dr told me that while the band may (be slower at the beginning) as compared to the other WLS, that in 2 yrs, it kinda evens out on the weight loss totals (band vs bypass etc)....and i can say that without a doubt, the more one puts into it (via eating better/exercising) the more can lose based on (findings). my dr told me i was expected to lose about 70 in the first year......actually it was more like 130+.....and there are others....who lost way more then me in their first year....

doesnt really matter how long it takes one to lose weight, as long as they lose it and get healthy..its not a racing contest....it is for better health.....all the best to you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you are unhappy with your decision to get the band why would you be on a lapband website bad mouthing the band. I do believe there is a website for unhappy bandsters to moan and complain about why the band did not work for them. All in all there have been more successes with the band then not.

I'm trying to help the original poster in her research by giving her pertinent information. Does that answer your rude question?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm trying to help the original poster in her research by giving her pertinent information. Does that answer your rude question?

I wasn't being rude. I was just wondering why if you were/are unhappy with your band you would be on a website with banded people. It doesn't work for everyone but if it failed me or I failed it I wouldn't be on here trying to make others feel like it's a bad decision. I can say that most people on this site have been very happy with their bands.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wasn't being rude. I was just wondering why if you were/are unhappy with your band you would be on a website with banded people. It doesn't work for everyone but if it failed me or I failed it I wouldn't be on here trying to make others feel like it's a bad decision. I can say that most people on this site have been very happy with their bands.

It's called Lapbandtalk last time I looked. I had TWO lap bands. I'm talking about them. It's not called IHeartLapbands. People who have not yet chosen the Lap Band might appreciate knowing the negative aspects, as well. At least, those who are intelligent and would like to make an informed decision about their health would. So, your comment was rude because there was simply nothing in any of my posts that anyone should have gotten upset over. I gave the original poster information that may be of use to her. It's not up to anyone else to decide.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Carolina Girl, Thanks for letting me know what your doctor said. I don't care if it takes me 2 or even 3 years to lose the entire 100 pounds as long as i lose it and keep it off this time. It is great to hear that he/she said that in 2 years it all evens out. It makes sense that t

he more one puts into it via eating better and exercising the more the person will lose and better chance to keep the weight off. Congrats on your loss of 130+ pounds.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×