Hello Everyone,

So today I had my first consultation & I am feeling very discouraged....I mentioned to the Doctor that I was interested in getting the Lap band instead of the sleeve or GBP, I did not feel much support from the doctor about my decision I feel like she just gave negative feedback about the Lap band, and was saying how the Lap band did not have a huge success rate ...

Has anyone experienced anything like this & if so what is your suggestion.

Thanks guys

The surgeon I originally went to insisted I had to have Gastric Bypass because I started at over 400 pounds. He said I'd never lose enough with the Lap Band.

I found a new surgeon and I got the Lap Band.

That was 19 months ago. Since then, I have lost 227 pounds and I'm still losing. That is 87% of my excess weight gone- so far.

You can lose as much with the band as you're willing to work for. You can be successful with the band if you're committed to the process and compliant with the rules and your surgeon.

If you really want the band, I'd find a new surgeon that supports your decision.

Best wishes with whatever you decide.

Hello Everyone,

So today I had my first consultation & I am feeling very discouraged....I mentioned to the Doctor that I was interested in getting the Lap band instead of the sleeve or GBP, I did not feel much support from the doctor about my decision I feel like she just gave negative feedback about the Lap band, and was saying how the Lap band did not have a huge success rate ...

Has anyone experienced anything like this & if so what is your suggestion.

Thanks guys

My primary care doctor wanted me to get a bypass. Same reason...the band doesn't work as well as bypass and I needed to lose about 120 lbs. Well...I made her eat her words and I'm down 78 lbs. in 7 months and expect to lose it all eventually. She said I was the only real success story with her banded patients and I think it's like alot of posters say...you get out of it what you put into it. It's not a easy fix and you have to work at it. The rewards however can be great. Take a look at my post I put up a little while ago...I put pictures of myself before and after up for the first time and you can see what 78 lbs. down really looks like.

I swear, some doctors...

Mine said 'on average lapband patients lose 60% of their excess weight. This statistic includes those who lost all their excess weight and more, and those who didn't even try and lost nothing. You decide which one you want to be'.

So I did. I was going to lose it all. And I did.

I agree with Mis. Find someone who is more supportive because support and aftercare is incredibly important with the lapband and you want someone who will have your back, not undermine your decision.

My surgeon never questioned me about which surgery to have. He is thrilled with my 60% BMI gone in one year. Do what you feel is right for you not what the doctor wants you to have, Your body, not his/hers. A band can be removed, sleeve-stomach gone forever and by-pass, almost everyone I know has regained after 10 years and blame it on the surgery not their over eating.

Also, you need to be comfortable with the doctor you choose.

thanks ladies I do appreciate all the advice!

I am willing to give it my all, and work very hard to achieve my goal...

Im going shopping for a new surgeon tomorrow

My man is telling me to stand my ground & get what I want, not what she wants me to get....

Im at 245 lbs right now My goal would be to get to 135-140

My surgeon never questioned me about which surgery to have. He is thrilled with my 60% BMI gone in one year. Do what you feel is right for you not what the doctor wants you to have, Your body, not his/hers. A band can be removed, sleeve-stomach gone forever and by-pass, almost everyone I know has regained after 10 years and blame it on the surgery not their over eating.

Also, you need to be comfortable with the doctor you choose.

Very well said! I agree 1000%

Hello Everyone,

So today I had my first consultation & I am feeling very discouraged....I mentioned to the Doctor that I was interested in getting the Lap band instead of the sleeve or GBP, I did not feel much support from the doctor about my decision I feel like she just gave negative feedback about the Lap band, and was saying how the Lap band did not have a huge success rate ...

Has anyone experienced anything like this & if so what is your suggestion.

Thanks guys

I was told that my doctor was not big into the band, so I went in with an open mind, However I had already decided I did not want something that offered no way out if there were complications. When I told her I wanted a band, she said she felt was the way to go for me. Since I have good nutritional habits and workout habits as well, Something I didn't always have, however I had already lost 176 on my own. Thus the band was the way I went. It's a new lifestyle, but I can do this, just making my way through the 6 week post surgery diet. Best wishes and blessings to you!

I was told that my doctor was not big into the band, so I went in with an open mind, However I had already decided I did not want something that offered no way out if there were complications. When I told her I wanted a band, she said she felt was the way to go for me. Since I have good nutritional habits and workout habits as well, Something I didn't always have, however I had already lost 176 on my own. Thus the band was the way I went. It's a new lifestyle, but I can do this, just making my way through the 6 week post surgery diet. Best wishes and blessings to you!

THANK YOU!!! GOSH I LOVE THIS COMMUNITY YOU LADIES ARE SO AWESOME :wub: !!!

I swear, some doctors...

Mine said 'on average lapband patients lose 60% of their excess weight. This statistic includes those who lost all their excess weight and more, and those who didn't even try and lost nothing. You decide which one you want to be'.

So I did. I was going to lose it all. And I did.

I agree with Mis. Find someone who is more supportive because support and aftercare is incredibly important with the lapband and you want someone who will have your back, not undermine your decision.

You look fantastic!!!!

The lap band is a tool, you are as successful with it as you want to be. I would shop another surgeon, not all doctors are all that honest, sometimes it comes down to money. To get my insurance packet together I had to see a Pulmonologist, who told me I needed a sleep study. I don't snore, I rest well, and have no physical characteristics that would make me a sleep apnea candidate. I saw another pulmonologist and he laughed at the suggestion that I would need a sleep study. Come to find out the first doctor owned the sleep clinic, yea that's right he owned the sleep clinic so he had a financial stake in me taking an unnecessary sleep test. Reality, but it kind of sad.

My surgeon does nothing but lap bands, but he was up front about what to expect, he told me that the average loss was 60%, then he pointed to his nurse and said she lost over 100 pounds and all of her excess weight, then he said "you get to decide which category you will be in".

So, the question is, are you willing to settle for "Average"?

like others, my doctor also wanted me to do the bypass (as i was super sized)..to chicken sh**, i instead got the band and i recall telling my doctor i would make it work.....and i have...not tooting my own horn just stating that with the band, you can lose....but you must work it (eat better/exercise) and do the best you can....any WLS is great....any WLS has complications that can or cant hapen but unless the person does what they are advised to do, no WLS will work.....just my 4 cents.

Perhaps you should get a second opinion. All of my doctors encouraged the lapband over the other procedures. My surgeon mentioned the sleeve, but he said with it being a newer procedure there isn't as much data on it. The other thing about the sleeve is your stomach can stretch back out after the procedure and you would have to have another procedure to correct that. That was told to me by another surgeon I met with before I decided on the lapband. Do as much research on your own because regardless of what the doctor's opinion is, you are the one that has to live with it.....I visited a couple different hospitals and surgeons before I made my decision to do the band. I'm not banded yet, but am in the process.

Hello Everyone,

So today I had my first consultation & I am feeling very discouraged....I mentioned to the Doctor that I was interested in getting the Lap band instead of the sleeve or GBP, I did not feel much support from the doctor about my decision I feel like she just gave negative feedback about the Lap band, and was saying how the Lap band did not have a huge success rate ...

Has anyone experienced anything like this & if so what is your suggestion.

Thanks guys

Most Dr's prefer what they are specialized in, My Dr which is DR Billy will tell you the pros and cons of both and he may suggest one of the surgeries. They suggested gastric bypass but i did the band for alot of reasons. I also did research on both surgeries. Look at another Dr that will offer support. We have support meeting every month. Good luck in your decision