I am wondering why people have chosen Lapband over other bariatric surgeries? I was set on Lapband but find myself considering gastric bypass.

What influenced your choice?

I couldn't rationally justify hacking out 75-80% of stomach or permanently re-routing my healthy intestines without trying something far less drastic first. God forbid I ever got stomach cancer or some other disease that effected my digestive system- I'd have been screwed. I figured I could always get the Lap Band removed if something went wrong but you can't get back that huge chunk of your stomach.

Plus, I didn't want to deal with malabsorbtion and dumping, either.

For me, Lap Band was the best choice.

I researched all the possible options for a couple of years before getting banded. They all have their pros and cons, and I read many success stories, stories of people gaining their weight back, as well as some others with pretty scary complications associated with every single one of them. In the end, the reasons I went with the band were that It's less invasive, and it's removable if it absolutely needs to be. I also really like that it's adjustable. I can have it adjusted as much as I need to, to help it work best for me. It's a very personal decision, and in the end, you have to go with the one you feel is right for you!

After exploring my options I decided like Missy that I wanted a less invasive surgery and less chance of serious , permanent problems such as dumping and malnutrition.. I had a close friend who went through some life threatening months in the hospital because he had a by pass and developed malnutrition... It is a big decision and requires some research.. Ask questions and attend as many seminar's and meetings as possible. My support group has by pass patients, sleeve patients and lapband.. by far the lapbanders have less problems... but it is ultimately up to you...

Less invasive, adjustable, removable and being self-pay, less expensive. It was the right choice for me.

My PCP suggested it...and then I read up on it, discussed it with my surgeon, and talked to a couple folks who actually had it.

Last night, I went to a support group meeting I attend sometimes. I left there happy with my decision....once again.

Here's why I am so happy in my decision. There were folks there last night who had the bypass, sleeve and lapband. And as they go around the room at the beginning of the meeting (introductions/etc) I hear the following....

From the bypass person "I've lost about 130 #'s....BUT, I'm stuck...haven't lost anymore in months....and don't know what to do."

From one of the sleever's...who has lost about 160 #'s (she started at 409#) "I'm not losing anymore now, but thats ok...just look where I started".

Then there were some bandsters there. One, who previously was at a stall...BUT is following up with her doctor, BECAUSE there are options to improve with adjustments, etc. And she's back on the losing track! Yea her!

One had a temporary port issue, but has done FANTASTIC so far, and will continue to....she's got the motivation and determination.

And me....when I wasn't losing much a couple of years ago, because I was eating too much, getting discouraged, etc....and I went back to my surgeon...he say's "why would you be discouraged. You told me you weren't good at dieting. Lets adjust your band."

I think about that particular visit often.....I wish everybody could have a surgeon like that. AND, an option to adjust....if things aren't working to desired results.

I couldn't rationally justify hacking out 75-80% of stomach or permanently re-routing my healthy intestines without trying something far less drastic first. God forbid I ever got stomach cancer or some other disease that effected my digestive system- I'd have been screwed. I figured I could always get the Lap Band removed if something went wrong but you can't get back that huge chunk of your stomach.

Plus, I didn't want to deal with malabsorbtion and dumping, either.

For me, Lap Band was the best choice.

Very well said. My thoughts, too. My husband went with me to all my pre-op meetings and he also had those thoughts.

I know of too many people who had by pass and now weigh more than before the WLS.

My wife worked in a SNF(skilled nursing facility). She saw many morbidly obese patients come in who could not absorb tube fed nutrients and drugs since they no longer had a stomach.

I agree with Missy too. I didn't want them removing my stomach. And, once you go sleeve or bypass, there's no turning back. With the band, I have a much higher chance of returning to my old self if I want or have to.

It's a very personal decision and each of us must choose our own path.

Thanks everyone!

Im not a fan of the whole rerouting element either. I do want something permanent and have been hearing that Lapbands need to be replaced 2-3 years out for various reasons.

My surgeon does both surgeries so I want to choose what's best for me without his influence.

Thanks everyone!

Im not a fan of the whole rerouting element either. I do want something permanent and have been hearing that Lapbands need to be replaced 2-3 years out for various reasons.

My surgeon does both surgeries so I want to choose what's best for me without his influence.

Actually, that's not true at all. In fact Lap Bands are made to be "forever". Of course there's always a risk of complications but the chances are small. Statistically speaking, you only have a 5% chance of serious complications if you are compliant with your doctor and the band rules. That means you have a 95% chance of success.

You may hear of more complications but you aren't hearing is the most of those are caused because of the patients' mistakes and behavior, not the band.

Here's a study that shows very good long term results: http://www.futurity.org/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/

Actually' date=' that's not true at all. In fact Lap Bands are made to be "forever". Of course there's always a risk of complications but the chances are small. Statistically speaking, you only have a 5% chance of serious complications if you are compliant with your doctor and the band rules. That means you have a 95% chance of success.

You may hear of more complications but you aren't hearing is the most of those are caused because of the patients' mistakes and behavior, not the band.

Here's a study that shows very good long term results: http://www.futurity.org/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/

Mis73 I hadn't looked at it that way. It is true that you hear more negative than positive with any procedure. I am leaning more towards Lapband based on it being less evasive. YouTube has a quite a few videos of both surgeries.

I've been considering Lapband the past two years. I think less invasive will be best considering I had a laproscopic procedure before and recovered fairly easy. I am a good rule follower when it comes to surgery.

Thanks again!

allowed myself to get into the super morbid category

i needed help...wls was the option...i read, asked alot of questions

but i undersood after the lapband doctor told me that unless i changed

(what i ate and started to move) no wls wont help me

so if you get any wls, follow the guidelines

and make yourself well

as with all things, results will vary for whatever reasons

you do the best you can

its not a miracle save all

its not a quick fix

its not a sure thing

but it will help if you (help)

all the best

Less side effects than with bypass. My friend had bypass surgery and had terrible dumping episodes. She constantly had to be near a bathroom. Not only that, she has gained most of her weight back. That is why I prefer the band over other options.

Its sounds like everyone has the same reasons. I am still in my pre-op but knew right from the start of my research a couple years ago that the lap band was the way to go for me. I also agree that the cutting and rerouting was not appealing to me for future health concerns. Not that I would take the band out but it just seemed like a good option to have just in case.

Like dawalsh said...the fill option was a great perk for me. Struggling with weight for so many years, I like the idea of being able to get it adjusted if I get a little off track.

I researched all forms of WLS, weighed all of the pros and cons and decided that with the less invasive surgery, the fact that I can adjust the band to work with me, personally and, if it is absolutely necessary, I can reverse it, Lap Band made sense to me, for me.

Justjackie, in the end, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of all of the different options available to you, assess your health, your needs and decide what is going to work best for you, for your body and your lifestyle. Only you can make that decision. There is no "right" or "wrong" answer.