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

To Band ... or not to Band.



Recommended Posts

Hi all,

I am looking at lap banding and I have an appointment with my doctor in 2 weeks. I am still trying to decide whether I want to go ahead with the procedure. I have approx 100kg (220 pounds) to loose. And am just not sure what to do.

Some days I wish the appointment would get here and really want the Lap Band ... other days I am quite scared of the Op and not sure I want to go through with it.

Does anyone know of any really good websites where they have all the statistics on success rates etc on Banding.

I so want my life back .... but just not sure how to do it!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't know of any reliable sources on stats for the band, sorry.

I didn't have quite 100kg to lose (I had 70kg to lose, and have ended up losing 76kg) But the band worked well for me. I know that much.

Good luck with your appointment. If you have any questions, ask away. We are all here for you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I also had about 220lbs to lose before surgery. I was scared too (most of us were) but it turned out fine. The surgery itself wasn't a big deal. I was in and out of the hospital within a few hours. By that afternoon I was home walking around with a bit of a sore tummy and not much else to complain about!

You're right, this is a huge life changing decision. But as someone who had a ton to lose as well, I can say that I am so happy I didn't do something more extreme like GB or something because my success has been comparable with my band versus the other options. I've lost over 100 pounds so far and I don't have plans for stopping.

So yes, if you're prepared to work at it then I think it will help you too. Once you get some weight off you'll see your life improving. There are tons of NSV (non scale victories) mentioned on this site that will inspire you and help you see how people are getting their lives back. Very motivating!

Good luck with the appointment and let us know what you decide.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Your surgeon should also provide you with statistics at your initial appointment. He should discuss all the risks and in what % of patients they occur. Do also try to research the risks of obesity. That will help you get a balanced picture.

Good luck in your decision.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with want2lose. It's alot more dangerous to remain obese. Good luck, I know it's a tough decision, I've done it twice. But I don't regret it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you are self pay, make sure that you understand ALL of the charges involved. My dr was vague when explaining these extras and now I have much more than the 16 thou he quoted me... I did know that there would be extra fees for the anesthesiologist and the xrays, but with out ever selfpaying for anything, I didn't realize the costs!

Anesthesiology= $1000

Imaging= $200

ALL ADJUSTMENTS (flouroscope, surgeon's fee excluded) $800

*PRETESTS* $700

I am so very glad I did it, but I am now on the austerity program.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The band is still a relatively new procedure in the US, so there are not a lot of long-term statistics available yet. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Have you attended a seminar yet?

Personally, I love my band. I knew I had to do something. I was borderline diabetic and there is a history of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. in my family. I determined the risks of not having the surgery far outweighed any risks of having it. The surgery itself was a breeze. And, the wonderful thing about the band is, it is completely reversible. However, I could not imagine ever wanting to have mine taken out.

Have you checked out Inamed's site? They have a lot of good information there as well, including some statistics.

http://www.lapband.com/lapband/portal.do

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

good luck on your journey. oh and I am reading this book by Ariel Ortiz Lagardere titled Lap-Band For Life: the complete patient guide to success with the Lap-band. So far it has been very informative. It talks about the risks and how much safer it is to the other surgeries. I can't stop thinking about it.

Samantha

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am waiting for approval on Lap Band from Insurance and am sure it is what I need. Its still just a tool and something to help me lose the weight that I need to lose to be healthy.

Good Luck as I think it is very important that you are very sure its the road you want to take.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think that you should become very familar with all the weight loss surgeries to decide which one will be best for you.... I have had the lapband and now I have the Verticle Gastric Sleeve..... If you want to talk with me before you set out for this surgery... I will be glad to share my experience...:D

Best wishes in your journey....:clap2:

Patti

bandinfo@verizon.net

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi All ...

Thanks for your help ... just thought I would post a note to say that I went to the doctors today ... start Optifast today (pre-op diet) and get banded on the 11th October. My head is spinning ... I thought it would at least be a month or two away. But I am glad it is this soon ... so I have less time to dwell on it.

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

    • 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!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×