:help: Why and how did you chose to have the lap band surgery instead of any other type of weight loss surgery? I understand that each deicison is personal and subjective, but any help or insight you would give would be trememdously appreciated!

Cyn

Bypass was too permanent for me. My doctor explained the pros and cons of both and the one that got me was that if you gain your weight or some of it back after bypass there's nothing that can be done (surgically) to help you lose the the weight again. With the band, you can always go for an adjustment. Plus, I was scared that there would be more complications with the bypass. Good luck on your decision.

Hi,

For me, it was a personal decision. I have worked as a medical surgical nurse for many years and have seen complications of gastric bypass surgery. I have 3 members of my immediate circle of friends/family who underwent gastric bypass, and all 3 have experienced complications, one of them very serious. I want lap band surgery because it is adjustable and reversible, should the need arise. I gained my weight over 25 years, and I don't want to lose the weight too rapidly. I like that the lap band is a "tool", but exercise plays a very important role, as well. Best of luck to you, and may your decision be one that you are pleased and satisfied with.

Rachel

Cancer runs in my family. I've seen my Dad have to go through feedings with a tube running directly into his stomach. I felt that if God Forbid, I were to get cancer down the road; I want all my parts in their original places, in order for me to fight the battle as best I can. Simple as that.

csehoen

I made my decision after studying the options for about six months. The by pass has a high rate of complications and death they say 1 in 200 die during or shortly after surgery. Myself not being very lucky decided that wasn't for me. Another factor is that with by pass your window to lose your weight is 12 to 18 months after that your done.A lot of people gain their weight back after 5yrs. With the Band the risk is a lot less,it is reversible if need be and can be adjusted for life to help you lose weight and maintain your goal weight, loss is slower and more healthy it also gives you time to help get rid of all the excess skin with exercise.Hopefuly you will do your research and make the dission for you.

Good luck with your journey

Terry

I did it because it was a much simpler procedure than gastric bypass. From what I understand gastric bypass has a higher rate of success but much higher risks of complications. It was really my only option because I could never bring myself to have the bypass.

I did it because it was a much simpler procedure than gastric bypass. From what I understand gastric bypass has a higher rate of success but much higher risks of complications. It was really my only option because I could never bring myself to have the bypass.

I've read some studies show that while bypass patients lose faster early on, by 5 years out the weight loss is the same as for bandsters.

Wow! cschoen I was thinking the same thing. My mom had bypass surgery about 5 years ago and she lost 50 lbs right away then it took her another two years to drop 150 lbs so I really didn't want to go down that road. I'm really considering the band but I would like to know much as possible before I have the procedure done and really research the dr. before I do anything. Good luck on your decision.

I like the fact that the surgery wasn't invasive. I knew going into it the weight loss was a lot slower too. I'm okay if it takes me 2 years to get to my goal.