Hi, Mike here in NY and new to this site. About 3/4 done with pre-surgical tests and Dr. visits.

Came into this process determined to get the lap band, but now thinking that after all this should I just get the Bypass instead.

The lap band appeals to me for all the reasons it appeals to most, safety, less invasive, etc..... but my concern is will it last, will I cheat it.

Many of my friends have had the bypass and after 5 yrs some have cheated that and all but one have put on weight, some significantly so my concern is if they can do it with the bypass what may happen with the band. I am determined to make this work and will exercise ( I have in the past regularly until the most recent 2 yrs) but I want this to work for my life. I am 49 diabetic with high blood pressure, I live an active life and want it to be more active. I am in fear of the bypass never having and surgery of any kind in the past but is it my fear that is making my decison or is the lap band a smarter route. I know nothing is a magic bullet I just want to make the right decision. the lap band fits my life better, the recovery and the effects on the body. I would just like some feedback from others with some experience.

thanks

mike

Hi, Mike here in NY and new to this site. About 3/4 done with pre-surgical tests and Dr. visits.

Came into this process determined to get the lap band, but now thinking that after all this should I just get the Bypass instead.

The lap band appeals to me for all the reasons it appeals to most, safety, less invasive, etc..... but my concern is will it last, will I cheat it.

Many of my friends have had the bypass and after 5 yrs some have cheated that and all but one have put on weight, some significantly so my concern is if they can do it with the bypass what may happen with the band. I am determined to make this work and will exercise ( I have in the past regularly until the most recent 2 yrs) but I want this to work for my life. I am 49 diabetic with high blood pressure, I live an active life and want it to be more active. I am in fear of the bypass never having and surgery of any kind in the past but is it my fear that is making my decison or is the lap band a smarter route. I know nothing is a magic bullet I just want to make the right decision. the lap band fits my life better, the recovery and the effects on the body. I would just like some feedback from others with some experience.

thanks

mike

One of the reasons I chose the band was because of the long-term prospects. At 5 years out, the weight loss between the band and bypass is the same, from what I could find. And with the bypass, you don't have any way to adjust it later if need be. Pouches stretch out, and the body adapts to the malabsorption. With the band, it can be adjusted however your body needs it to be as you go along. That was very appealing to me.

I agree with her. I have seen a lot of postings about bypass patients gaining weight back and stretching their new stomachs. I like the fact that I control the fill levels so that will not happen. I love my band and I wouldn't have it any other way. With that being said, you have to realize that the weight loss is slower with the band. I have the feeling that it can be kept off for a longer period of time though.