Recovery Time - Band vs Bypass

[Georgia 2,911]

Somebody explain to me band with plication. I'm assuming is means your stomach is folded over and stitched to makes smaller stomach as well as a small pouch of lapband. If that is the case, then in actuality it is a modified sleeve with a band, correct?

Edited April 5, 2014 by Georgia

[countrygirl 84]

I'm self employed and on call basically round the clock so getting even an afternoon off, let alone days off is very difficult and very risky. I have been considering a band for years and finally have insurance to do it.

My first meeting with a surgeon and he tells me that with my BMI, I should really do a bypass. He went on to tell me (insist really) that outside of an extra day in the hospital that recovery is basically the same for both.

I know a few people who had a band that have done well and were back to work very quickly. One had surgery Friday and was working (from home) on Monday. The only person I know that had a bypass was laid up for a long time and ended up getting a band a couple of years later. Obviously a small sample, but that and what what I've read, it hasn't sounded like the recovery times are very similar.

I am considering the bypass as I know I have a better chance of getting the results I need, but am freaked out about how major surgery it is vs the band. And of course the risk of extra downtime could be a huge problem for me.

Anyone care to share their thoughts on this?

Band tends to get corrrosion easily in a few yrs &usually requires a revision so do bypass from start,I promise you won't regret it.I did mine on July 22,2013 &2wks later felt fine ,up moving after 3days really good

[AprilHansen 109]

Obviously one is a much more complex surgery, and the recovery is linger, initially. However, I've met so many people with band complications who eventually switched to bypass or sleeve. Not sure if any time is really saved in the long run.

[sillyolme1 19]

After thourough research myself i decided on bypass over sleeve...lapband not option...too many complications..a foreign object in your body...nuff said there. Im 9 days post op...i dont didnt have to work but i was up moving 5 hrs after surgery..there is extra weight from the gases used to expand your belly which i still have but its going ok...i could def be easily working edp at home...probably from day 4 that is after release from the hospital....as part of your new lifestyle u have to take breaks from eork...computer and walk around to move that gas around...no pain really after about day 5....in hosp they keep u pain free with drip/IV pain meds. Not sure what your work demands but honestly you r lucky and also if your staples r removed before leaving the hospital there is no reason you cant do anything. You can do it....honestly ive had a great experience but now im home and in the cold...vs San Diego and mexico where i spent 4 days shopping and touring 4 days post op....and alll day ..ie 2 to 11 pm...lol. the only discomfort us the gases and swelling... finding a good position to sleep..lol..

Why gastric bypass over sleeve....bc sleevecdoes not resolve GERD....i believe both reduce or eliminate diabetes...and theres no long term studies for long term results with the sleeve..and generally really really overweight people who get the sleeve have to get rny..so now your paying for two surgeries... or undergoing 2 surgeries... im not sure how much you weigh.. but if iver 300 id say bypass.....btw..ive never ever heard someone going from bypass or sleeve to lapband...god i hope that lady mixed her info up....lol...good luck and best wishes

[iamsoworthit 430]

Completely anecdotal but I've had both surgeries. I had the band in 2008 and got revised to rny in june 2013. Both surgeries had the same recovery tine for me and the stages for food were virtually the same. The only difference for me is I was hungry post band (that shocked me and was hard emotionally). Whereas with rny I didn't have any hunger and literally had to put my eating on a schedule.

The pros and cons are well documented. Consult with your doctor. My philosophy is if I trust this person enough to open me up I sure better trust their judgment too. My story isn't a bash against the band or a rah rah for rny, it is simply my story.

My last bit of advice is to enjoy the process. Recovery physically goes fast and is over in a blink. It is the mental stuff that's harder... I still struggle with my new body but am told that will get better with time.

Good luck!

[iamsoworthit 430]

Completely anecdotal but I've had both surgeries. I had the band in 2008 and got revised to rny in june 2013. Both surgeries had the same recovery tine for me and the stages for food were virtually the same. The only difference for me is I was hungry post band (that shocked me and was hard emotionally). Whereas with rny I didn't have any hunger and literally had to put my eating on a schedule.

The pros and cons are well documented. Consult with your doctor. My philosophy is if I trust this person enough to open me up I sure better trust their judgment too. My story isn't a bash against the band or a rah rah for rny, it is simply my story.

My last bit of advice is to enjoy the process. Recovery physically goes fast and is over in a blink. It is the mental stuff that's harder... I still struggle with my new body but am told that will get better with time.

Good luck!

Oh and I am thrilled with my rny. I live how I feel and look. It was the best gift I've ever given myself.