Hi, all. I often see posts about band vs bypass or sleeve. If interested, here's a link to a lecture at a recent Obesity Week conference. This presenter addressed why the lapband--LAGB/GB--is not a preferred option at this point. http://asmbs.planion.com/EvalCenter/ASMBS/images/106075_6_106075_6_LAGB_is_not_an_option.pdf

(ASMBS = American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons)

The opposite lecture--"Why LAGB is still an option"--had 57 slides. Those slides are very technical, so, instead of that link, here are some points, as given by the current head of the surgical society (though many felt he had so many slides to try to really argue his position in favor of the band at this point). In short:

--The Lapband needs maintenance; needs frequent follow-up.

--Success depends on center's success/surgeons.

--1% of patients had no weight loss; 16% had "poor" weight loss.

--19% undecided about a WLS will opt for the band because it's reversible and they think it's easier than being rerouted or having stuff removed.

--Since 2009, there's a been a major decline in the band across the world. Slides had data from USA/Canada; Asia/South Pacific; Europe; Latin and South America:

In 2008, 43% of WLS patients had the LAGB; now, it's 17%.

In 2008: 39% had the RYGB; now, 43.5%

In 2008, 4.9% had the VSG; now, just under 29 percent (newer 'stand-alone' procedure; on the rise; replacing the band)

--If your BMI is low, the band may be good for some patients. The higher the BMI, more patients are advised to get the VSG, RYGB or DS.

There's more info, but I'll stop here. Don't want to overwhelm anyone. Good luck. You'll make the right decision for you. Weight loss can happen with either procedure.

Welcome to the forum oh curiousone. I'm honored that one of your first posts targets me. 2nd one in the last 2 days. I'm popular like Justin Bieber I think?

"the lapband IS going out of favor, around the world. That's not the OPs doing; that's the data presented and well known by many people who do these procedures and talk to us, though it is still being done, just not as much because of complications"

Judging by your partisan comments I can see why you agree with DP. Unfortunately your conclusions(like DPs) are inaccurate. imo I really don't want to air it out here in public. I'd be glad to forward(message you)_other studies that refute DPs assertions and yours. But, I really don't think you can go wrong if you decide to go with the sleeve.

The sleeve is one of the primary reasons the band sales have declined. And, it's also true that due to so much aftercare many doctors have opted to go with a surgery such as the sleeve to avoid costly office visits, band failures and patient compliance problems. Who can blame them? I highly recommend it.

There's also the fiscal issue. Surgeons here in the states earn more for gastric sleeve surgery vs lapband surgery. The band has been around long enough that many surgical centers are offering the entire package for under $10K.

Too bad we had to meet under these circumstances? You've certainly made an impression on me with your "reasoned response" to a thread that was pretty much dead by now. Good luck with what ever choice you select.

tmf

BTW-Most veteran WLS and especially bandsters would have understood the slide show DP chose not to include. Now please let this thread die a natural death.

I don't want it to die. There is some good info on this slide. I am a bander. I did 85% of everything I was suppose to, and I still didn't loose the weight. I have tried not to be discouraged. I've given up many times, but now I am trying again. I hate that I have to pay out of love for maintenance, but it is what it is at this point. Im very open to having the sleeve, but at this point I want to wait until after I have children. So until then I am going to try to stay positive.

I know I didn't do the detailed reservation that I should have pre surgery, and that wasn't smart at all. But I'm happy to say that I haven't had all the issues that most people have had, but it still hasn't worked as well. I have had a lot of fluid taken out because I couldn't keep the food down. But things aren't was bad this go round with the fills. I guess time has taught me how to better handle my band.

I wouldn't recommend the band, but that's just me.

I do think this information is important to anyone who is researching each procedure. I do NOT believe it was anyone's intention to disparage the band at all - in fact, one of the articles was PRO lap-band.

We all chose our surgeries for a purpose - and I think we all have a bit of a bias toward our own surgeries.

This was good information - don't turn something like this into something it wasn't.

ALL surgeries have their benefits, and ALL surgeries have their downfalls.

I think there are some that see the positive spirit in the post, while other want to take everything as an attack.

Okay, as my Mom used to say, "play nice!" Lol We able all in the same "boat" so to speak since we are all (or WERE) overweight, unhealthy and most had WLS. I've continued to use BP and before that VST for my "community" since I didn't have a local support group. I have never, ever come away not being encouraged and inspired and challenged if I needed to be! Don't always agree with all I read but I'm human, as are we all, with a wide range of personalities, struggles, temperaments etc. At 3 months shy of 4 years post op with VSG, I KNOW it takes us All pulling together to get there! To each his own. We will never convince everyone Our Opinion is right. Because it's OUR OPINION! Keep pushing forward. Research your choice thoroughly, talk to as many as you can who are Vets (3 plus years that's where the rubber meets the road) and give it all you've got!!!! Here's to success!!!

Edited March 19, 201412 yr by Georgia