Seems to me that the sleeve and band topics are more supported. Is this just because, or do you think other options are more fashionable? Or is there more to it than that?

I wanted a bypass an was told that a sleeve would suit me better, then I was told by the dietician that I was down for a bypass.

Hi Lucky,

I live in the States but I have to tell you, the success rate here for the Lap Band is abysmally LOW and many hospitals won't bother doing it anymore. I want the gastric bypass only; don't want the sleeve because most people only lose about 50% of the weight they need to lose. The success rate 5 years out after the lapband is less than 1%. The program I am going through has a very high success rate overall because it has a lot of pre-op requirements. One of them is attending info sessions and classes. There is only one Lap Band person I have met in the classes who has lost weight and kept it off. She did lose over 100 lbs 7 years ago. In my behavior change classes there were a couple lapband's converting to sleeve or by-pass. They wouldn't be doing that if the band worked. So, it may not be your first choice but if you are serious about losing the weight and you have a large amount to lose, it is probably the best option. I know I want to lose 100 lbs (I am about 215 right now) and if I'm having surgery, I want to lose all I need to.

Best wishes, hope it all goes well for you!

Chrystine

Hi Lucky, I live in the States but I have to tell you, the success rate here for the Lap Band is abysmally LOW and many hospitals won't bother doing it anymore. I want the gastric bypass only; don't want the sleeve because most people only lose about 50% of the weight they need to lose. The success rate 5 years out after the lapband is less than 1%. The program I am going through has a very high success rate overall because it has a lot of pre-op requirements. One of them is attending info sessions and classes. There is only one Lap Band person I have met in the classes who has lost weight and kept it off. She did lose over 100 lbs 7 years ago. In my behavior change classes there were a couple lapband's converting to sleeve or by-pass. They wouldn't be doing that if the band worked. So, it may not be your first choice but if you are serious about losing the weight and you have a large amount to lose, it is probably the best option. I know I want to lose 100 lbs (I am about 215 right now) and if I'm having surgery, I want to lose all I need to. Best wishes, hope it all goes well for you! Chrystine

Hi chrystine

Thank you for your reply, and all the information. It is interesting to look at the different procedures and their success rates. And also as you say about people converting, although I have read that might be in the long term plan, to get thin enough or well enough for a different surgery.

I had set in my head that I so wanted a bypass. I completed a course, that is compulsory in the health authority where I live and been referred to a surgeon. He thought I would be better with a sleeve, due to having a hernia and some of my blood results. I was feeling disappointed and confused. But then resigned myself, that I am not the expert. So get on with I it I started reading some more and joined this site. I have since had another appointment at the hospital. And it looks like I could be having the bypass after all. I'm not worried either way now. I don't want to go through all of those emotions again, so yeah, I'm going to wait and see at my next appointment.

What is strange to me is coming to look at the bypass support here for the U.K., and it seems as though it is not as popular as the sleeve. Set me thinking.

As you so rightly say the success rates are there for us to look at, I would much prefer a bypass, but at this stage, (our waiting lists are so very long here), I would be pleased if I was offered a sleeve.

I wish you well, thank you for your reply, and keep in touch, if you have time, I'd be interested to see your progress.

Hi chrystine Thank you for your reply, and all the information. It is interesting to look at the different procedures and their success rates. And also as you say about people converting, although I have read that might be in the long term plan, to get thin enough or well enough for a different surgery. I had set in my head that I so wanted a bypass. I completed a course, that is compulsory in the health authority where I live and been referred to a surgeon. He thought I would be better with a sleeve, due to having a hernia and some of my blood results. I was feeling disappointed and confused. But then resigned myself, that I am not the expert. So get on with I it I started reading some more and joined this site. I have since had another appointment at the hospital. And it looks like I could be having the bypass after all. I'm not worried either way now. I don't want to go through all of those emotions again, so yeah, I'm going to wait and see at my next appointment. What is strange to me is coming to look at the bypass support here for the U.K., and it seems as though it is not as popular as the sleeve. Set me thinking. As you so rightly say the success rates are there for us to look at, I would much prefer a bypass, but at this stage, (our waiting lists are so very long here), I would be pleased if I was offered a sleeve. I wish you well, thank you for your reply, and keep in touch, if you have time, I'd be interested to see your progress.

Well I've had my surgery, and it turns out I had bypass. They couldn't do the hernia repair, but will at a later stage. I lost six kilos ( 13.2 lbs) quite quickly, but have been suffering with chronic constipation for over a week and lived on just water for that time, so no weight loss for that time. So I'm looking forward to some more loss now I'm back to eating.