So I started this journey back in august to get the process started for wls. When I first met with my dr I was 100% set on getting gastric bypass but as I've done more n more research I think the lap band is the best option for me. Has any1 changed their minds? I meet with my dr next week for my last appt to submit my paperwork n I'm confident the lap band is for me.

I was originally scheduled for a bypass, but cancelled two weeks prior to surgery. The permanence of that procedure didn't sit well with me. I ended up getting the lap band with plication. I have zero regrets - I'm thrilled with the outcome, and would make the same choice 100 times over.

I would say, go with your gut. Make sure you do extensive research on all of the procedures, and make a decision based on what's best for you; what YOU can live with.

I wish you the best with whatever route you choose to go.

Edited November 6, 201411 yr by mrsto

Yea it's just my dr is all for gastric bypass he does the lap band but he thinks gastric is better. In the end it's my decision I'm just worried he will give me crap about it n try to change my mind. I just can't get a over my nervousness everything that goes along with the bypass. It doesn't really matter what you go with because in the end it's all about if you are ready to commit to the life style change that comes with it. I'm ready to do that.

I agree that this is YOUR wls, and in order for you to be the most successful and comfortable through your journey, it's got to be a choice that you're comfortable with, and that your surgeon can support. I wasn't sure what I wanted either until I started spending hours on end combing the internet for anything I could find that compared the two types of surgeries. What tipped the scale (no pun intended) to the RNY for me was the heart of why I wanted wls in the first place. I was diagnosed as diabetic on Valentine's Day of 2013 and that was a huge wake-up call for me. While the prospect of losing all my weight is exciting indeed, it was all the research I did into finding out that statistically speaking, RNY surgery had the highest level of potential reversal of Type II Diabetes.

It's hard not to get wrapped up in the sensationalism that can come out of reading the internet, too. You'll find hard to believe success stories, as well as wls bashing experiences that can scare the willies out of anyone. Surgery is surgery- there are risks associated with all of it, and it's so important to remember that it's a tool, not a cure. I'm two weeks post surgery today, and feel just fine. In fact, my sugar levels hover around 95 with absolutely no diabetes medication since the day before surgery. Mission accomplished- the weight coming off will be icing on the low-carb, high Protein cake Good luck to you!

My doctor said soon nobody will be performing the Lap Band surgery. I am not anti Lap Band but my fear was if they stop doing them then who would do the fills for me. I just didn't want to have to drive hours to get someone who still did the fills. Now I am not saying for sure this is the case but it is what I was told. Made my decision for the sleeve much easier. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

I know there are people who love their bands, and I'm so glad for them, but so many people do eventually have issues with the band. I had complications that made it impossible for me to keep the band tight enough to have the intended effect - and after having lost 70 pounds I gained it all back. My sister got banded the same day as me and she had a completely different experience. She lost less than me initially, but kept off about 40 pounds since 2008. But recently she's now starting to have issues and can't tolerate the band being tight either. She's going back and forth with fills, but is now starting to think about revising to the sleeve as well.

The best thing about the band is that it's the least risky, and that's an important factor. But I've now had three surgeries, which has overall put me more at risk than just having done one, so in hindsight I wish I'd just done the sleeve initially. Is the sleeve an option for you? It's less risky than bypass, but may be more effective longterm than the band.

My insurance won't cover the sleeve

_Hi!

_{I am going to tell you from experience, and I am not saying the lap band does not work because it does but be prepared to work your ass off more from the beginning and extra concience of what you are eating because with the band you are not going to feel retriction right away comparing with the other surgeries.}

_{This is my opinion,}

_{Good luck!}

You will get a lot of responses on a thread like this. Just know that the really important thing is that you are addressing your health issues. You're choosing yourself and your healthy future first. That is the main thing. When we make our choices for what kind of weight loss surgery we think is right for us, it has to be based on lots and lots of individual research and excellent communication with your medical professionals. I love my band and it was the right choice for me but I respect and admire other people's choices, too. I'm just putting this out there because sometimes these posts end up attracting a lot of fear-based commentary and I don't want that to happen to you. Best wishes, and keep us posted!

Your doctor is all about RNY because the numbers look better. More percentage of weight lost and better odds of keeping it off...ie it makes him look better!

Go with your gut and do as much research as you can! I researched lapband for 2 years before I was able to actually get it and I think that really helped me be confident in my decision. I made sure to read good and bad stories so I knew what I was potentially in for.

Good luck!

Yea it's just my dr is all for gastric bypass he does the lap band but he thinks gastric is better. In the end it's my decision I'm just worried he will give me crap about it n try to change my mind. I just can't get a over my nervousness everything that goes along with the bypass. It doesn't really matter what you go with because in the end it's all about if you are ready to commit to the life style change that comes with it. I'm ready to do that.

Ashley - you are so right. My doctor also felt the bypass was a good option, but he was fine with decision to go with the band/plication. It's ALL about a lifestyle change, no matter which surgery you have. The difference between the bypass and the band, is in the first 12-18 months. The weight tends to melt off bypass patients from malabsorption. After the honeymoon period is over, we ALL have to work at it. I've known two people with the bypass, who ultimately had serious issues with iron deficiency. Both had to go for daily IV infusions of the mineral, and it went on for weeks until the problem corrected itself. I'm not saying that happens with everyone, but overall, the way the surgery functions didn't sit well with me.

Just stay firm in what your gut is telling you, and it will all work out.

Edited November 6, 201411 yr by mrsto

My doctor said soon nobody will be performing the Lap Band surgery. I am not anti Lap Band but my fear was if they stop doing them then who would do the fills for me. I just didn't want to have to drive hours to get someone who still did the fills. Now I am not saying for sure this is the case but it is what I was told. Made my decision for the sleeve much easier. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

I've heard a lot in these forums about doctors discontinuing bands. On the flip side, I've also heard that many doctors are now offering the band to lower BMI patients; 30-40 pounds to lose. It sounded like they're gearing up to use it on those who struggle with smaller amounts of extra weight. They won't do the more invasive surgeries on these people. Time will tell.

That's another thing I don't want have to get Ivs for iron. I'm already iron deficiency anemic. I'm on iron pills already n I have been for 2 years. I know I'm going to have work at it n I'm willing to do that. They won't give me weight loss pills because I have high blood pressure. I have right at 100 lbs to loose to put me where I need to be

Edited November 6, 201411 yr by ashly200423

Too bad sleeve isn't an option. I agree with everyone who says to go with what feels right for you. The bypass feels a bit extreme to me too, and if you already have iron issues, that's a real concern. The good thing about the band is that you may be able to revise to something different down the road if needed. Although insurance coverage for revisions is often a little harder to get. I wish you the best in choosing what's best for you.

Yea I was wanting the sleeve but from what my insurance says they aren't planning to cover it anytime soon. I guess they don't have enough research on it for them to cover it

Edited November 6, 201411 yr by ashly200423

@@ashly200423 Everyone has their opinions, and every surgery has it's pro's and con's. The best way to make a decision is to sit with your doctor and ask him WHY he thinks you should do one over the other. Let him know you are not comfortable with the RNY and you are more comfortable with a procedure like the lapband and let him know why you feel the way you do.

Then you can work together to ensure that you get the right surgery for you, and that you are both on the same page working together toward your long term goal of health and well being. It's not all about losing weight. We can lose weight reach our goals and still be or become very sick.

So work with the Doc, get him to explain his thinking to you and you explain your thinking, understanding and preference to him. Remember this is your life and you are the one who is going to have to live with this, and no matter what the surgery is you will need to modify your life style accordingly to be able to successfully use your new tools which ever surgery you choose.

Let us know what you decide, and how your doing!!