Hello! I just signed up for this site. I have been thinking about surgery for a year. I am trying to weigh (no pun intended) my options and see what surgery is best for me. Does anyone have any suggestions/advice for me? Can you lead me in a direction? Help me out?! Thanks!

Welcome!

When I went for a consultation I wanted the lap band; however, I was told this:

Lap band is for weight loss over a longer period of time. There are many food restrictions and some people have ended up in the hospital because they had a piece of bread and it got stuck. It is also adjustable depending on how much weight you want to lose.

Gastric sleeve: you still have a stomach, just a smaller one. You can still eat whatever except white bread, beer, and soda...might be something else but I can't remember. ( I only focused on what I eat/drink) This just says that there aren't many restrictions. However, your stomach can stretch out which will increase your hunger... So u have to be careful. Weight loss comes within the first year.

And with bypass, mostly only really big people get that. (No offense... I'm big too otherwise I wouldn't be on here)

I chose the sleeve.

Hi Tasha. I just recently joined this site, so I'm a newbie too. I can only speak from my limited point of view, but one of the disadvantages of the lap band is that there are certain foods that can become stuck above the band, so they are off limits. This includes steak, Pasta, popcorn, certain fruits just to name a few. During the plication procedure, the doctor sewed my stomach so it's only half its size. However,the stomach isn't cut during this procedure, just folded and stitched. I wonder if having only the plication would be more comfortable rather than having the band along with it, which restricts certain foods that aren't necessarily bad. From what I've read, the gastric sleeve has been very successful for a lot of people. The only drawback is that it's permanent change to your stomach, whereas the band can be removed if there are complications. Keep reading up on each procedure. It's a whole new world once you're on the other side. Best of luck to you.

Do you homework. If there are hospitals or centers in your are find out if they have informational seminars. The seminars typically review the various types of weight loss surgeries they do and what type is recommended for each weight loss group.(obese, morbidly obese, extremely morbidly obese). Review any information they provide you with before you meet with the surgeon.

This is a wonderful site, but please take everything you read here with a huge grain of salt. People come here an post their own personal experiences both good and bad.

If you are not already exercising regularly, I would recommend doing so ASAP. I think it helps strengthen the body in preparation for surgery and makes for a faster recuperation.

WELCOME!!!

Edited January 3, 201511 yr by BLERDgirl

Welcome! I'm going to be honest and tell you that my friend did the research and had the sleeve done along with both her daughters a year ago. They have been very successful and Look great!

She shared her experience with me and told me the sleeve was the way to go. I totally trust her so I had the sleeve done 12/20 and have been doing great thank God!

All of my excess weight is around my belly and I am pre diabetic. I know this new way of life is going to prevent me from getting diabetes and my knees and back will stop hurting. This was my Christmas gift and I'm very grateful!!! : )

@@Tasha84 Have the sleeve surgery! Ha! No, you have to make that choice on your own! Welcome!

Have you had a consultation? The doctor can help you make an informed decision. Just my opinion.

I had lapband in 2009. I can eat/drink ANYTHING I want. I do have a couple of foods that caused me grief a few times....so I just don't eat them any longer. But, hey....some things are worth giving up to be healthy! Who really "needs" brussel sprouts anyways

You'll learn what works for you with any procedure you have, if you're dedicated to success.

I've attended support group meetings for years. There are band patients, sleeve patients and Bypass patients there. I've seen a LOT of success with each procedure and those that have struggled with long term success with each procedure. Not sure why....but its just a fact.

I wish you much success on whatever procedure you and your doctor decide is best for you! Theres a new life out there waiting for you.....go get it!

Best wishes!

I had the band for 10 years and just had it removed and had the sleeve. Much happier with the sleeve. My dr. Actually does not do bands anymore because her patients have had so many problems with them.

My advice is to talk to someone who has had surgery first. I then did as much reading as I could starting with weight loss surgery for dummies. Great book. Next, go to a couple of seminars. The first doctor had the personality of a rock so I did some research on line and found a fantastic doctor. He took the time to answer all my questions and was upfront about the pros and cons of each type of procedure. Look for someone who will support you for at least a year after surgery, longer is better and follow their instructions. They know what they are doing if you've chosen the right one. If you know anyone in the medical profession get their opinion.

@@catfish87, Wow! you look great!

Welcome to the forum. My reason for choosing the sleeve was because I did not want re-routed with a gastric bypass, and I did not want an abdominal port with the lap band. I am a slow loser, but 66 pounds gone is 66 pounds I never have to deal with again. For year two, I just need to lose 14 more, and the doc said that a panni will take care of the rest.

Hi there. The advice you are getting on going to a seminar and speaking with a surgeon about your particular health concerns is absolutely the best advice.

If you go in with your heart set on one approach and then find out there is a better one because of your situation, it might take you a while to get your head around it.

Once they know your medical and emotional situation, they can make an excellent suggestion for you.

Don't be afraid like some about rerouting your stomach or removing part of it. They have been doing these procedures for some time now. Be open to all of your options and most importantly the best option for your situation.

An example would be, if you suffer from reflux or Gerd, you do not want the sleeve as it can make that situation much worse. There are a lot of revisions form the lap band to either a sleeve or RNY. If you have diabetes and other comorbidities you really need to understand all of your options. Go to a bariatric center of excellence team and attend a seminar.

That is going to serve you best.

Good luck on your journey! I hope u have a great new year!

I totally agree with Djmohr - You need to make the decision with your surgeon. Most everyone here (no offense to anyone) will ultimately give you their biased opinion based on their personal choice. Each procedure has it's reasons for being the right choice for certain people and being problematic for others. ALL decisions should be based solely on your current health, your future health concerns, eating habits and expectations. There isn't anyone here who is medically able to tell you what's the correct procedure for you. Do your homework, compile your questions, attend a seminar and talk with your surgical team. They will be the ones to tell you what's best for YOU. Best wishes in whatever you choose.

I had the Gastric Bypass 3 months ago, with a 68 lb weight loss so far. Totally happy with my choice, no regrets, no complications. You should be able to find a WLS educational seminar. They go over all the surgeries in detail and that should help you decide which one is best for you.

Best of Luck!!