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I don't know anything about the gastric bypass sleeve but there was one man in our support group that has lost 170 pounds with the lap band. He exercies 5 or 6 times per week and follows all the bandster rules. May I ask how much you want to lose? I have two hundred pounds to lose and I am having the lap band done(if my insurance approves).

I wish you the best of luck on your decision. I know it is a tough one.

Shelli:girl_hug:

OhioChick1982:

Good luck with your decision. The decision to have surgery (regardless of the type) is a major one. Whatever you decide, I would suggest meeting with at least 2 or 3 different surgeons before making up your mind. Be armed with as much information as possible. This is a big decision. Good luck to you!

... Dr. Schumacher was really good about telling me all about it and answering my questions. He stated that after I lose like 150+ that then I could do the lap band and that it would work alot better that way. ...

I'm unsure what the "Gastric Bypass Sleeve" is. I know what the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is, but I've never heard of the "Bypass" Sleeve. Is this what you mean? Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) - Learn About Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

If so, then I'm totally lost as to why your surgeon would suggest a purely restrictive procedure as the Sleeve, and then suggest that you could add another restriction on top of it later (Band). If I were so set on the band (and I am) I wouldn't have the sleeve first. It seems much less risky and better for you to have the Band first and then if it doesn't take, consider the Sleeve or DS or Bypass later.

I'm new to all this also, I went to several seminars, but pretty much made up my mind on the LapBand due to the quicker recovery and less envasive surgery. One of the semiars, that doctor did all types of bariatric surgeries, he just said choose the one that is right for you and he would do it. He also taught other physicians all the procedures. The second seminar was at the Northwest Weight Loss Surgery and they only do LapBand, but each physician there, at one time, did all the different types of weight loss surgeries. As another poster recommended, to find the right surgery for you, go and visit several different places and see what they have to say.

To me, it sounds like the doctor you chose Dr. Schumacher is selling that particular "sleeve" surgery because it's something he's created and wants to promote as an alternative. I'd almost say he was biased towards that type of surgery. Just my opinion, from all you have said.

hi phiochick,

i'm thinking what faithmd said makes sense...why not try lapband (the less invasive surgery) first. i've seen many people on this site lose weight with it that have high BMI. in fact there is a thread dedicated to high BMI's. you may want to look at that one to see the success stories....

if that didnt work...then you could go for the more extreme measure...

but after seeing so many miracles on this website...i think it can work.

before lapband...

like you...i would lose 20-30 lbs and be gung ho for a few weeks on a diet and exercise program. i would then fall off the wagon and gain that back..plus plus.

after lapband..i feel differently. i am not hungry like i was before and i dont think about food 24/7. it's so weird....i've thought about food for the past 49 years..

anyway good luck in your research and keep us posted

If I were you, I would get a second or third opinion. If Lap band is what you really wanted and are so scared of the other types of surgery(rightfully so), then it would be a good idea to talk to a few other surgeons and see what they recommend. I wish you well. :myscared:

I am not banded yet, but I went to a support meeting the other night. There was a lady there 58yrs old, has lost 180lbs in about 2 yrs with lapband. She even passed around her new and old drivers license. She said she has stuck strictly to the rules and she is going to Curves now. I didnt get a chance to talk to her after the meeting. But she looked good. I was really encouraged because I have head as we get older it is so much harder to lose. Also, I have been investigating this since April 2005. I was totally decided with getting the band. Then somehow got on this gastric bypass kick. But, most people I know that have had that look sick,just like you said. I am sticking with the band,because it is less invasive. Good luck

Wow, it is a lot to take in at first. Surgeons are specialist like any other field ie: auto mechanics...some specialize in small vehicles, some foreign makes and models and some domestic. Surgeons specialize in band, gastric bypass, sleeve, etc. Let's face it...we are part of the investigative process for obesity and the future of weight loss surgery. Polls are being taken, surveys completed and options are growing each day. There are going to be new and experimental additional surgeries popping up as this process is developed more and more. Each surgeon is developing their technique. Just look at the different instructions given for eating after banding. Bread, no bread, beef, no beef, etc.

The main thing is to research and then research some more. Ask questions, read, pray, or do whatever gives you peace about your decision. You have to live with whatever you decide.

Personally, I chose the lap band. Not the Dr. or a friend, or my spouse. I looked at all the options and the band was for me. I felt at peace with that decision and I went for it. Are there trials, sure. I am my own worse enemy. No one opens your mouth and inserts food. No one makes you not execerise. No one tilts those scales.....I did it to myself. But with the lap band...I have the ability to change. It's working for me!

I hope you find what is right for you! Good Luck!

I investigated the gastric bypass several years ago, going as far as consulting with the MD. I decided is was not for me. When I met with my present surgeon he recommended the bypass and I just informed him that was not an option. the band is less invasive and does not re-route on cut on my digestive system. He was fine with that. In fact, he was impressed I had researched the other procedure and ruled it out. He like informed patients.

This is a personal decision that should not be strongly influenced by the doctor. I agree with others. I would get 2nd or 3rd opinions and, if your really want the band and this doctor to do it, tell him. It is your body and your decision. If he doesn't agree, go to a different doctor.

I am a nurse and see all the time patients just doing what the doctor wants. Medicine has changed and you, the patient, are the most important member of the healthcare team. The final decision in any healthcare situation is yours.

Good luck as you research and try to decide. We are always here to support you, whatever you decision.

sunny

I am not banded yet, but I went to a support meeting the other night. There was a lady there 58yrs old, has lost 180lbs in about 2 yrs with lapband. She even passed around her new and old drivers license. She said she has stuck strictly to the rules and she is going to Curves now. I didnt get a chance to talk to her after the meeting. But she looked good. I was really encouraged because I have head as we get older it is so much harder to lose. Also, I have been investigating this since April 2005. I was totally decided with getting the band. Then somehow got on this gastric bypass kick. But, most people I know that have had that look sick,just like you said. I am sticking with the band,because it is less invasive. Good luck

Hi, 2bthin---we're about the same age (i'm 49) and have about the same amount of weight to lose. I had my surgery a month ago and have lost about twenty pounds and feel great. Most importantly....I don't think about food ALL THE DAMN TIME!!!!!!!!! Just thought you'd like to know that I think you're going to be very, very happy with your decision! I relate to you having the same numbers and all!!:welldoneclap:

Check out JulieNYC's thread on her plastic surgery. She and I were banded around the same time---a year ago in April. She has lost over 180 pounds in just over a year. She works out religiously, and watches her food intake. She is about your height. She has posted pictures, of her PS. She is very helpful, and would be a good one for you to chat with concerning what is possible with this band if one really works it!

Good Luck to you. I agree with the others, with the band nothing is re-routed, so if you were to choose another surgery later, it would still be possible. Once something is surgically removed, it is permanent....think long and hard, and see some other Dr.s. This is YOUR body. They have a right to tell you their opinion, and the right to refuse to have you as a patient, but this is YOUR decision, not theirs!

You are young. Children may be in your future---the band is adjustable in those situations. You have a long life ahead of you---with the band you benefit from the nutrients you take in with your food---there is no need for multiple supplements for the remainder of your life. Another thing to take into consideration is that at 25, you have 21 years before you are my age---21 years ago, lap band was not available...so close your eyes and imagine what can be developed in the next 20+ years. With the band, and it being reversible---if something "better" comes along---and why would we doubt that it will---we are all eligible for it. Once you have bypass, and that stomach and intestine has been cut---so have your options in the future. Now, I was just giving you the idea of the next 20 years...til you are my age. I am feeling wonderful, I have a great life again!!! I feel like I have several really good decades ahead of me, and if I need to switch to an improved band or other surgery, I can....I retain my freedom of choice. Just think about it, as I say you are awfully young to make the drastic choice of bypass.

Keep us posted!!!

Kat

Uniqueone thanks, and I saw the surgeon today. I HAVE A DATE!! AUG 1 !!!!

YEAH !!!!!

My doc said that bc ca wouldn't cover lapband for bmi over 50 - my bmi is 43 and he said no problem being banded -he didn't try and talk me into bypass (he does both) he was also very impressed that i had done my research...

2bthinagn

wow that was fast - i have to see cardio, plumo, sleep apena, mamo, colon, shrink and nutritionst. we are the same age - good luck...