Hi, My hubby and I went to a seminar on Friday re gastric-bypass and lapband surgery.

It was really informative. I am leaning toward the by-pass at this point. The doctor's office is supposed to call me today to start the process. I seem unable to find out online if my insurance covers this surgery. I certainly hope it does!

Anyone have any comments about by-pass vs lapband? I would be interested to hear them.

Thanks, Bea

Hi,

I don't have answers for you, as I went to my first seminar on Thursday night. I had orginally thought I wanted a lapband, but now, after the seminar, I am wondering if the gastric bypass is more for me. One of the reasons I have this change of heart is knowing that there will be a foriegn object in me forever! It creeps me out! I will be interested to find out which you decide. How much weight would you like to lose?

I know for me it was not a hard decision. I have a couple of friends who had GB and I deffinitly would not want to have to go through that. The only good thing would be that if you eat sugar it seems to go right through you. I mean one of my girl friends gets really sick if she even has a little bit of a milk shake. Sugar is my weakness so I would love to not be able to eat it. But for now I am very happy with my lap band success. I know that both of them have had to have blood transfusions several times because there iron gets to low. It just seems to be a lot harder on your body. But it is deffinitly a personal choice that you have to make. Every one has there own opinion and I hope nobody gets mad about mine. But I really think that GB is very dangerous. Good luck to you in what ever you choose.

Thank you for your reply - I do appreciate it and wish you continued success - you are doing great!

Hi,

One of the reasons I have this change of heart is knowing that there will be a foriegn object in me forever! It creeps me out!

what about the staples that they (permanently) section off your stomach with?

not trying to sway you either way because this is a very personal decision and you have to decide what is best for you.

just remember that lap band is adjustable, GB is not.

i suggest maybe going to a GB forum as well and read over there too.

best of luck to you.

Thanks for your replies. We all have a right to our own opinion. Thanks again for sharing yours.

I need to lose 130 pounds. I have Diabetes type II and osteoarthritis in both knees (had right knee replaced in Nov 2006), and psoriatic arthritis which affects lower back and both hands. I HAVE to get this weight off of me.

I would only consider the lap band. I, myself, work in the medical environment and have seen on a routine basis the poor outcomes, difficulties, problems that people have had with bypass.

I thought long and hard about this as well, but would never jeopordize my health or leaving my family without me due to complications from bypass, that is the reason I went with the lap band. It is reversible and not so invasive as bypass. I just had it performed on 8/16 and have already lost 20 pounds. I am up and about without any problems. I know that if I would have had the other surgery, I would not be at the stage I am at now physically. Yes, you may lose the weight more quickly, but I value my health way more than the consequences!!!

dbrar

very well put! congrats on your loss so far

dbrar, Thanks for taking the time to post. I appreciate your opinion.

I am thrilled that you are doing your research and listening to all opinions. My story is I had 80lbs to lose. I have high blood pressure, pre-diabetic, high cholestrol (sp?) lower back problems and just diagnosed with fatty liver (don't even drink!) My mind was made up from the day I went to my first meeting, Jan 3, 2007 until I met with Dr. in April that I wanted by-pass. I was told that I could do just as well with the lapband and it was less tramatic on the body. Stats were explained to me and I left there with doubts in my mind. In the end, I went with the lapband on May 17th of this year and have lost 42 lbs and feel fantastic. Review all your options and good luck to you in whatever path you choose.

Just keep in mind that there is one thing most docs don't tell you about regarding bypass. Within 18 months to five years the inside of your intestinal tissue begins to grow again and you can absorb fat and calories. Dumping (eating sugar and getting sick) doesn't typically last forever, you can't bank on that being forever.

After about 5 years or so you are left with diet and exercise again. Personally, I can't do that. If I could I wouldn't have had WLS.

The mortality stats are much much higher for bypass vs. banding. Depending on the target population it is as high as 5%. Then there are complications such as leaks, strictures, etc.

If you go over to ObesityHelp - Gastric Bypass, LAP-BAND® System, DS and Other Surgical and Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options. you will find a forum for revision surgery. The vast majority of WLS failures are bypass and they end up getting a band a few years after bypass.

With that said...

There are advantages to bypass. In your case there is a study being done now that shows that over 80-90% of bypass patients are in total remission from their diabetes within a week or two of surgery. The same results happen with banded folks but the results come with weight loss, not immediately after surgery.

So the decision is yours. You have to know everything there is to know about every procedure, going to a seminar isn't enough. You have to read and do your research and do what is right for you.

You might start here:

Weight-Loss Surgeries Compared

Take your time, be sure you make the right decision regardless of what it is.

well, none of these opinions matter much. I just called my insurance and there is NO coverage at all for this.

Unfortunately we don't have $18,000

well, none of these opinions matter much. I just called my insurance and there is NO coverage at all for this.

Unfortunately we don't have $18,000

Well, there are alternatives that are less than half the price. Then you figure in loans, financing, etc. Then you figure in the cost of groceries goes down DRASTICALLY and often times that pays the payments right there. Fewer Rx copays, etc.

When it comes to this procedure there is always a way. If you want it badly enough, you'll get it.