Hello I’m new here, I’m going for Lap-Band surgery on Saturday and I am having second thoughts. The surgery is not bothering me but everything I’m reading seems to be people are having issues a few years later, then switch to the sleeve. I originally wanted Lap-Band because it seemed to be the safest but it’s not looking that way. I know it has to be my decision but any advice on to do it or not. Thank you

I'm surprised you found a surgeon who would do one for you - most don't anymore. Too many issues with them.

It seems to be not recommended. The surgeon I went to no longer places them as stated above.

We do have people here that have had no issues and you can look in the surgery specific boards, but there are tons of posts about people that had to revise due to complications. Of course, you can have complications from any surgery.

So is this cold feet or do you need to postpone and do some research before you decide to have this surgery Saturday? Good luck!

My thoughts are that if you have a lapband now you will almost certainly be looking at having some kind of revision within the next 10 years. They were thought to be safe because they were marketed as being reversible but in reality although they can be removed they also cause a lot of internal damage. Some people are successful, some aren't , some are initially but then band stops working and no amount of fills will change it.

Your eating with a band also becomes very disordered. Most people struggle to eat one bite of healthy solid proteins such as steak, chops,chicken - often that 1 bite will get stuck and cause hours of intense pain. The same does not happen with unhealthy foods though - chocolate,cheese,cookies, cake go down with the greatest of ease.

I had my band removed 7 weeks ago due to various issues and I revised to an RNY. At the moment the RNY is like heaven in comparison. I can eat small quantities of healthy food and be satisfied. Steak and chops have never tasted so good.

Whatever you decide to do good luck but if I was in your shoes I would be postponing and doing some more research.

I am also surprised you were able to find a surgeon who will place one without strongly arguing against it. My surgeon only revises from lapband to other surgeries.

Thank you, pretty much you can get it done anywhere in NYC. I definitely have been researching it for months and I am still back in forth. I think I’m more upset with myself for not being able to do it on my own. In back of my head I keep telling myself that I can do it, but I’m not sure if that’s the big guy trying to get myself more food lol. I know about 5 people with it and they are very happy, but everywhere online it seems like nothing but bad things.

That’s where the issue is, I know it’s a 50/50 there will be competitions, and of what I’m reading if your in tune with your body and you get on top of an issue most problems are fixable.

Complications

Mount Sinai hospital in NYC where I will be doing my surgery do not do the Lap-band,Lenox hospital as well. But it is ultimately your decision. All surgeries come with risks, but from my research and reading on this forum there seems to be people who has have quite a few issues along with slow weight loss and regain.

Wishing you the best on which everyone you choose.

OLD OLD OLD TECHNOLOGY, unreliable, unsafe,

Nope nope nope. Im like the rest of the responses - can't believe that there are still surgeons out there placing them. I strongly urge you to rethink the decision. There is a reason that they are falling out of favor.

On 3/8/2019 at 8:04 AM, yarkcin5 said:

That’s where the issue is, I know it’s a 50/50 there will be competitions, and of what I’m reading if your in tune with your body and you get on top of an issue most problems are fixable.

I'd say more like 90% chance the band will develop issues.

Do not do! Waste of money opt for something different. U will be back for a revision like me if you do.

Do not know if you had the Lapband surgery or not.

I had my 4cc Lapband surgery in September 2007. I still have the Lapband and have just over 1cc of fluid.

My wife and I had the surgery done at the same time. About 3 years ago she had it removed mostly due to accident reflux. She had the Lapband removed fixed a hernia unrelated to the Lapband, and the sleeve done. She still has to take a pill for acid reflux.

I have kept off over 100 to 130 pounds for the majority of the 11 years.

Wish you success in whatever choice you make.

On 3/7/2019 at 7:17 PM, yarkcin5 said:

Hello I’m new here, I’m going for Lap-Band surgery on Saturday and I am having second thoughts. The surgery is not bothering me but everything I’m reading seems to be people are having issues a few years later, then switch to the sleeve. I originally wanted Lap-Band because it seemed to be the safest but it’s not looking that way. I know it has to be my decision but any advice on to do it or not. Thank you

WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT GET A LAPBAND. It is not too late to cancel the surgery. There are much better bariatric surgeries that result in real weight loss without ALL the complications of the lapband. Getting one will inevitably lead to health issues and limited weight loss. There’s a reason that very very very few surgeons propose them any more. I’d be concerned that a surgeon that does offer the procedure is not a very good or ethical surgeon.

Please don’t get a lap band