Trying to get information for my husband who is currently 300 pounds at 6'0" tall making his basic BMI calculation 40.7. He's tried dieting so many times over the years but always ends up higher than he started. When we first married 11 years ago he was VERY fit, muscular, and broad shouldered weighing about 190. Because of work stress, life stress, and bad eating habits he's now where he is today. Low carb/keto is how he prefers to diet. Right now he's considering the lap band to force him into losing the 100 pounds. He doesn't have an eating disorder that I know of, he just needs something to keep him straight that's more than just his mind. He says he plans to follow the strict plan with eating properly and exercising and then take it out after having it a year. And then from there continuing to keep a clean healthy diet and exercise regime.

Other than sleep apnea, he doesn't have any other health issues that we know of. His blood tests all look good and other than being quite over weight he's healthy.

Anyone else done this? What are the downsides? I know people don't like the lap band long term, but is this a better plan? We are fortunate to live in an area where there are many, many very good doctors and the ones here still do lap band. Was hoping he could use it as a tool to get to a healthy weight and then maintain from there.

We have our first consultation next week. Would love thoughts from experienced people here. Thanks in advance!

Edited February 29, 20206 yr by thewifehere

most surgeons refuse to do the lapband anymore because of all the complications with it - so I'm surprised you've found several surgeons who still do it in your area. Also, I've never heard of anyone having one placed and then taken out a year later. Ten years maybe, but then only because of complications. I think they were originally meant to last permanently.

the new balloon thing is supposed to be a temporary thing that's removed after so many months - or a year - but with 100 lbs to lose, I don't think this would be ideal. But that might be another option to consider if he wants something that's removable.

edited to add that sorry if this came across as harsh. I just hadn't heard of this before. I'd be curious to hear what the surgeon says. Keep us posted!

Edited February 29, 20206 yr by catwoman7

Yeah look at bypass or sleeve they are much better safer

If he can find someone to put in a lap band in this day and age, taking it out a year later would just be setting him up for failure as he would be likely to gain the weight back, unless he is SUPER disciplined with his diet. Instead of removing it he could have the fill pulled out, so if he starts regaining weight he could have it filled again.

But put me on the list of people who thinks he should research band statistics and compare them to sleeve or RNY. Whatever he decides, good luck to him! Keep us posted...

I have the band. I have no problems heath wise in over 10 years. But I am struggling with my weight. The bypass ..hmm I have had many of my friends have Major problems with it. A second pouch..ulcers ect. The band is Not permanent and * can * be removed if needed. Thats why I wen that road. Once your body is changed there is No going back. Just my thoughts on it.

I'm glad to hear this as I'm wanting to get the band done as my insurance will cover that procedure. There's a great hospital in the area that only does Lap Band. I've read about complications and had some concerns. However, I've also read great comments on people who have had the band for over 10 years with no complications.

I have only had my band for 13 years and still that for me it was one of the best decisions I ever made

I've had my band for almost 13 years and i love it! I had my surgery in March 2008 and lost from 200lbs down to 140lbs at 5'2" which i maintained ever since (including through 2 pregnancies and a few fluctuation along the way. In the past year i have made some more habit changes that led me to drop another 20ish pounds leaving me at about 120-125lbs at 5'2" with a BMI of around 22.

I wouldn't recommend planning to have the band removed after a year for 3 main reasons:

1) It's a surgery and going in expecting to have 2 surgeries within a year doesn't sound like the best idea (but that's between you and your husband and the doctor)

2) The band is CRUCIAL TO MY ABILITY TO MAINTAIN MY WEIGHT - for me personally, the lap band (and weight loss surgery in general) has always been about maintenance. I had yo-yo dieted my whole life and wanted off that roller coaster. In fact, i knew i could lose the weight (even if it wouldn't be easy) but why bother if i was just going to gain it back like i had ALL THE OTHER TIMES BEFORE. That hurt more than anything and i just couldn't do it again. And i was right, the band has been EVERYTHING to me in my maintenance journey! I would never have been able to do this without it and the habits it allowed me to build...which leads me to #3

3) HABIT CHANGE TAKES TIME - your husband needs to give himself the time to adjust to his new lifestyle both during his losing period and after. One of the advantages of not losing weight at epically fast speeds is that your body and more importantly mind have a chance to adjust with you! In order for your new habits to stick, you need to give them time to develop and teach yourself that you can conquer the inevitable bumps in the road.

There is nothing wrong with not wanting to permanently change your anatomy and some people like that the band is not permanent. But it is no small life change. For me it has been THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE.

Happy to talk to you more about it if you ever need any support or perspective! There are still a lot of us successful veteran bandsters out here who might have some useful perspectives if you are considering a gastric band.

Hope that helps some!