African American Women and lap banding

saninbham · January 10, 2008

I have struggled with my weight all my life like many here and I was estatic to learn about lap banding. One of my friends got banded about 2 years ago and I have been kinda holding out waiting on her success. Unfortunately, that success never came and she is bigger than before. I decided to go it on my own. However, at the seminar, the doctor said that Lap Banding did not work as well for African American women and they don't understand why (he also said that African American women lost less weight with Gastric Bypass also). Long story to say, are there any African American success stories out there because this has really been discouraging for me and I prefer to not have gastric bypass in order to just lose what others can lose with lap banding. :help:

kintime · January 10, 2008

Wow, I don't know where your doctor got that information from, but I find that hard to believe. I've seen many Afri-Amer who have been successful with both the lap-band and bypass. Did he say why he believes this is true? Is his finding based on culture or economic? I really would like to know. You should check out obesityhelp.com they have a forum for african americans. You can get a better sense there. I've just been banded Monday, I'll keep you updated on my progress. But I know that I will succeed and it's not going to have anything to do with my race, but with my dedicating to losing this weight.

Love

PS 232 / S 221/G 147

Candle · January 10, 2008

Hmmm ... I've never heard this before either.

Not to generalize but it does seem like a lot of African American women who are overweight, tend to have a pear shape. Larger thighs, butt, and lower stomach. It seems like weight in that area is the hardest to lose. It sure as hell has been for me!!!lol!

<O:pI also suggest checking out obesityhelp.com. In the Lap Band forum, a lot of people have their picture for an avatar and there are a number of African American women who have been very successful!

While I think it is important for a doctor to be honest and up front with you, it seems like yours isn't being very supportive. Is he trying to push you into RNY? I know sometimes that happens. Have you visited more than one Band Surgeon?

I think if you put your mind to it and have realistic goals, there’s no reason for you to not be successful.

kimmi5207 · January 10, 2008

I've never heard anything like this! The patient advocate at my lap band doctor's office is african american (as am I), and she has had wonderful results, and she is 2 1/2 year out and still maintaining.

I think that is a big generalization for a doctor to make, and I do not think you should let it stop you from taking this step. I think the likelihood of success without the band is even lower!

The success of the band is up to the patient - eat right, follow the "rules", and exercise, and you will most likely succeed.

If you don't feel comfortable with that doctor and his viewpoints, try talking to another doctor (maybe get a recommendation from another bandster) and see what they think. Again, I've never heard anyone mention that.

Also, in the before and after pictures section on the of the other message forums, there are before and after pictures. There are some very successful lap banders of every race and size out there.

FYI...I have heard of people not having success with the band, but you have to be willing to make the necessary changes for the band to be successful. You won't magically lose weight with it if the eating habits don't change.

Someone I know didn't succeed, but she found a way to "work around" the band and wasn't really putting forth the effort, so she was basically intentionally sabotaging her efforts. I think she really wanted the gastric, and that is what she later got.