Hello All,

Have just booked my band for the 3rd of Sept but I am not sure it is the correct procedure for me.

I have always been overweight and after a life long battle I decided to do something about (surgically that is) as I have never managed to keep weight down after slimming and dieting. That I must add, I have tried them all.

I am 1.63cm (5"3") and weight 90KG around 14st I think.

My BMI is 35.4 and the surgery is costing me a small fortune (£8.000,00). I can not afford it not giving me results as I will not be able to afford another procedure in case this one fails.

I also do not want to wait 5 year to loose all my access weigh and I am thinking that Gastric By pass may be my best and more reliable option.

Can someone help me please?

CrisBela

This is really a question best asked to your doctor. I am in a similar situation as you. I'm 5'3" and have battled with weight forever. I initially wanted the By-pass, but when I discovered the LapBand, I realized right then and there, that was for me!

If your BMI is that low, I would think LapBand would be perfect for you.

Bottom line is, you need to make a decision to have this and put your effort into as well.

As my Psych Dr. told me, "If I want to hammer this nail into this board, I need a hammer. But having the hammer isn't enough, it is only a tool. I need to use the 'tool' with skill to hit the nail into the board."

You can cheat any diet and that includes ANY WLS! You need to have the self-discipline to use this tool to help you, it doesn't do the work for you. That goes for either surgery.

I know how you feel though, I'm self pay and you want to make sure if you're putting this much money into this, that you make the right decision. My advice, discuss your concerns with your doctor and make the RIGHT decision together.

Edited August 17, 200817 yr by themis
spelling

CrisBela -

My best friend had gastric by-pass about 5 years ago. With it she was throwing up a lot and "dumping" a lot. Yes, she lost weight really fast in the beginning, but now she has gained about 1/2 of it back.

I chose the lapband for 2 reasons:

1. Looking at the experience of my best friend

2. The lapband is adjustable and if need be, removeable. There's no turning back from gastric by-pass.

Good luck!

I have a family friend that had gastric bypass a couple of years ago. She has basically stretched her smaller stomach to such proportions that she is now considering having the gastric band added. I say go with the band first. It can be adjusted and you won't have to deal with the malnurishment that comes with gastric bypass IMO.