Hello all,

I'm very happy to have found this great site and to have joined.

I am a 44 yr old female from New England and my BMI is 42. I have gone through the entire Bariatric program, locally. I am now scheduled to meet with the surgeon next week and will be about 6 weeks scheduled out at that point.

My problem is that I have not yet made a decision about which procedure I want to have done. Lap Band vs. Gastric bypass.

I do not really want the GB b/c of all the potential complications that can arrise and the nutritional issues as well. And so for a long time I had chosen LB. Then I came across some YouTube "failed lap band" videos and started getting nervous that maybe I wouldnt be successful with that either.

I read about and watched videos about people saying they lost very little weight, couldnt even keep Water down, had to carry bags with them for vomitting, and the biggest thing was that they couldnt eat "good" food. Only junk would stay down. Then there was the twisted ports and slippage too. Most of these people had their bands removed and opted for GB after all.

I guess I just dont want to blow my one and only chance of getting help. I want to make the right decision while I have insurance and can get it covered.

Does anyone have any info on those issues that they would share with me?

And also advice on "how" to make the decision, understanding it is a totally personal choice.

Sincerely,

Poodles

The thing to remember is, most people have no trouble with the band, particularly if they are vigialant about getting their fills, following most of the rules most of the time, and getting a speedy unfill if they do find they are too tight.

You have every chance for success with the band, without the permanent malabsorption problems, and strictly regimented supplements for the rest of your life that go with bypass.

I took the bypass class instead of the band class at the hospital (they signed me up for the wrong one) -- and I came out of it more convinced than ever that it was not the path for me. I'd rather do it more slowly and leave my digestive system intact.

I have to agree. If given the choice, choose the lapband. It is safer and doesn't have as many issues. The people who said only "junk" would stay down were doing something wrong. It is a personal choice and one that must be carefully considered. Praying for you to make the best decision for you.