I am considering lap band? I am really scared. I had a cousin die from gastric bypass, but i don't know what else to do about my weight! I have no family support.

You just need to do research; perhaps get some books on gastric banding from your library or book store. Lap band and gastric bypass are very different surgeries. Good luck on your research!

Is there a counsellor in your area who could give you some advice & encouragement while you go through this procedure ?

remember were here to offer support too, ca you go to your doctors & explain you need someone to guide you through what surgery option is best for you?

it can be very daunting if you dont have any support, but there is support out there if you look for it

good luck in which ever choice you go for & welcome to the forum :cursing:

I was scared too, you can read my blog here called one banded biker and see everything that I have gone through since my banding on 02/05/2009. Being affraid is normal, and if you were not then I would be worried about you. Banding and Bypass are not even in the same category. I would speak with your surgeon and let him or her answer all of your questions.

Biker

Being affraid is perfectly normal. I was really scared that I would not be able to adjust to the new life style. I am happy to tell you that its the best decision I have ever made for myself. LBT is a good place to get support but talk about it with your friends and try to get support from them. Good luck on your journey.:cursing:

Do some research. You will see the death rate from getting the lapband is far less than getting gastric bypass. Lapband is one of the safest weight loss surgeries out there. That's why I chose it. It's done laproscopically so you will not be cut open. You will have 5 little openings where they go in. You are in and out of the hospital on the same day.

I'm sorry you don't have family support but on the other hand I can understand since you lost a cousin to gastric bypass but just do some research and inform your family with facts and hopefully once they see everything goes ok for you they will support you more. Good luck!

Thanks everyone!

Laurie, from everything I read, there is a 10% chance of complications including death and malnutrition associated with gastric bypass. The complication rate for lap band is .01% and usually relates to reactions to anesthesia or band slippage. For me, there was no comparison between the two. I had the surgery on Tuesday morning and went back to work on Friday morning (worked the whole day, too). That would not have been possible with bypass surgery. Got specific fears? Ask away!