I was banded on May 11 and feel very good so far. Port incision is still sore, I'm a little hungry but other than that I'm very, very happy with this decision and have shared my story with anyone who will listen. My brothers girlfriend was instrumental in me getting lap band. She had bypass a year ago and lost over 100 lbs. I had always thought about lb and once I got some information I knew it was for me. She has recently had her gall bladder removed which I know is an occurance with either surgery. But I hear her talk about all other kinds of problems such as dumping, thinning hair and now she has low sugar and is passing out. I went on a bypass forum to try to understand it more to offer her support and came across some real horrible sounding things. Besides what I thought was the worst side effect, dumping, they are really suffering from low sugar, copper deficiency, iron, vitamin d and calcium difficiency, major constipation, and even eye problems. I would never want to post this question on their board because I dont want to appear insenstive, but can anyone help shed light on why someone would choose bypass over lap band (besides dr.s advice for some underlying medical condition?) if there are so many side effects. Am I naive to believe that bandsters are free of so many of those undesirable side effects? In essence I'm wondering if there's something I don't know about the side effects of the band that would make those side effects bearable. I hope this doesn't come across as condescending. I really just want to be informed. thanks

the band is very effective...if used right...and U CAN lose over 100 pounds with the band...i KNOW from experience and there r plenty of other people that have lost over 100 pounds with the band....

I agree with 2flyguys. Lots of people have lost well over 100 pounds with a band so don't know who has told you it isn't "entirely effective for large weight loss".

I want to lose around 125 pounds all up. So far I have lost nearly 50 pounds. Its all about making the band work for you. It is no easy feat to lose weight with or without a band... I still have to constantly monitor what and how much I eat, and I work my butt off at the gym 6 days a week. Maybe I could lose weight with bypass surgery without having to do all that... But I'm not comfortable with permanently changing my stomach. I'm much more comfortable knowing that I can have the band taken out if I ever need to.