hey everyone. I have been lurking the boards for a while now. i had originally spoken to my pcp about gastric he gave me all the info and something just didn't set right with me about the whole process and i just stopped the whole thing dead in my tracks about 4 months ago, recently i have heard about this whole "banding," thing and seem to be way more comfortable with this option, so i went back in and talked to my pcp he thought i was still set on gastric and when i told him i wnated to be banded he said that statisticly the outcome is better with gastric. I currently wiegh 247lbs i wan this soooooooooo bad but i'm not sure i want it bad enough to do gastric, He tyold me to talk to the suregon and see what they recomend, has this happened to anyone? since all of this i have not been able to sleep very well very scared about gastric, feel alot better about the band. any advice greatly appreciated.

hey everyone. I have been lurking the boards for a while now. i had originally spoken to my pcp about gastric he gave me all the info and something just didn't set right with me about the whole process and i just stopped the whole thing dead in my tracks about 4 months ago, recently i have heard about this whole "banding," thing and seem to be way more comfortable with this option, so i went back in and talked to my pcp he thought i was still set on gastric and when i told him i wnated to be banded he said that statisticly the outcome is better with gastric. I currently wiegh 247lbs i wan this soooooooooo bad but i'm not sure i want it bad enough to do gastric, He tyold me to talk to the suregon and see what they recomend, has this happened to anyone? since all of this i have not been able to sleep very well very scared about gastric, feel alot better about the band. any advice greatly appreciated.

talk with your surgeon. ultimately it is your decision but make sure you know the pros and cons of both.

hey everyone. I have been lurking the boards for a while now. i had originally spoken to my pcp about gastric he gave me all the info and something just didn't set right with me about the whole process and i just stopped the whole thing dead in my tracks about 4 months ago, recently i have heard about this whole "banding," thing and seem to be way more comfortable with this option, so i went back in and talked to my pcp he thought i was still set on gastric and when i told him i wnated to be banded he said that statisticly the outcome is better with gastric. I currently wiegh 247lbs i wan this soooooooooo bad but i'm not sure i want it bad enough to do gastric, He tyold me to talk to the suregon and see what they recomend, has this happened to anyone? since all of this i have not been able to sleep very well very scared about gastric, feel alot better about the band. any advice greatly appreciated.

smitten4u,Hey there I went to the surgeon with an open mind but was leaning more toward bypass or sleeve and HE recommended lapband 4 me! I had severe IBS prior to wls and he was afraid gastric would/could make that worse that was a chance I was not willing to take.Plus ultimately I was scared to death to do bypass.I've lost 60 lbs in 6 months and am doing great!! I wouldn't change anything in the world.I will tell u it will not be as quick of a weightloss as bypass but I feel in the long run it will be healthier 4 me.Good luck I know it's scary but do what feels right 4 u!! Take care!!

I think he's wrong. Statistically 5 years out, gastric bypass patients are down 60% of their excess ON AVERAGE, bandsters down 55% of their excess ON AVERAGE. That 5% isn't worth gastric unless you want it. Here's a link to a website where I got my stats:

Lap-Band vs. Gastric Bypass Surgery

Actually at your weight, depending on your height, you sound like an ideal band candidate. Go to an informative seminar (or two...pick docs/centers covered by your ins) and if you like what you hear, pursue it. Your primary perhaps has old data.

I cant see why you wouldn't be an idea candidate for lap band, you are only a few pounds heavier than me. I'd try getting a second opinion!

you all are the best, thanks for taking the time to answer questions that are really important to me, i really appreciate it. I will keep :tongue2:up with wanting the band it seems the best for ME

you all are the best, thanks for taking the time to answer questions that are really important to me, i really appreciate it. I will keep :tongue2:up with wanting the band it seems the best for ME

... and that's what it's all about, smitten, doing what is best for YOU. If your doctor can't give you valid reasons why he wants things done his way, kick him to the curb. If you're not in a city and you need to travel to see an alternate doctor, do it. You deserve to know you're getting the best advice. Above all else, trust your instinct, you know your body better than anyone else.