Hi my name is ashley need help making a decision for lap bend or bypass i have type 1 diabetes and the afterwards care.

I made the decision to have the lap band because the risks were'nt as great as with the gastric bypass. Malnutrition is a big problem with GB. Lap band takes some work, the weight isn't going to fall off by itself. You have to make healthy food choices and exercise. Lap Band is completely reversible should you have any problems. GB is permanent and re-routes your small intestine. It was not a difficult choice for me at all. I'm very happy with my band.

Banded 4/17/09 w/ .08cc

First fill 5/30/09 1.6 cc

I am a Type 2 insulin dependant DM. The surgeon would have done by-pass, but I chose banding. I am about 1 month out and have dropped to 1-2 injections a day, off my oral DM meds completely. Since Jan 2009 I have losted 48 lbs, I have hope of going off my insulin completely. I have a friend who is banded and Type 1 and she will not be off insulin, she takes a very small dose. It is something that you will need to decide for yourself. The band is less recovery and no vitamin deficiencies.It was the right choice for me. MiMi

You should research this (find some hard science) and also discuss with your surgeon and endocrinologist. I know bypass can almost be called a "cure" for DM II but not sure about type I. I think, because the cause of the disease is different, that it doesn't matter one way or the other; neither surgery will make your pancreas produce insulin. However your endocrinologist might have some input based on how well controlled your disease is, how well you heal, etc. Good luck!

Hey There,

I personally made the decision of lapband over gastric bypass for a few reasons most of which have been mentioned...

1. Its totally reversible

2. They don't reroute you intestines

3. Healing time is a lot less

4. I don't believe cutting out a chunk of stomache for it to grow back seemed worth it

5. I want to be active sooner

This was a personal decision but an opinion that many seem to share. Either way neither one will get rid of the diabetes or shrink the pancreas so why go the more drastic one if it doesn't make a difference?

Thats just my opinion, i hope it helps

xxx