Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I attended another seminar this weekend at Scottsdale Healthcare (not impressed by first one with Banner) here in Arizona and was really impressed with the surgeon and the program. I went in thinking I was interested in the Lap-Band, but came away thinking I may want the GBP instead. How did you all come to the decision of the Lap-Band and why?

Thanks, Lisa

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have to say I went in thinking GBP at first since I had so much to lose (240 lbs) but when I took all my history & concerns into my surgeon and he sat with me (I'm talking one on one) and gave me all the information, his thoughts and the choice of either option. He gave me such support and his blessing that Lap Band could work for me that I took this information to heart and made my choice. He told me it would take much longer since one it was difficult for me get a good physical program in place the first year due to my large size and weight problem. Now that I'm down in weight I'm able to do more physical activity and the pounds are coming off at about 3-4 lbs a week. I need to update my ticker. I'm at perfect restriction and I feel awesome!! I'm so happy with my choice and it's up to you to decide, ask your doctor get all the facts and make the choice. I have a few friends who have the GBP after 4 years and now are gaining some weight back (30-40 & even 50 lbs) and have made comments that they wish they had a band to adjust to help them with this rebounding weight. Not to say I won't have any in the end but I have an option of adjustments to help with this in the end!! We have had conversations about if GBP patients can ge the lap Band on top of there surgery to help ... As of right now I have heard no. Hope this helps and remember what ever you decide you're going to be a weight loss winner and be healthier and happier than ever.

Cynthia

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My mom, sister-in-law, and a friend had all had GBP. Two them have since gained the weight back. My mom didn't gain the weight back, but her intestines got screwed up and she's sick EVERY day of her life. She's 10 years out, still skinny, but always either throwing up, stuck (in her intestines), or diarrhea.

I liked the fact that the risks were low with the lapband, it's adjustable, and doesn't change your intestinal tract at all. So no problem with malabsorbtion and other problems. My mom can't even absorb many of her medications which further complicates her health.

At the end of the day you have to do what you think is right for you and what you think you can live with.

Best of luck to you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There was a discussion last week you may find interesting if you can ignore the bickering. Here is the thread:

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f178/please-help-98595/

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My decision was pretty simple. The original time I was researching weight loss surgery it was over 4 years ago and lap band was new. In doing my research back then I saw that LB was done laproscopically. Which I know they do GB that way now but they didn't at the time. I also like the fact that my weight loss is much slower with LB then it would have with GB. I didn't wanna have to worry about a bunch of excess skin. Then there was the whole cutting and rerouting stuff and I was not comfortable with that at all nor did I want to deal with any of the complications from GB. I realize there can be complications from LB but I did not have any and the risk seemed much lower. IT may not be like that now but back when I 1st researched LB it was. So that was why I chose LB. Even when I decided I was ready I never went back and researched GB I knew I did not want that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I never even considered the bypass as the idea of permanently changing my body, facing malnutrition and losing my hair just did not appeal to me. I have not been banded yet, but for me it is the only option.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think the decision is different for each person and what your surgeon recommends. For me the band seem to be the best option because I am so young and was what my parents thought would be better.

Both of my parents and three others in my family have had GBP and some of the problems that come with it were not what I wanted. My mother experienced the nutritional deficiencies and developed anemia as well as hair loss.

I think if you can get the same weight loss results without the other problems that is the best option.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Echoing others here--I like the fact that the band is easily taken out. If I have a complication that necessitates reversal, my physiology remains the same. My intestines and stomach weren't rearranged and/or resized.

Recovery time is faster because of the nature of the procedure--a band is slipped on, stitched a bit, and you're good to go. There's a lot more that needs to heal with a bypass, even if it is done lapriscopically.

It's adjustable. Not enough restriction? More Fluid. Too much restriction? Less Fluid. I don't have a pouch that remains the same (or is perfect at first and then stretches out).

No dumping. No malabsorption. Slower (many say healthier) weight loss.

However, most of the people who have bypass swear by it and are glad they didn't go with the band. You just need to discuss it with your surgeon and decide what is right for you with his/her help!

Edited by thebandedgirl
I don't know how to type...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×