I went to my doctor tonight to talk about the lap band and she was all for it. She meantioned the word death (as in any surgery there are risks) but it just really freaked me out. She said the chances are very minimal but it still makes me nervous. Is it worth it? Does anyone have any good advice to give me?

How did you get to the doctor? Drive? I'm willing to bet that more people die in automobile accidents than do from Lapband surgery.

I went looking for the rate of death from Lapband and couldn't find it. It is next to nil.

Use google and do the research yourself. It will definitely put you at ease.

Jenna of course there is risk with any surgery but like the first person said, you probably die in more car accidents - This is a life changing surgery so obviously there are going to be risks but don't you think the benefits far outweigh the risks? This was my 3rd surgery (2 lung biopsies before) and the biopsies where more dangerous than band and yet I was more paranoid/scared getting the band. Try researching on here, honestly it will put your mind at ease more and the more you research it the more you'll know your making the right decision

My doc said almost exactly what btrieger said - getting to and from the hospital was going to be the most dangerous part of my surgery day. Not to say there's no risk, but it's not that high. I read somewhere recently that gall bladder removal has five times more complications and mortality rate than lap-band surgery!

Amy

Hey there. I'm an RN and I've yet to hear or read of anyone dying from the lap band. I have heard of complications and death with gastric bypass though, but even so, they were extreme cases.

There is a small chance of death with any surgery...say you had an attack of your appendix. You could literally die without it being removed and once removed, you continue to lead a full normal life. Think of it kind of like that, puts things into a better perspective.

Blessings, Michelle

In my opinion the Lap Band is the hardest of the WLS for losing weight. But for me it was the only choice I would make. So it was either that or nothing.

I am losing but it is like a diet. So take that into consideration. The lap band is a tool; but, you are in charge of what you put in your mouth. If you can do that you will be in great shape for a LapBand.

I've read of one person dying after lap band surgery .... a doctor who got the band, got an infection and decided to treat it himself. There's a saying about doctors and lawyers who have themselves as patient/client.....suffice to say that he was the cause rather than the band.

Doctors have to give you what is called "informed consent". That is, they have to tell you the worst case scenario and if you go with the surgery, you'll probably have to sign a form that includes that potential "side effect."

My BMI was 42.2 ..... I was running a much greater risk of dying prematurely than I ws of dying in connection with the surgery. You have to choose....a brighter, healthier future or give in to your fears. Most of us were a bit leary about this really working for us and when you have those subconscious thoughts it's very easy to give in to the most simple excuse not to proceed.

I really appreciate this thread and the responses.

This has been one of my big issues too. Like everyone else I have a lot to live for and I don't want to have this surgery to help me to finally conquer this weight problem and then die or have a stroke or heart attack on the table. I can be a bit maudlin and always thinking and fearing the worst.

I want to lose my weight, buy some beautiful clothes and be able to really enjoy my life instead of floating through always dreading to be seen because of my weight.

Thanks again everyone :thumbup:

Every surgery has it's complications and risks. However being over weight has probably more dangers in itself then the LapBand surgery.

I was Banned on 12-14-09 the one thing I was scared of was going under and feeling the pain.

what would happen if you do not get banned. Think about it do you think you will get far if you don’t do it?

I saw it this way if I did not get banned I would die like my father told me I would which was through the mouth.

So you have to ask yourself a question and I am sorry for wording it this way but it helped me when I was told this.

Would you rather die from over eating and all that comes with it or would you rather die fighting to make yourself better.

I chose to make myself better. I know if you are thinking about it you are braver than you know do not back out you can do this and you have all of us here on this site that will help talk you through good luck I hope you keep up the fight.

I was scared to have the surgery but I knew if I didn't I stood a greater risk of death from obesity.

I have lost 85 pounds in 8 months. I have done this while dealing with some pretty awful personal stuff and family tragedy and did it without turning to food for comfort.

I am proud of myself today. Having this surgery has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself.

I was scared to have the surgery but I knew if I didn't I stood a greater risk of death from obesity.

I have lost 85 pounds in 8 months. I have done this while dealing with some pretty awful personal stuff and family tragedy and did it without turning to food for comfort.

I am proud of myself today. Having this surgery has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself.

I am proud of you too. Congratulations on your 85lbs lost through all of the mess that you said you are going through.

I was scared to have the surgery but I knew if I didn't I stood a greater risk of death from obesity.

I have lost 85 pounds in 8 months. I have done this while dealing with some pretty awful personal stuff and family tragedy and did it without turning to food for comfort.

I am proud of myself today. Having this surgery has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself.

Thats nice! Congratz!