Anyone do Lap Band Surgery?

[4myson]

A few of my friends had it done and are going through the process. I was wondering if anyone on the DisBoards has had this procedure done and if they can tell me if it works and what type of complications are associated with it.

Thank you.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

I would recommend you do much MUCH research. When I was looking into surgery for weight loss, I wanted the lap band over the gastric bypass. It seemed a much simpler surgery.

I went to Mass General, and the MD explained they don't even offer the surgery, they find it has too many possibilities of major side effects, the most dangerous being the band breaking. Also, the band is an actual rubber band, so it stretches. If someone were to continue to eat, the band would just expand.

Once I was told by a major hospital that they don't offer the surgery, I realized I should look at other options.

So, please talk to as many professionals as you can, find out why this surgery is so controversial before you make a decision.

 

[4myson]

I would recommend you do much MUCH research. When I was looking into surgery for weight loss, I wanted the lap band over the gastric bypass. It seemed a much simpler surgery.

I went to Mass General, and the MD explained they don't even offer the surgery, they find it has too many possibilities of major side effects, the most dangerous being the band breaking. Also, the band is an actual rubber band, so it stretches. If someone were to continue to eat, the band would just expand.

Once I was told by a major hospital that they don't offer the surgery, I realized I should look at other options.

So, please talk to as many professionals as you can, find out why this surgery is so controversial before you make a decision.

I'm sorry but the information that I received from my pals is in direct conflict with the information you received.

The band is a silicone band that is placed on the stomach and cannot burst or break. (If somone overeats, they can cause slippage, but this happens in less than 1% of the patients).

Has anyone had this surgery?

 

[golfgal]

I'm sorry but the information that I received from my pals is in direct conflict with the information you received.

The band is a silicone band that is placed on the stomach and cannot burst or break. (If somone overeats, they can cause slippage, but this happens in less than 1% of the patients).

Has anyone had this surgery?

A friend of ours who is a dr in town had this done last summer, he has lost over 100 lbs and is still losing weight. He said everything had gone really well for him. He also had diet counseling along with the surgery and is eating better. His main problem was that he was eating on the run so much because of his work schedule, trying to get to their kids' activities, etc. His wife is also a Dr so they are just plain busy. She has lost weight on his new diet too so she liked that .

 

[OhMari]

I've been struggling with weight forever. I just cross the 200 lb line, but I am not eligible for banding until I weight 235. I don't think that is fair to have to gain weight to get the procedure done. I have just as much problems as a person that weighs 35 lbs more than me. You have to be 100 lbs over your weight limit, yet my bmi is 33 which is considered obese. Go figure.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I only know people that have had it (from a distance). They seem to be very happy. One person had the surgery even though they were below the 40 BMI. However, insurance may not have covered it. Don't let anything stop you from what you really want.

 

[loveswdw]

My brother had it done a couple of years ago. He lost around 180 pounds!! Yes, 180! He looks like a totally different person. Amazing now how much he looks like my dad now. He didn't have any complications that I know of and his doctor even adjusted his band once or twice.

He was always VERY heavy. Many health problems due to obesity. Plus very low self esteem. After his surgery and weight loss he is now married, happy and healthy. His only issue now is excess skin which is something that many people who have a significant weight loss experience. That's a whole other surgery!

 

[dg39]

Yes, my dh had it done last April. The band is a hard plastic and they fill it with some type of harmless solution to keep it tight. Its a fairly simple procedure and it worked wonders for him. An overnight stay in the hospital and thankfully everything went fine. It is the less invasive procedure then the regular gastric bypass. He can eat everything he wants, just in smaller amounts. We went to NY Columbia Pres. Hospital and the whole staff from the reception area to the dr. were nothing short of wonderful. He lost about 70lbs. so far. He goes every month for a check up and a fill if needed. I was with him every step of the way and if I can answer any of your questions, just ask. The band cannot break, but, it can slip, but, chances of that happening are slim, although, if it does slip, they just adjust it. We are all very happy with the outcome of this surgery. For the first couple of weeks after the surgery he only could have eaten a very small amount of "mushy" type foods. From then, he gradually went on to more of a solid, and after a month, give or take, he was able to eat everything. He needs to lose about 30 more lbs.and while its a slower weight loss approach then the regular gastric bypass, he's very happy. (and so am I)...

 

[GoofieRuthie]

I only know of 3 people personally who had lap band. Unfortunately, it was a failure for all of them. It can work if you use it properly. I myself had gastric bypass. With the lapband, you can still eat most any foods you want just in much smaller amounts. The three that I know that had it still ate junk food constantly, therefore gained back all of the weight they lost initially. If you go for it, good luck. Just remember that it will take a commitment to a new eating lifestyle for it to truly work. Obesityhelp.com is a wonderful website with a plethera of info too. It was my saving grace when I was going through the steps to surgery.

 

[dylansmom1]

I suggest you check out obesityhelp.com

They have lots of good and accurate info and it's an invaluable source for people looking into the different types of weight loss surgery.

I had gastric bypass almost 2 years ago and lost 140 pounds. It's been the best thing I've ever done for myself.

Lapband has a higher failure rate and takes a strong commitment by the patient. If you have difficultly sticking to a diet and tend to graze on food, you can run into trouble. On average it takes a Lapbander 2-3 years, sometimes less to loose all their excess weight. It took me about a 1 year to loose all mine and I actually got too thin at one point and had to put 10 pounds back on because I looked too thin in the face.

Whatever you decide, do your research. Research you doctor thoroughly and maybe go to a local support meeting to talk directly with other patients.

Jane