Gastric Bypass Vs. Lap-band

LadyQueefsalot
LadyQueefsalot Posts: 150 Member
edited October 7 in Success Stories
I'm scheduled to meet with my surgeon on Wednesday to discuss my options. I've read that weight loss is very rapid with bypass, but I'm leaning towards the lap-band because it sems less invasive. Anyone on here care to share their thought, tips, expiriences?
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Replies

  • anulle2009
    anulle2009 Posts: 580 Member
    If i could go back i would not have any surgery (had gastric bypass) but if I had the choice i would do Lap Band, recovery is better and it is less invasive. Feel free to email me is any othe rquestions
  • brilynn79
    brilynn79 Posts: 86 Member
    I would encourage you to go to Obesity Help and do some research on both forums. As far as the band being less invasive, please research all the complications. They have quit using it in some countries and because of high complication rates and failure rate many surgeons in the US no longer place it.

    Good luch researching:smile:
  • BrendaLee
    BrendaLee Posts: 4,463 Member
    My neighbor is having a lot of trouble with her band. Seeing that, it's not something I would consider.
  • Tropical_Turtle
    Tropical_Turtle Posts: 2,236 Member
    I would totally recommend Obesityhelp.com I personally had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (didnt lose as fast as bypass but I guess slightly faster than band) and I could not be happier
  • My friend took money she was going to use for weight loss surgery & instead used it for a personal trainer...that's what I recommend. Even with a lap band or gastric surgery you're going to have to eat healthier & exercise, so why not just do that from the start? It's going to take longer for the weight to come off but I honestly believe it's the better long term solution. Good luck with everything!
  • highlightshadow
    highlightshadow Posts: 116 Member
    I had a gastric band about 5 years ago and it was the worst thing i ever did...

    I don't know what went wrong with it but in the end even though i had it completely drained so in theory it is there doing nothing i cannot eat things like bread or pasta or plain meat without suffering from it getting stuck in the pouch causing significant pain and discomfort.

    I'm preying that should i lose some weight the hard way that i can have it removed but its a catch 22 now ... eating 'filling' food i struggle with so i end up eating stuff that tends to not fill up thus feeling hungry.
  • LTGPSA
    LTGPSA Posts: 633 Member
    Neither!!! You can lose weight without having your body altered in such an extreme fashion. Yes, my cousin's husband had it done and he struggles to eat what little food he's allowed to eat and he still cheats and he's still heavy. I also had a friend who did the lap band a long time ago, and she's still heavy too.

    You have to get right (whatever's wrong) in your head and in your heart, then use your brain along with this site and take the weight off. It's working for plenty of us on here already - it will work for you. Sorry if I sound harsh, but those options really tick me off. But if you don't listen to advice and have your body altered - good luck to you, you will need it.
  • becoming_a_new_me
    becoming_a_new_me Posts: 1,860 Member
    I'm scheduled to meet with my surgeon on Wednesday to discuss my options. I've read that weight loss is very rapid with bypass, but I'm leaning towards the lap-band because it sems less invasive. Anyone on here care to share their thought, tips, expiriences?

    I had the full roux-en-y in July of 2003 and would never go back. The key is you MUST follow the rules and STOP eating when you get the "full" feeling. I did notice that once I passed the three year mark, I stopped losing "automatically" and really had to think about what I put in my mouth. This is because by that time, my body was used to the small pouch and I could eat whatever I wanted. Corn Syrup really kills me, but I can have cookies, candy, pop, etc if I want it. That is what got me into trouble! :) By 2006 I was down to just over 200 from 450, but I have yo-yo'd between 200 and 290 for the past 5 years. I have to focus and pay attention to my food and exercise just like a normal person does.
  • nurseygirl66
    nurseygirl66 Posts: 25 Member
    Lap band isn't really less invasive. You will forever have a foreign body inside of yours which will eventually have to be revised, replaced, or removed during your lifetime. They need constant adjustment and attention, and many lap band patients eventually turn to a more permanent answer for weight loss. So, if you want to commit to a lifestyle change that is permanent and final, you'll want to look at the sleeve or bypass. The gastric sleeve procedure is laproscopic, leaves a smaller version of your own stomach intact, but it's much smaller (80% smaller). This surgery has less complications, and does not involve removing or re-routing your intestinal system.......thus you have less intolerance to foods and other malabsorption issues. If you have a large amount of weight to lose, 100 pounds or more, you'll do better in the long run with one the sleeve or bypass. Good luck in your decision!!:bigsmile:
  • LadyQueefsalot
    LadyQueefsalot Posts: 150 Member
    Yes, I keep hearing the full bypass route is the way to go.
  • LadyQueefsalot
    LadyQueefsalot Posts: 150 Member
    Also, I'm asking for people who have had either surgery, not for the opinions of those who are agaisnt it. If all you're going to do is tell me not to get the surgery, then kindly keep your comments to yourself. Thanks.
  • I had my RNY on 11/16/11...recovery wasnt easy but...hands down the best decision ive made in years....down 55 lbs today also, off of all 14 meds i was taking and blood sugars are in good shape (was taking 1000 units of insulin per day = metformin and 11 other meds for assoc ailments) leasring to eeat slower has been hard (still is) but its like anything itll take time...find things you like... i found the atkins shakes and oh yeah shakes are great for getting your protein in during the liquid and soft food stages...im just beginning to work in fish and some soft meats now...doesnt take much to fill up but the "clean your plate" condioning is hard to break too...at restaurants, my wife and i split a meal but ive started asking for a togo box with the serving of my meal so i can get the extra portion of it off my plate and asking for a bread plate to eat from so the plate looks full as well. seems to work pretty good so far.

    I know for me the lap- and sleeve wouldnt work because i need a no going back clause so i was forced no matter what to get on with it.

    best of luck to you and go for it!
  • HMD7703
    HMD7703 Posts: 761 Member
    Also, I'm asking for people who have had either surgery, not for the opinions of those who are agaisnt it. If all you're going to do is tell me not to get the surgery, then kindly keep your comments to yourself. Thanks.

    ^^ Agreed! That irks the hell out of me!
  • nurseygirl66
    nurseygirl66 Posts: 25 Member
    ok then......I had the sleeve done August 15th. As of this am, I've lost 85pounds. Off diabetes and bp meds, running 3miles 4x a week, lost 4 pant sizes. My stomach holds 4-6 oz at a time, so I have 5-6 meals/snacks a day pretty much 3hours apart. I don't have as many restrictions as the bypass in terms of what they call dumping (diarrhea/abd pain/ vomiting) due to sugar which is a reason I did this surgery. My stomach may strech to a cup or so of food over time, so I'll always have a portion restriction....but I'll never be able to eat like I used to. I hope to be at goal (100 pounds) in about 8 weeks.....that being said, the journey then starts as maintanance is what it's all about. It's smart to find out what people have to say. I recommend looking at renewed reflections.com for some REAL insight.
  • brilynn79
    brilynn79 Posts: 86 Member
    I reccomended Obesity help above. I had the sleeve September 2010. It was the best surgery choice for me. I did not want to deal with the complications of the band and did not want to deal with the malabsorption of bypass especially since after a few years your body compensates and stops malabsorbing calories, but malabsorbs nutrients for life..

    I did get off to a rough start. I had trouble following all the reccomendations because all of the weird things that can happen did happen to me. I developed acid reflux, lactose intolerance, my body did not tolerate ketosis, my palate could not stomach the taste of artificial sweeteners, especially things like crystal light, I did not tolerate the supplements, plain water hurt my stomach for months.

    Even with all these challenges and slow weightloss, I would do it all over again. My only concern is that the sleeve is not reversible, but I am pretty sure I do not want any portion of my stomach back!
  • whtlatina1214
    whtlatina1214 Posts: 765 Member
    ok i work and am very close with 2 people who have had a lap band done .and one who has had the gps
    ok for lap band one of the women works out and eats healthy sense hers and she has lost 100+ weight and if looking very well . the other lady she eats like **** on a day to day basis eating krystals bacon everymorning , eating zaxbys or mcdonalds for lunch . that being said she is obese only a couple months after surgery and her stomach now that she got it looks odd like it is misformed , may sound mean but it is true and she is not afraid to admit it is hard to stay on track ... now the gastric by pass surgery lady , she is also staying on track she eats well and does exercise , every once in a while she eats bad but she still stays on track and she hasnt put on any weight since and like the other woman said it is worst as far as recovery but it is all you , you have to have will power with both options and as well it is a surgery and we all know there are good surgery stories and horrid ones so ... sounding like a broken record but it is true make sure you do every single research that there is possible
  • lhaas24
    lhaas24 Posts: 92 Member
    I work at a weight loss surgery office. If you have a large amount of weight to lose, you will want to look into the sleeve or bypass. They are much more effective. So many of our patients have "buyers remorse" after having the band placed due to slow or not much weight loss. Previous posters are correct, the band requires much more maintenance than the other two procedures.

    I would however suggest that you really look at the root of your weight problem. As someone else stated, you still need to change your mind set toward food and adopt great discipline for any of these procedures to work. Good Luck!
  • hope4gl
    hope4gl Posts: 15
    I started my weight loss journey with the intention of having gastric bypass. I went through all the nutritionist appts my insurance required, but as I lost more and more weight decided I could do this without surgery. I am at 84# lost in 7 months and am happy with this. But that was my choice. My cousin had the gastric bypass and has wonderful results. She is down 140# in just over a year with no complications and she has done everything by the book, she says she thinks that is why she has had such great success. Good luck with what every you decide.
  • jenniferboyd81
    jenniferboyd81 Posts: 24 Member
    I have a close friend who did the sleeve and has lost 160 and looks great! Its only been 6 months and he has completely changed his life
  • LadyQueefsalot
    LadyQueefsalot Posts: 150 Member
    I work at a weight loss surgery office. If you have a large amount of weight to lose, you will want to look into the sleeve or bypass. They are much more effective. So many of our patients have "buyers remorse" after having the band placed due to slow or not much weight loss. Previous posters are correct, the band requires much more maintenance than the other two procedures.

    I would however suggest that you really look at the root of your weight problem. As someone else stated, you still need to change your mind set toward food and adopt great discipline for any of these procedures to work. Good Luck!

    As it stands now, I am doing my best to lose the weight on my own, and it is happening, but very, very slowly, as my biggest issue is portion control. I attend 90-minute hot yoga classes 4-5 times a week, have eliminated all fried foods, as well as pork, red meat and chicken from my diet (save for sunday dinner, I'll eat a piece of meat), haven't touched a soda in years, only drink alcohol on either Friday or Saturday night, and feel that I have a generally positive outlook on life. I am also thirty years old and have literally been put on diets since I was 3 years old. What three year old emotionally eats? I have thought about doing surgery for a long time now, and am well aware that food can be an addiction, and intend on speaking with a counselor during and after the process. This is my choice, for my health, and just want to make sure that I am making the right desicion when it comes to what kind of surgery to get. I'll look into the gastric sleeve being as my insurance company does not fully cover bypass. Thanks.
  • My friend took money she was going to use for weight loss surgery & instead used it for a personal trainer...that's what I recommend. Even with a lap band or gastric surgery you're going to have to eat healthier & exercise, so why not just do that from the start? It's going to take longer for the weight to come off but I honestly believe it's the better long term solution. Good luck with everything!


    AGREED! There are hundreds of people on MFP who have done this without the help of surgery. You can too!
  • humanbeing1993
    humanbeing1993 Posts: 11 Member
    Prior to weight loss surgery through Kaiser I had to take a 6 month healthy lifestyle class. We were given the option of either gastric bypass, lap band, or gastric sleeve. I had the gastric sleeve, which you haven't listed as an option, but should consider. I lost 90 lbs after surgery. I had friends that had the gastric bypass and the lapband. I constantly see the friends with the band having issues with vomiting and needing adjsutments and still struggling to take off as much weight as I did. The friends I had that went with the bypass lost much more weight initially, but they all ended up with problems such as malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies with in 6 months of thier surgeries.
  • QueenRee
    QueenRee Posts: 28 Member
    Have you heard of the gastric sleeve, it has less side effects than the gastric bypass and better results than the lap band. My insurance required I see a dietician for 6 months before having any surgery. She recommended I log my food with MFP and I now have hope I won't have to have surgery with all the inspiring people I have for motivation on this site!
  • KristalDawnO
    KristalDawnO Posts: 154 Member
    One of my best friend's had gastric bypass surgery in 2002. She had horrible complications from it, and was on a ventilator for a couple months following the surgery. During two following years she had recurring infections, and was very sick. She had to go back on the vent 12 times after the surgery. This month makes 7 years since her death. I've never been a fan of the surgery, this is mainly why. I have two other friends who did the same surgery, one successful - she has lost a lot of weight. The other, has had it repeated a few years after - with minimal effects. It is a lifestyle change, no matter if you get the surgery and it is very risky. Make sure you're ready.

    As for the lap band. My cousin has had it, and she struggles with being sick. She has lost a ton of weight, but often wonders if it was the right decision to make. It's less invasive, but very hard to get over as well. She's pretty much been miserable since having it. Another friend of mine has had it, and she seem to be doing well with it. She is also working out with a trainer, but has also experienced a lot of negative effects as well getting used to not eating like she used to eat. I think she's down 50 lbs.

    Just educate yourself and make sure you know what you're getting into.
  • janettedawn
    janettedawn Posts: 1 Member
    I do not respond to posts very often, but when it comes to this topic I like to share my experience. I was very active, worked out, danced and was in shape in high school. My mother died 2months before I graduated HS, and I started gaining weight. I then moved from CA to NV and my life changed drastically! I then met my husband a couple years later, I was 190. By the time I got married I was 300lbs. I was okay with this for awhile, we tried to have kids, doc told me to lose weight, did WW, lost 40lbs in 3 months, got pregnant, had my son. Well then I was miserable, when he was 2 I had Lap Band, I was SOOOO SCARED of Gastric Bypass, Everything seemed great, lost 40lbs in one month! Then realized I could eat less and less everyday without even getting a fill. Went to the ER, I was dehydrated, very weak and sickly. They put a camera down my throat and the hole for food to go down was the size of a ball point pen! The Doctor nicked me and I had scar tissue on the inside and out of my stomach. Had the band removed and was pissed! Had another band put in 6 months later. Lost weight VERY slowly, even with following diet to a T, if not everything comes up, so I was very careful! Got down to about 230lbs, after 2 years, then got pregnant again. After she was born, I wanted to get back on track right away, starting getting fills and NO weight loss, started the process to see what was wrong, my band had moved from the pregnancy. I then got scheduled for the Vertical Sleeve, had the surgery and because the band had destroyed my stomach so much I then had a hole in my stomach and an infection thru out my entire body. I was now on my DEATH bed, with tw kids at home! I was in the hospital for 6 weeks, very sick, nothing tio eat or drink, just hooked up to IV! I had drains in my abdomen, down my nose, and one in my back to drain fluid out of my lungs! I was drugged up all day long, dry heaving all day! Then had a splint put down my throat (another surgery), had 2 more surgeries while in the hospital to try and repair my stomach. I lost 40 pounds sitting in the hospital bed. Then got to come home with the care of a nurse and a pic line in my arm, to feed me at night. Was still on antibiotics thru a drip 6 hours a day, could not move off the couch! Still had a drain that I had to clean everyday! I did this for 3 more months while they could not figure out why my stomach would not heal! Still at home, I could not EAT or DRINK ANYTHING for 3 months. The END result was Gastric Bypass surgery, they had to remove most of my stomach to get all the destroyed section out. I then got to start eating and drinking, weeks later. I now have an incisional hernia, on the scar on my stomach that is 1 inch thick and 10 inches long, along with the other FOURTEEN scars on my stomach. I am DEATHLY afraid to have surgery again to repair the hernia, so I live with this GIANT thing coming out of my stomach, looking like I am 8 months pregnant. Sorry for the LONG story, but just wanted to give you some history as to what happened to me. Moral of the story, I am CONSTANTLY on a DIET, STILL! I am now 240lbs, and counting calories and it is working! I STRUGGLE everyday being a Stay at home mom and all the temptations, but I would rather do it the old fashion way than EVER go thru that again! Whatever you choose, I hope it works for you and you succeed, losing weight is so hard, and I wish the best for all struggling with it everyday!!!
  • calicat40
    calicat40 Posts: 37 Member
    Many of the posters have a scary story to tell you. Here is my story. Three years ago I researched and talked to many people in my area that had the lap band done. I found my surgeon at True Results. my insurance required six months of education and testing and a few therapy sessions to make sure I was a good candidate and to make sure it was the right fit for me. I still have my band and use it as a tool for weight loss. It isn't perfect but it isn't permanent. My advice is this, find a board certified surgeon and ask all the questions you can think of to ask. Go to a sight called lapbandforum if you have more questions, and talk to people in your area who have had it. See what difficulties they have. It's not perfect, there are days i'd give anything to take this danged thing out but those are the days I want to binge my face off. Second you need to search yourself and figure out why you have the habits you have. Mine is binging when I'm stressed, primarily on carbohydrates. The band and the ideal diet for me is to avoid carbs, eat proteins and veggys and lots of water and yes, you can tell from my weight loss ticker I'm still struggling. I feel better than I did three years ago for sure. Should I have lost more? yes, I should have had more adjustments but I'm happy going slow and fixing my issues that i have and learning the right way to eat rather than cinching up the band so much that i puke at every meal and lose weight by essentially being anorexic.

    Feel free to email me if you like. My surgeon is at Fort Worth Lap Band and he has some things on his site you and listen to if you want to get more info. Definately find a surgeon who is experienced and certified. This is not a surgery that just anyone should be doing as we hear there are complications if they dont know what the heck they are doing. good luck and post what you've decided on.
  • teeniemarie619
    teeniemarie619 Posts: 21 Member
    Option 3: Gastric sleeve. The Dr. actually removes about 2/3 of your stomach leaving you with a stomach about the size of a small banana. Lap band is a foreign body that your body could reject and it could move or detach inside. Gastic bypass seems pretty extreme and the "dumping" syndrome doesn't sound like fun either. I am currently going thru classes so I can get the gastric sleeve. Have already lost 50+ pounds on my own, but want the sleeve to help for the rest of my life.
  • nitau
    nitau Posts: 9 Member
    I didnt personally want the lap band apparatus inside me with a port at my skinline so I went with Gastric bypass, the best thing I ever did. No more high blood pressure, no more sleep apnea, no more asthma. For some others, no more diabetes. Excercise and eating right, just like before surgery is the key. No alcohol or soda after, no snacking, etc.
    There is a newer surgery out there, the vertical sleeve, look into it also. My two friends lost faster than me and they dont have the malaborptive and dumping issues that we have. Good luck and go forward!
  • I will tell you that I had the RNY Gastric Bypass in 2009 and I lost 140 lbs rather quickly. I was a regular on the California board in Obesityhelp.com and had so much support and continue to maintain friendship and support with many of the people there. In fact I am visiting with them in a meeting this Saturday morning.

    I did a lot of research between the 2 surgeries as the Gastric sleeve was not covered by my insurance since it was so new at that time. I chose gastric bypass because of the immediate benefits it presented to my conditions. I came out of the hospital off my meds. If I had had lap band, I would have had to lose the weight first to get the same results. It is some biological factor in the re-routing of the organs.

    I had 2 friends do the lap-band and in both cases, had trouble with it and in the last year have had the band taken out and had the sleeve surgery. The band slipped , they got super sick and it just didn't do well for them.

    My RNY saved my life, literally since I had so many co-morbidities (high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, just turned the corner for diabetes) and at the time and could barely walk or sleep. I don't think I would have lived much longer had it not been for the RNY.

    It is true that the surgery is not a miracle cure, but it is a very helpful tool to get you to a place where you can actually walk and exercise and put it all into a daily routine. I still have more to lose and I am working on it diligently though the further out from surgery you are, the harder it gets. I have met some people that lost tons of weight, had plastic surgery, looked and felt amazing and then regained the weight again. It Sucks!

    But as for RNY.. though 2 years out I had a complication of an internal hernia and had to have it fixed through laparoscopic surgery, I would do it again if I had the choice. I am now caffeine free, soda free, coffee free, mostly sugar free and can exercise 5-6 days a week. I can walk, I can even run, I can dance, I can fit in booths and airplane seats, no extension belts.. Life is so much better!

    Even though people say you can do it without surgery.. maybe you can but that is your choice, I know I couldn't have at the point I was at and it gave me my life back... now I intend to never get where I was again because I like it too much! It is a personal choice! Best wishes to you!!

    Jackie
  • mandy_lee86
    mandy_lee86 Posts: 103 Member
    This was my reply to this topic in another forum:

    I have a Lapland and it helped me lose 80 pounds very quickly. But, guess what? In the last six months I gained 30 of it back. After my surgery I did not work out and I thought this "tool" was supposed to make me lose everything. As with gastric, you can eat as much as you want. The band does have issues with leaking, etc. Looking back on it, I woudn't do it again because it did not change my mind set of being addicted to food. The change your mindset on food you have to put i the sweat and tears and work through every pound. The lapband is a major "cop out." I would not suggeste it. I would suggest everyone to put in their sweat and tears into every pound so that you don't have the same issues down the road once you'ved reached your prefered weight. You will never get to your goal unless you have the mindset. When you finally have the mindset, you know deep down inside that NOONE/NOTHING is going to stop you from reaching your goal. I realized this a few weeks back and I've been full force since then. The pounds are coming off and it makes me realize that I was an idiot for putting it off for so long. Just my two sense... Good luck to you, whatever route you choose
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