Lap band or gastric bypass?

Question

I cannot decide on which surgery is right for me. I am a female/38 yrs old, my BMI is 40, any good advice for me? I have already decided that I am going to have surgery.

Answer 1

well, there are pros and cons either way, I had gastric bypass and I'm glad I picked that surgery, I have a coworker that the lap band did absolutely nothing for her, she didn't lose any weight but then she didn't try. I had no complications, my recovery was like nothing (really, I didn't even need tylenol when I got home) and my coworker had a harder recovery with the band for some reason... I know of another guy that lost with the lap band, I don't know how successful he's been at keeping the weight off, I haven't seen him in a while. I also know people that had major complications from gastric bypass, but most i know including myself have had no complications. But either way, there is no guarantee you will be complication free, you should just really study up on both procedures before making a decision. you can also go to this website and post questions on their message board, that is helpful in making decisions too: www.obesityhelp.com

Answer 2

You need to research this for yourself.  I had lap band done 4-16-08 and very happy with the results but I investigated both the gastric bypass and lap band.  I did all the tests and then my cardiologist said no to gastric bypass (due to heart problems) but said okay for lap band.  It depends on your health and medical conditions and also your ability to adapt to the dietary needs.  It is just a "tool" not a magic bullet.  Diet and exercise is the key to your success.  Gastric is for people usually overweight one hundred pounds and lap band is for people overweight by at least 60 pounds.  I have great results for my lap band and I had at least 150 pounds to lose and I have done at least right now 45 pounds and lots and lots of inches.  There is some websites for you to look over and help in your decision and one is

www.lapbandsolutions.com  and the other is another lap band which just recently came on the market and it is   www.realizeband.com  and the gastric is  http://www.bariatricsurgerypittsburgh.co...    and the comparison on both is  http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/lapba...

The lap band you lose the weight slower (in some cases, it is pretty fast)  The gastric bypass is faster.  Just investigate the surgeries before you make your decision.  Knowledge is power.  Good Luck

Answer 3

I've heard it said the lap band is much less invasive, the recovery time is less, and you are back to a fairly normal life pretty quick.  I've read some things about it too, where the fatalities are also less and its easier to adjust the lap band without additional surgery, than it is the bypass.  Myself, I would probably do the lapband given an option, but it depends on a variety of factors.  Surely your doctor and you and discussed which of the two might work better, give the results you seeks and which might also be more favored because of your known physical status.  Good luck!