Choosing the Lap Band

[chrisbandster]

I will first say, I am just a bandster, by no means an expert.

Bariatric surgery is a life-long decision. No one should go into it lightly. I recommend you do your research and if you choose the Band, then do your best to stick to it; and finding a surgeon that will support you in that decision unless they can give you SOUND reasons for opting for one of the other types of surgery.

At support groups I often hear "I thought I wanted the Band, but then was told...." and then anything from words like temporary, eat anything, slow, more doctors appts, or with each adjustment start over and other excuses follow.

I have never seen the Band as anything temporary. As far as I am concerned it will outlast me, and I have a tool to maintain my weightloss.

Slow? A lot is up to the individual, and the ability to follow the post-op dietary guidelines. It has been a slow process for me, but 4.5 years to lose 100 isn't bad, considering I didn't gain that 100 lbs in a few months or even over 4.5 years, it was a much longer process.

Eat anything? Not quite. The biggest benefit is that if a person has food sensitivities, the Band does not restrict the diet as much, (i.e., sugar). I am not able to use artificial sweeteners Nutrasweet (aspartame) or Splenda (sucralose) and saccharine just plain tastes nasty, due to a genetic disorder. As the Band gets tightened, some foods may not go down as well. A lot also depends on a person's ability to chew. If a food is difficult to chew, it is apt to get stuck. This can include rice, pasta, corn or anything small. Foods with skins can also become difficult.

More doctors appointments? Not such a bad thing. It helps in maintaining a person's health and the band. There are some places where adjustments/fills can be made without the surgeon. The office I go to does not have anyone but the doctor do the adjustments. The only exception may be when an unfill may be needed, then one of the other surgeons will do it. The clinic also recommends a 5-year commitment from all of its bariatric patients. I don't think once a year is just enough...

Starting over with every adjustment? Not really, for the first couple of adjustments it is recommended to stay on liquids or soft foods for a day or two and work back up full diet. It is usually as tolerated. After a person gets to know their Band, it is usually soft for the same day as the adjustment, then back to a regular routine. It all depends on how I feel after an adjustment.

Any questions, just ask.

Bariatrics The branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. The term bariatrics was created around 1965, from the Greek root baro ("weight," as in barometer), suffix -iatr ("treatment," as in pediatrics), and suffix -ic ("pertaining to"). Besides the pharmacotherapy of obesity, it is concerned with obesity surgery.

[MsJacquiiC]

Thanks for posting this Chris! Very informative and kinda dispells some of the "myths" regarding the adjustable gastric banding. I actually chose the roux-en-y because I just thought it was more of a permanent type thing - but it seems like the band has worked very well for you.

I'm sure others will find your post very useful = Thanks again for the info

Jacquii.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass A type of gastric bypass procedure which combines restrictive and malabsorption techniques - meaning, it reduces the amount of food a patient can comfortably eat (restriction), and also reduces the amount of calories that can be digested in the small intestine (malabsorption). This combination of bariatric methods leads to greater weight loss and the roux-en-y procedure is seen as one of the best ways to treat clinically severe obesity. See WLS Videos for animated surgery technique.

Gastric Banding Surgery The adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive surgical procedure during which a silicone band is placed around the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band includes a balloon that is filled with a nontoxic fluid, most commonly a saline solution; periodic adjustments are performed by a healthcare professional who accesses the balloon via a subcutaneous port. Gastric band placement, unlike malabsorptive weight loss surgery (e.g. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, Biliopancreatic Diversion, and Duodenal Switch), does not cut or remove any part of the digestive system. See WLS Videos for animated surgery technique.

[Roni]

Thank you for posting all of that information. I'm just starting out on my journey and have selected the band. It's good to hear about other people's experiences. I have to admit, I wasn't too happy that I had to wait 6 months for surgery, but now, I believe it is a good thing. It gives you time to "digest" (no pun intended) all the information and learn about what you need to do.

Thanks again.
Debbie

[MsJacquiiC]

LOL @ digesting info
But truly enough - I'm actually GLAD my insurance company requires the 6-month pre-op program. I do not think I'd been ready for post-op had I not participated in the diet/education program my surgeon's office runs. Even though I did my own bit of research online, it's important that you meet with the WLS specialists. An educated pre-op makes for an educated (and hopefully successful) post-op

Jacquii.

[Roni]

Originally Posted by MsJacquiiC LOL @ digesting info But truly enough - I'm actually GLAD my insurance company requires the 6-month pre-op program. I do not think I'd been ready for post-op had I not participated in the diet/education program my surgeon's office runs. (and hopefully successful) post-op Jacquii.

I agree. There is so much to know and so many things to consider. I am signed up for nutrition and counseling sessions so I'm getting info from there as well. I need the 6 months not only to learn, but to try and change my taste buds. I am a picky eater and many of the things I like to eat now, may be not an option for awhile post-op. Many of the things listed as good post op foods I do not like. I keep looking at suggested foods lists and saying, "I don't think I can do this." Thankfully, my b/f responds with "yes you can--and think about all the other things you will be able to do." I definitely have the support going for me.

Any way, it is great to read others journeys online.
Debbie

[MsJacquiiC]

Nice! It is very nice to have support at home. I tell you what though - one thing I love about the surgery is the restrictive concept. You may think that you can't "do" certain foods now, but after the surgery - you won't have a choice --- If you eat something that you probably shouldn't, your pouch will let you know about it. I know this is true for the roux-en-y - I'd assume that goes for the banding surgeries as well.

Jacquii.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass A type of gastric bypass procedure which combines restrictive and malabsorption techniques - meaning, it reduces the amount of food a patient can comfortably eat (restriction), and also reduces the amount of calories that can be digested in the small intestine (malabsorption). This combination of bariatric methods leads to greater weight loss and the roux-en-y procedure is seen as one of the best ways to treat clinically severe obesity. See WLS Videos for animated surgery technique.

Gastric Banding Surgery The adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive surgical procedure during which a silicone band is placed around the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band includes a balloon that is filled with a nontoxic fluid, most commonly a saline solution; periodic adjustments are performed by a healthcare professional who accesses the balloon via a subcutaneous port. Gastric band placement, unlike malabsorptive weight loss surgery (e.g. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, Biliopancreatic Diversion, and Duodenal Switch), does not cut or remove any part of the digestive system. See WLS Videos for animated surgery technique.

Pouch Most bariatric surgeries restricts the amount of food a patient can eat by reducing the size of the stomach by gastric banding, stapling or removal. What results is known as the gastric pouch.

[Sandrine]

Hi everybody !

I just read this "thread" and wanted to talk about another "problem" ;-)


I just had my first appointment with the surgeon yesterday and it went very very well ! She said yes and I now have my aapointments schedduled for the dietician, psychiatrist and endocrinologist for the next months ! (I do'nt know if it's different for american people, but here people who is going to have a bariatric sugery has to meet others doctors to see if everyhting is ok ;-)

Well the fact I wanted to talk about is the family.... My husband totally agree with my decision but my sister doesn't (however she should lose weight !! and even more than me !!) and I will try to talk about it with my mother this afternoon.... I already know she will be afraid, disappointed and as my sister she will try to convince me I should try something else (without surgery I mean). It's easy for her (my sister) to say that I should try another diet and have a strong mind to "win", eat healthier, bla bla bla bla, why doesn't she try to too ??!! She is the first to complain about being fat, but she tells me to eat healthier ??!!!!!! I love my sister but I can't find the words to justify my self :-( do I have to justify ???
My mother lost 22 pounds with dietician help.... she already told me I should try again... I don't have 22 pounds to lose... it would be "too easy" ! I have 77 pounds to lose.......

I'm sooooooo sooooooo sorry to disturb you with all that but I wondered how you had talk to your family, friends,...... it's hard....

Thanks for your help !

Smooches from Belgium !

Bariatrics The branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. The term bariatrics was created around 1965, from the Greek root baro ("weight," as in barometer), suffix -iatr ("treatment," as in pediatrics), and suffix -ic ("pertaining to"). Besides the pharmacotherapy of obesity, it is concerned with obesity surgery.

Registered Dietitian A dietitian is an expert in food and nutrition; A person who has studied diet and nutrition at a college program approved by the American Dietetic Association, completed 900 hours of supervised practical experience accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation for Dietetics Education, and passed an exam to become an R.D. Dietitians help promote good health through proper eating. They also supervise the preparation and service of food, develop modified diets, participate in research, and educate individuals and groups on good nutritional habits. The term "nutritionist" is also widely used; however, the term nutritionist is not regulated as dietitian is. People may call themselves nutritionists without the educational and professional requirements of registered dietitians.

[Roni]

Originally Posted by Sandrine Hi everybody ! I'm sooooooo sooooooo sorry to disturb you with all that but I wondered how you had talk to your family, friends,...... it's hard....

First, I doubt you are disturbing anyone. Forums like this are for advice and discussion. That is why we all come here!

How did I discuss this with family and friends? Maybe it was easier for me than others. My family and friends know that having surgery is the last thing I wanted to do. However, they have seen me struggle and get upset when I can't do things with them. They see how hurt I get when I'm left at home because I can't walk that far, or fit in a seat etc. My family wants me to be happy and healthy so they are supporting me. Especially my b/f. He probably sees my struggles more than anyone. He is my biggest cheerleader.

I would tell your family and friends that this is for your health, so you can live a long happy life. Remind them that people don't usually go to this extreme just for vanity reasons. Remind them of any health or mobility issues you may have. Let them know that this was a difficult decision for you but that you hope they would support your decision to take measures to ensure a long, happy, healthy and productive life.

If they can't get on board, find support elsewhere. Another friend, people online, or maybe a support group. I know the hospital I'm going to has an "angel" program that pairs you up with someone post-op for support. Those may be a couple of options to help you along the way. I know I will be utilizing all of them, in addition to my family support.

Take Care.
Debbie

[simpywimpy]

I too think of it as taking control of your life and your weight. I think of the band as a responsible option for those who are obese long term. Goodness knows the condition I would have been in had I not had mine done.

Obesity Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards. Obesity has been defined as a weight more than 20% above what is considered normal according to standard age, height, and weight tables, or by a complex formula known as the body mass index. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase in 20 percent or more above your ideal body weight is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk. CLICK HERE TO OPEN THE JOURNEY BMI CALCULATOR!

[MsJacquiiC]

Originally Posted by Roni First, I doubt you are disturbing anyone. Forums like this are for advice and discussion. That is why we all come here! ..... If they can't get on board, find support elsewhere. Another friend, people online, or maybe a support group. I know the hospital I'm going to has an "angel" program that pairs you up with someone post-op for support. Those may be a couple of options to help you along the way. I know I will be utilizing all of them, in addition to my family support.

I agree with Debbie. No bother at all - we are here to support each other and to make our surgeries a success!

My program has an Angels-type program as well - In fact - I was asked to consider taking part in it - I think perhaps I will consider maybe a year post-op or some such. I like the concept of being with other people who too have struggled with their weight and have considered gastric bypass, lapband or other WLS their only option to better themselves!

So yeah - I absolutely agree - if you cannot find the support within your family - then you find support elsewhere, like here at The Journey - there are other WLS forums as well - and local WLS support groups too. I think you'll find that the people who have gone through weight loss surgery and who are making a success out of their surgery tools will be more than willing to offer advise and support others who have chosen WLS, because in helping and supporting others, we are helping and supporting ourselves!

Originally Posted by simpywimpy I too think of it as taking control of your life and your weight. I think of the band as a responsible option for those who are obese long term. Goodness knows the condition I would have been in had I not had mine done.

I agree with this as well, because my top weight was 438 pounds. That is just too much weight for any one person to ever carry. I was steadily gaining. So if I had not gotten the lap roux-en-y - I'm sure I'd be on my weight to 500 pounds! So - I think having WLS is one of the best decisions I've made for myself! Thus far it has been a success and I've struggled very little with. So I'm hoping for long-term success and I hope that you too will find your surgery a success as well Sandrine.

Jacquii.

ps - Congrats on getting approval from your surgeon = Excellent news! Prepare yourself for one helluva journey LOL!

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass A type of gastric bypass procedure which combines restrictive and malabsorption techniques - meaning, it reduces the amount of food a patient can comfortably eat (restriction), and also reduces the amount of calories that can be digested in the small intestine (malabsorption). This combination of bariatric methods leads to greater weight loss and the roux-en-y procedure is seen as one of the best ways to treat clinically severe obesity. See WLS Videos for animated surgery technique.

Gastric Banding Surgery The adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive surgical procedure during which a silicone band is placed around the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band includes a balloon that is filled with a nontoxic fluid, most commonly a saline solution; periodic adjustments are performed by a healthcare professional who accesses the balloon via a subcutaneous port. Gastric band placement, unlike malabsorptive weight loss surgery (e.g. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, Biliopancreatic Diversion, and Duodenal Switch), does not cut or remove any part of the digestive system. See WLS Videos for animated surgery technique.