Considering Lap-Band, anything I should know?

[RealFoodLiving]

After several years of ups and downs with LC, I am seriously considering and praying about getting an adjustable lap-band as opposed to something more invasive.

Any feedback from those who have been there?

How prevalent is the "slippage" needing re-banding in the hospital? Any other side effects to be concerned about?

Thanks!

[mariposah]

I had GBS (roux en y). I had it about 6 years ago. I think bc it is still weight loss surgery, I can chime in. The diet after weight loss surgery is very similar to the low carb WOE. The weight loss with lap band is a lot slower than roux en y (stapling). I think that if you are contemplating the lap band, I honestly would stick out the low carb WOE. That is really my honest opinion. You savve yourself money, time and some pain (physical). I think that obese people suffer from food addiction and sometimes weight loss surgery does not cure. I know you wanted to know about side effects, my friend had the lap band and had some complications with leaks and such (slippage) but she eventually did fine. She lost 25 lbs in 6 months. You could lose that in one month of Low carb WOE. I would go to obesityhelp.com for some info. Lots of support and research on there

[Sarah*Jane]

I had gastric bypass 10 years ago at the age of 18. I lost a huge amount of weight very fast, however I never "fixed" the mental part. Over the past 5 years Ive gained approx 70 lbs back. I know lap band is a different procedure, however I still feel if you don't address the mental and emotional part of being overweight, nothing will work. I had a small leak after my surgery and came very close to losing my life. I also had a re action to the morphine they gave me and almost never woke up. I would speak in great detail with a Dr. that specializes in the procedure. Make a educated decision, its not a quick fix, its merely a tool that you have to use properly for it to work. Just my thoughts....Good luck

[Dovelette]

I'm also a WLS patient, not lab band though. You can see my "journey" below. I was a VERY successful patient in pretty much anyones eyes (my own and the medical community) and even with a regain of about 30lbs, I still had maintained a 110+lb loss for 5 years.

The trick really is that, while they may not call it a "low carb" diet, you will be encouraged to eat protein first, then veggies, and then only if you have room, carbs. Because our stomach is small...well there's not really room for carbs at the end.

I personally didn't think lap band was for me because of the amount of weight I had to lose and I didn't really like some of the features (the fills, the lack of malabsorption). This (LCF) isn't the best place to get info though on WLS, and I would encourage you to find some great support groups out there and do a LOT of research!

[kerbear879]

I'm another one who has had WLS. I had gastric bypass in March of 2005 and lost 160 pounds in right around a year and a half. I was considered by my doctors to be a big success even though I was unable to get to my actual goal weight. I did regain about 20 pounds of that back (and then lost 10 of those) but for the most part have maintained that loss for 4 years. As many others have told you, low carb eating is very similar to the way the doctor's want you to eat afterwards. Surgery is a very big deal and you do want to make sure you get all the information you can before making any decisions. I ultimately decided on gastric bypass over the lapband because I did have so much weight to lose and both me and my surgeon thought it would be the best thing for me. Also, as another poster suggested, you really do need to figure out what bad eating patterns or emotional patterns you have because the surgery will not fix that and yes it is completely possible to go back to bad eating habits and regain the weight back.

[jem51]

what about that new procedure that's been in the news lately. no incision....i think it's an endoscopy procedure so goes down the throat..

[mermaid]

My sister had lap band and is just as fat as when she started, except for her boobs are smaller due to another surgery. Why have surgery when you can just eat smaller amounts without the surgery?

[snaggle]

RFL --- please do a lot of research into the success of lap banding. Just because it seems less "invasive" does not mean it is not without it's problems. I am NOT an expert by any means but my closest friend (a nurse) just went through the whole process and ruled it out. She talked to many people who had different procedures and concluded that the lap band was not for her. A lot of people cannot keep food down and have ongoing issues with throwing up. Just last week I spoke a long time with a client who's husband had it last summer and he was a mess and really having a hard time eating.
Go to the wls portion of this board and also do lots of research into the other options is all I am saying. Good luck to you.

[Blood Sugar 101]

Just a note, the "no incision" surgery is still major surgery in that it makes a surgical change to your stomach which can have severe side effects. All that is different is that they go in via your esophagus rather than through your skin.

The surgery is extremely new, and that means no one knows what the long term side effects might be.

All gastric surgeries to the stomach run the risk of severe infection, ruptures, permanent malabsorption syndromes that cause you to starve to death, etc.

Do your research and remember that surgeons earn HUGE amounts of money for doing these surgeries and are the very last people who will give you an honest appraisal of the real risks and benefits.

The mortality statistics on WLS are almost always compiled within a few weeks or months of the surgery, not over the ten years that follow the surgeries which is when some of the malabsorption syndromes kill people.

So do your research, talk to people who are long term survivors of the surgery, and make your decision very carefully. Some people have wonderful results. Some people die tragically young. Many fall in between.

[Fabat40]

My friend had the gastric band done two years ago and had no complications, however it does get quite expensive as you have to keep having 'fills' to adjust the restriction.

I'll sound a big BUT here though - although she lost weight initially, she then discovered the art of eating little and often....and applied it to chocolate. She's now as big as she was when she went into surgery.

So moral of the story, it simply won't work unless you also alter your eating habits. It's not a magic bullet.

[nanberrycritter]

I went to a gastroenterologist for my acid reflux and he was stunned when I flat out refused to even discuss WLS. I'm compelled to overeat even when I know I'm physically full so it makes no sense to me to shrink my stomach. That would only cause me more pain and stress. No thank you.

I'm like you though, cycling on and off the low carb WOE. Even still, I have no interest in surgery. I work with two women who have had it and they are still large and they have eating and health issues. Which confirms my belief that it's not the answer for me.

I'm happy for the those people it has worked for. In my opinion they gambled and it paid off. I just don't like the odds.

[ElleMarie]

I can chime in NOT as someone that has had it but close to four people that have. My hubby had it done but did NONE of the after care, he lost 170 but then has gained back 70 and is still gaining. He will NOT discuss any of his food issues.

He had two sisters and a close family friend have it done. One sister and the friend are now alcoholics and they have just switched addictions. The other sister went to ALL the counseling and after care, she has kept her weight off and is doing well. She will immediately start counseling again if she gains more than five lbs.

I feel that I have a food addiction and that something like that will work for me initially but until I get to the root of my problem nothing ultimately will work. Good luck with your decision.

I can say that until you are certain.....do not follow through. It needs to be something that you have thoroughly researched, received counseling for and are completely ready, mind, body and most importantly spirit.

[JennyV]

I had lap-band surgery in January 2008 and would be happy to answer any questions you have. It's been a hard, educational, liberating journey, but not without bumps in the road. Let me echo the advice of one of the earlier posters that you need to research it very carefully to determine if it's the right course for you. Historically this board hasn't been very WLS-friendly, but there's a WLS-specific section of the Health Support Groups. Feel free to come visit there or to PM me. Good luck with your decision!

[ghelen]

My sister had the surgery in October of 2008. She died the day after Thanksgiving from complications. She was 35. Please do your research and weigh the risks.

[CurlsNCuffs]

Originally Posted by ghelen

My sister had the surgery in October of 2008. She died the day after Thanksgiving from complications. She was 35. Please do your research and weigh the risks.

My condolencense on the loss of your sister!

My mother had WLS August of 1983 - and she died the next day too from complications - 26 years ago this year! She was 42.

[snaggle]

Oh ghelen, I am so sorry for you and your family. That is just so tragic.
Your post is important because it brings close to home that any type of WLS has SERIOUS risks.

[NuttyNeeta]

Another WLS work in progress, had mine November 24, 2008 and to date, have lost 70 pounds, 6 pant sizes and finally had my underdrawers fall off so I had to buy those. I agree that any kind of weight loss surgery is a serious surgery.

My heart goes out to those who've lost friends and family to this surgery.

[Blood Sugar 101]

The official death rate from WLS is somewhere between 1 and 2%. If a drug killed that many people they would take it off the market.

Obesity - Updated Evidence-based Recommendations for Best Practices in Weight Loss Surgery

What the public often doesn't know is that unlike drugs, surgeries are NOT regulated. Devices are, but not surgical procedures that alter body parts. The only check on a dangerous surgery is whether or not insurance will pay for it. But since WLS is not covered by insurance the surgeons don't have to worry that insurers will shut them off.

[Secretly_Sweet]

My mother and I both had the lapband. We had verrry different journeys. I had to get one fill after another each costing around 250.00. I ended up getting about ten of these. They tell you that you are supposed to be able to eat just a small amount of food and be full. Not so in my case. it is all or nothing. I have first bite syndrome. This means that I can either eat one bite and get choked up have to throw up and cant eat anymore. Or I can eat anything i want. It's crazy and it doesn't make sense but it's true. The band is way tighter in the morning than in the evening. At one point my band was so tight that all i could keep down was juice and milk. I was stubborn and wouldn't get an unfill (also 250.00) because i was dropping weight. I ended up losing 100 lbs. Then got to the point that i couldn't even swallow water or my own spit. I had to get an unfill. I ended up gaining 19 lbs in one week. I was so severely dehydrated. Now, i have kept fifty pounds of my initial loss off. It's been a huge struggle with me. All the bad food goes right down...chocolate, chips, ice cream... no problems...no restriction. All the food that you are supposed to eat like meat, eggs, and so on are soooo hard to get down for me when my band is tight. So low carb it is for me.

My mother on the other hand has lost all of her weight. It took her years to do but now she has her band soooo tight that she throws up several times a day and only eats maybe half a plate of food a night. She is unwilling to unfill some because she says she will gain it all back.

It's really up to you. Some ppl are very successful with it. But it's not an easy fix in the least, it's still very very hard. I hope this helps.

[xamier]

I have a friend who had some kind of weightless surgery. She is as heavy as when she started. If you don't change your diet, you will gain it back.

[CramerNH]

Everyone has given some really great advice and life-style experiences... I actually do the billing for a General Surgeon in Boston who has credentials for WLS... The insurance companies are very strict when it comes to who has been qualified to have this procedure done... some of our insurance companies here in New England require many levels of care, including Behavioral Health services before the insurance will pre-authorize any WLS procedure... and with good reason for many of the cases.

One case I appealed on was a woman, age 35, 455lbs opted for gastric bypass... for her, the intention was to have half the stomach removed (believe it or not there are different percentages that can be cut off)...

This poor woman remained in the hospital for 5 months due to sepsis, organ breakdown and was eventually quarantined because she kept getting infected to the point they feared her lungs would fill up with fluid (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), ... By month 6, she was cleared to go home but on significant 24 hour Nursing care.. could not do anything for a minimum 3 months after getting home. By the fourth month, she had to see a therapist to re-strengthen her legs to walk with the use of a rollator walker, and was able to graduate up to a cane.

What bothered me the most about this poor woman, is that, later I learned she was actually a long lost friend of mine, but married - I didnt realize it was her until she told me she got married - when I ran into her at the grocery store. She told me her doctor's name, the clinic she went to, and I about shook out of my skin ready to cry - I was appealing the insurances for this woman's life. I had to play the "DUMB" card because of privacy...

Ive been in the field for 14 years now, and seen alot through just the medical claims side alone... when I compile a letter to appeal a claim that denied for not-medically-necessary, I have to build that letter off of the doctor's surgical reports... and there are times, I would cry...

Would I consider WLS? Hell no - it will never happen for me. Not because of the line of work I do, but because, I know for me.. I can recognize I had not only food allergies, but I had behavioral issues that contributed to eating when I shouldnt have. And Im proud to say, that in 2 years, Ive kept off over 52 pounds.. and I feel like Im continually losing in the way the clothes fit, and not just the scale...

I would recommend talking with a Nutritional Clinician who counsels patients prior and Post-Op - ask for information that you can read to learn more about what a WLS-patient must do and go through... good to learn a base line about it...

Ultimately, only you can make this lifestyle changing choice for yourself... Im sure everyone will agree - we are all here for you if you us...

[Maryposa]

Originally Posted by Blood Sugar 101

The official death rate from WLS is somewhere between 1 and 2%. If a drug killed that many people they would take it off the market.

Obesity - Updated Evidence-based Recommendations for Best Practices in Weight Loss Surgery

What the public often doesn't know is that unlike drugs, surgeries are NOT regulated. Devices are, but not surgical procedures that alter body parts. The only check on a dangerous surgery is whether or not insurance will pay for it. But since WLS is not covered by insurance the surgeons don't have to worry that insurers will shut them off.

Interesting post... but just wondering about this... my insurance DOES cover it. It's SO easy too... all you have to do is ask your doctor to agree that you need it. I have an HMO.

[Dovelette]

Originally Posted by Blood Sugar 101

The official death rate from WLS is somewhere between 1 and 2%. If a drug killed that many people they would take it off the market.

Obesity - Updated Evidence-based Recommendations for Best Practices in Weight Loss Surgery

What the public often doesn't know is that unlike drugs, surgeries are NOT regulated. Devices are, but not surgical procedures that alter body parts. The only check on a dangerous surgery is whether or not insurance will pay for it. But since WLS is not covered by insurance the surgeons don't have to worry that insurers will shut them off.

Not sure where you got that piece of misinformation, but my surgery was covered 100% by my insurance company as are most everyone I know.

There is enough misinformation out there, most of it bad, about WLS. Its fine to give facts but please don't misrepresent WLS.

Once again, everyone needs to do their own research and decide if it's right for them and don't worry about what other folks might "think" about your decision.

[flatferenghi]

if i was willing to undergo a procedure. i said no right up front. my cholesterol was somewhat high, but i refused chol. meds. that was years ago. yet, i live. i have gained and lost and gained back over 100 lbs 6 times since 1991. yet i live. sorry to dissappoint the doctors. My point is that these procedures were to be used ONLY IF the alternative was CERTAIN death. It is becoming more like cosmetic surgery. Also, if someone is going to undergo a bariatric procedure, his/her head MUST be on straight. those who put back the weight, did not get the counseling and nutritional info they were supposed to get before and after the surgery. That is sad indeed. Love & Profits: FLATFERENGHI

[Violet Skye]

RFL, I see from your siggy that you are a CA survivor. IMVHO, even the least invasive WLS seems like an unkind thing to do to yourself. You had chemo, because there was no other way to achieve remission without bringing out the Big Guns, but there are other ways to lose weight without being as heavy-handed.

A few people have alluded to the psychological aspect of weight loss. I am fighting this battle myself, and I am reading a very helpful book called "Shrink Yourself" by Dr. Roger Gould. I'm learning how to develop coping strategies for stress, to silence my Inner Critic and so on. I didn't think I'd get very much out of this, but I am really amazed at how many insights this is triggering!

[Blood Sugar 101]

Originally Posted by Maryposa

Interesting post... but just wondering about this... my insurance DOES cover it. It's SO easy too... all you have to do is ask your doctor to agree that you need it. I have an HMO.

Interesting. This may be one of those procedures, like breast reduction, where there are very wide differences from plan to plan in what they cover.

The surgeons have been doing an immense amount of PR to prove that WLS "reverses" diabetes (which of course it does by cutting way down on how much carb people eat) and they may have convinced some insurers that they will save money with the surgery.

Everyone I have known who had the surgery had to pay for it themselves.

[Jennifer]

I lost 156 lbs from 1/07-6/08 on Atkins without surgery. And I admit that I cheated a lot I maintained for several months, then binged on 25-30 lbs when my mother died in 2/09. So obviously I don't have the "mental stuff" resolved yet. At 351 lbs my doctor tried to get me to have the surgery, but I knew that I could lose weight if I changed my eating habits since I had done so in the past. Between the mental aspect and the fact that I'm a recovering bulimic (eating myself sick is no big deal to me), I knew WLS wouldn't be the answer for me. In my (uneducated, unresearched) opinion, WLS is most effective for those who physically cannot lose weight by any other means, not for yo-yo dieters and emotional/stress eaters such as myself.

The decision to have WLS or not is one that only you can make based on what's best for you and your health (I see you're a cancer survivor ) I just wanted to let you know that it is possible to lose a lot of weight without surgery.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Originally Posted by ghelen

My sister had the surgery in October of 2008. She died the day after Thanksgiving from complications. She was 35. Please do your research and weigh the risks.

Originally Posted by CurlsNCuffs

My condolencense on the loss of your sister!

My mother had WLS August of 1983 - and she died the next day too from complications - 26 years ago this year! She was 42.

My sincere condolences to you both

[NuttyNeeta]

I guess I am one of the lucky one's too because my insurance paid 100%. A lot of insurance companies will weigh the cost of continued obesity treatment against a one time surgery and will opt for the surgery. I am lucky enough to have a doctor that not only provided the surgery, but the nutritionist and psychiatrist for as long as I need it.

As someone else said, it's very important that anyone thinking of this tool do their research!! There are a lot of pro's and con's and you must be willing to change your lifestyle, eating habits, etc. People can regain their weight if they don't change their eating habits.

The WLS is a TOOL to help you lose weight, NOT an instantaneous fix all. It can be a painful road, but well worth it if you're willing to make life changes.

Good luck!

[Blood Sugar 101]

Also, here's another important thought.

Before you conclude you can't lose weight without surgery, see an endocrinologist and ask about whether Byetta might help you.

I have seen several people lose 100 lbs and keep it off with the help of Byetta. It slows stomach empying which makes you full very fast so it is like a chemical band, but more importantly, it is a chemical analog to a molecule that signals satiety in the brain so it just plain turns off the desire to eat.

If you run into trouble with it, you stop taking it and it wears off in a few days. The fear that it might cause pancreatitis has been laid to rest by two very recent, well-conducted studies.

I started out sceptical about Byetta when it came out as drug companies lie so much, but I have had enough people I know personally respond to it very strongly to have concluded it is worth a try. Though it is a diabetes drug, it only works for about 1 in 3 people with diabetes who use it and it doesn't have a strong impact on blood sugar. I think it might be most effective in someone who still had some blood sugar control left, because its main impact is on hunger and the brain regulation of eating.