My husband and I have done a lot of research and debate on this topic. We are both in the process of going through the steps necessary to have WLS. I am leaning hard towards GBS and he leans a bit more toward the LapBand.
Some of the things we have discussed/debated:
He is scared to death of surgery and anestheia (never had an operation before) and concerned that his co-morbidities will put him at higher risk (he is diabetic and has sleep apnea)
I have had a number of knee surgeries and a c-section so I know I tolerate anesthesia (except for the puking part...
) and I really do not have any high risk co-morbidities - my biggest problem associated with my weight is related to my knees.
He feels that GBS is too drastic and permanent.
I say that obviously the less drastic approaches have not worked in the past, and why on earth would we NOT want it to be permanent.
He is concerned about the changes to the "natural" stomach/small intestine relationship and the possible malabsorption associated with permanently bypassing a portion of the small intestine.
I don't like the idea of having something foreign in my body forever and I am concerned about how long the band and port will last. I really would prefer only one operation if possible, not to have to have the thing removed and replaced in a few years. I also do not like the idea of having a "port"
He likes the idea of being able to "adjust" the fill to increase/slow the rate of loss.
I don't like the idea of having to go back all the time for fills, etc.
He likes the idea of slower weight loss and feels that it might be more healthy in the long run and might result in less flabby skin.
I kinda like instant gratification - it keeps me more motivated. I think I would do better with a more rapid rate of loss and quite frankly, I would rather have a bit of flabby skin than that skin being held tight by mounds of fat.
He is scared to death of the idea of dumping, which aparantly is less of a problem with LapBand.
I say, "bring it on" - a little negative reinforcement might be exactly what I need. Most people I talk to HATE the feeling of dumping and will avoid it at all costs. I really need to do that as well, seeing as what usually makes people dump is exactly what they should not be eating in the first place.
He has heard that there is less hair loss associated with the LapBand.
I say, hun, you're losing it anyway - just admit it and move on
Both of us have come to the conclusion that we will have to make the decision in conjunction with our surgeons and what they feel is best for us.
I
am a little concerned about the potential for malabsorption and the need for nutritional supplimentation for the rest of my life. It is a price I am willing to pay.
Hope this helps. Welcome to the board. Keep looking at all the old posts - they are full of information. Keep asking questions. Someone here is bound to have an answer!
Good luck!