LapBand Question - ThinnerTimes

Baron Patrick · 11-07-2005, 01:01 PM

Hello Friends!

I've a couple questions for those who have been banded -

- Is the band on for life?

- What is the "life" of the band before it's so old it doesn't work anymore?

Since my insurance won't cover rny, this is the only alternative for me. They told me they do cover LapBand "BUT ONLY AS A MEDICAL NECESSITY."

(Like I want this for the heck of it?)

Thanks all!

LizardQueen · 11-07-2005, 01:38 PM

I know nothing it about it. Research your little heart out before you decide to go for it. I'm glad you have an option!

lealphachienne · 11-07-2005, 03:00 PM

The Lap-band's research is still new. They are still trying to figure out what the lifespan of one is. The numbers I see quote just a 7 year follow-up. It was approved not to long ago for here in Amrica. I'm not sure what the outcomes of the European statistics, as it was developed there first, I believe about 15 years ago.

GypsyGirl · 11-07-2005, 03:18 PM

Here's a great link for all things related to Lap Bands ...

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/

Baron Patrick · 11-07-2005, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lealphachienne

The Lap-band's research is still new. They are still trying to figure out what the lifespan of one is. The numbers I see quote just a 7 year follow-up. It was approved not to long ago for here in Amrica. I'm not sure what the outcomes of the European statistics, as it was developed there first, I believe about 15 years ago.

Hey Marie;

I read the lapband was approved by the FDA only last year. This makes it a bit ironic. Gastric bypass has been around for years, the procedures have been developed, and yet some insurance companies will not cover this, but will cover the lapband.

The more I understand, the more nothing makes sense anymore!

Thanks!

buttercup74 · 11-08-2005, 05:50 AM

Hi, We haven't formally met, I am Christy. How do you do?
I had the banding done in Oct. of 2004. Like Marie said the long term research just isn't there to determine how long it will last. As far as "Is it permenant?" It is reversible, but my surgeon told me that I should view it as something I will have for the rest of my life. I should tell you that my experience hasn't been great but I have met people that have had phenomenal success amd there is no reason for you to think that you would not have success also! I am having my band removed and doing the by-pass. I was only in the hospital overnight and didn't have hardly any pain. I don't want to influence your decision by saying anything negative because there are so many positives! If you have any ?'s what-so-ever let me know and I will do my best to get that info to you. Keep the Faith and fight for what you want. I have a handbook type of thing my surgeon gave me. If you need me to I will scan it for you and send it to your e-mail. But remember, all surgeons are different in their instructions. Good Luck. Also LisaP was banded at one time too!
.

LisaP · 11-08-2005, 08:19 AM

Hi

I had a Lap-band put in August 2002, I had it for about three years (Had it removed Sept 2005 and revised to GB)
I don’t regret having it done I kept 40 pounds off with it (my highest weight loss was 70 pounds but I gained some back when my port broke) At the time, it was the right decision for me. My best advice to you, is really research it, there is so much they don’t tell you, just make sure you have all your information in front of you. My doctor still does Lap-band procedures but really is not recommending it as to all the problems there are with the ports breaking (mine broke twice and lap-surgery is required to fix it).

From having both surgeries this is what I can tell you:

With the band, it does restrict your eating. That’s it. If you love sweets or sugars and that is your downfall – you won’t get any help there, you can eat them without any trouble, sugar goes down easy with the band.

Also, it is a different type of “restriction” than the bypass. For three years I always felt a tightness in the chest area (where the new stomach was) when you ate a little too much or did not chew enough and it is very uncomfortable. I also threw up a lot with the band, it seemed whenever I got stressed out for whatever reason, my band became more restrictive.

With the bypass, I am absolutely in heaven! I no longer throw up and I do not get that tight feeling in my chest. I get full fast but it is a more natural feeling, like you just lose interest in what you are eating. Im not hungry and for the first time in my life I really have no interest in junk food. My downfall is ice cream – haven’t even thought about it or craved it once!

The band and GB are two very different animals. I feel like with the band you still have to have a ton of discipline and if we had that to begin with why would we need the surgery?

Just my two cents, like I said I don’t regret getting banded but the weight loss is definitely slower – nothing like the GB!