Hi all - new here. Still trying to figure out how to navigate the site, but I'm getting there!
In the meantime, wanted to share my story. Mainly to see if there is anyone out there who is in the same boat and might have some helpful advice.
About 6 years ago (2014), I got the LapBand while I was toward the end of my college experience. I thought it was the right thing to do because I was overweight for my age. My parents were huge fans of it, and I kind of was too, but let's just say that part of me looks back and thinks that I did it for them.
From 2014 until this year, I only lost about 25 pounds -- and most of that was from the first week of getting the Band. I decided to go to a new surgeon a few months ago (who I very much like), to see if I have other options for different surgeries. This time, it was my choice.
She informed me that the Band isn't really done much anymore. Apparently, they've found out that it doesn't work as well as they thought and can also lead to complications. We decided to take it out, which I did about 2 weeks ago.
The reason I visited the surgeon in the first place was because I wanted to see if I should do the sleeve or bypass. I have an appointment to speak with her this week, but I'm really on the fence about which one I should do, and if I should do it at all. I've been through the recovery process and know some of what to expect based on my experience with the Band -- the pain from the gas, the pain from the recovery, nausea, vomiting, etc.
I'll just say -- I'm 5' 7'', 260 pounds, and 27 years old. If I do one of the two options, am I making a big mistake? My biggest fear is that it won't work, just like the Band...
Any advice / thoughts / experiences would be much appreciated.
In the meantime, wanted to share my story. Mainly to see if there is anyone out there who is in the same boat and might have some helpful advice.
About 6 years ago (2014), I got the LapBand while I was toward the end of my college experience. I thought it was the right thing to do because I was overweight for my age. My parents were huge fans of it, and I kind of was too, but let's just say that part of me looks back and thinks that I did it for them.
From 2014 until this year, I only lost about 25 pounds -- and most of that was from the first week of getting the Band. I decided to go to a new surgeon a few months ago (who I very much like), to see if I have other options for different surgeries. This time, it was my choice.
She informed me that the Band isn't really done much anymore. Apparently, they've found out that it doesn't work as well as they thought and can also lead to complications. We decided to take it out, which I did about 2 weeks ago.
The reason I visited the surgeon in the first place was because I wanted to see if I should do the sleeve or bypass. I have an appointment to speak with her this week, but I'm really on the fence about which one I should do, and if I should do it at all. I've been through the recovery process and know some of what to expect based on my experience with the Band -- the pain from the gas, the pain from the recovery, nausea, vomiting, etc.
I'll just say -- I'm 5' 7'', 260 pounds, and 27 years old. If I do one of the two options, am I making a big mistake? My biggest fear is that it won't work, just like the Band...
Any advice / thoughts / experiences would be much appreciated.