The Weight Loss Surgery Dilemma - Should I Choose LAP-BAND(tm) or....

I promised you all round two of the meeting I just attended of the LAP-BAND™ Patient Executive Council. I find that when I sit and look at all we talked about, and all we accomplished, and all of the studies that were presented to us a few things stood out for me. Here are some of the key takeaways from this conference:

Due to the economy the total number of all weight loss surgeries done in the US has dropped this past year
There are three major weight loss surgeries being performed in the US today - LAP-BAND^™, gastric bypass, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).
VSG is the "new kid on the block", and is currently favored by many doctors since removing 75-85% of the stomach results in dramatic initial weight loss
Good follow-up care isnecessary to support successful LAP-BANDS^™ or long term success with either of the other two surgeries. All weight loss surgery requires the ability to adequately utilize the "tool" with lifestyle changes. The difference between LAP-BAND^™ and the others is that we require the lifestyle changes immediately to get any results, while the other two surgeries both have "honeymoon" periods where it is difficult NOT to lose weight. In the end, education, support, and lifestyle changes are required for all surgeries to be successful. Fortunately, many practices have wonderful aftercare and support no matter where you are on your journey or which surgery you had.
Data can be found in studies in medical journals pretty much to support whatever position you wish to take...one surgery better than the others long term, short term...one surgery having more complications than the others again long term, short term. Sorting through these studies and making REAL SENSE out of them is a job for a statistician, not me. Some studies even show that certain medical devices were used that never even existed, so what do we do with that one?
Facts.....when you take a statistically significant group of patients who have had each of the 3 weight loss surgeries, at the end of 5 years and 10 years you find that we (the patients) statistically have each kept off about the same amount of our weight loss - between 45 and 55%.

My lay conclusion - all three surgeries work- WE have to learn how to work them and understand the differences between them including all of the risks, and all of the benefits of each before we make our decision as to which surgery we would like to have.

It is OUR responsibility as consumers, this is elective surgery after all, to do our research and then ask for some input on our choice from the surgeon. Today I would still choose having my band over having bypass, or VSG surgery, simply because it requires no stapling, discarding of body parts or re-plumbing of my digestive system. It is safe, the surgery (and therefore the time under anesthesia) is performed in less time than the other two, and the outcomes are dictated by my compliance from day one. It is also our responsibility to advocate for what we want and if the doctor we speak to does not "believe" in the surgery we choose we can find one who does and is able and willing to support our journey to health. You will be able to find doctors who support LAP-BAND^™ and can provide the aftercare and adjustments to help you achieve success

Finally, I have been blessed in so many ways. The office I walked into was one with a strong support system in place to help me successfully navigate my journey from 424 pounds to SUCCESS! Next I was encouraged by my surgeon to share my message with any who would listen, including you all as well as the folks who chose me to be part of their LAP-BAND^™ Patient Executive Council. Finally, after weight loss surgery saved my life I have been able to share what I have learned with thousands of you and will continue to do so as long as you are willing to listen.

Gastric Band

Gastric Bypass

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy