Does anyone know the success rate of lapband surgery?

Thread Starter  

Hi Everyone!
I was talking with my friend who heard on the radio today a Doctor talking about Lap Band surgery and gastric bypass surgeries and the success rates for both. The doctor said the success rate for Lap Band is 25% and 80% for gastric bypass!!?? That really doesn't sound right to me. From what I've read here on this site, that doesn't make sense. Anyone hear what the stats really are?
Lisa :)

Yes, I discussed this with my surgeon recently. Its 60% Lap Band the first year and 80-85% gastic bypass the first year. At year 3 it comes out to about 60-65% for both. Most gastic bypass patients gain back 20-25%. Some people do say Lap Band is 50%. I'm at 70% year 2. Good luck and I hope this helps.

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Julie
banded 6/6/06
Dr. McKeen, San Jose CA

320/213/goal 199. Almost there!

Hey Lisa. Really that's a loaded question. It depends on how you define "success". Success for most surgeries means that the pt makes it out alive, lol! For weight loss surgeries, success is measured in percentage of excess weight lost, so that number should be relatively the same for most people.

Example: I have 100 lbs to lose and I lost 50 lbs. That puts me at 50% excess weight lost. Say somebody else had 200 lbs to lose and they lost 100 lbs. That puts them at the same 50% excess weight lost, even though they lost more total lbs. That's why the numbers are easy to compare.

Like Julie said, the lapbanders lose slower than bypass people (in general), but it tends to even out after some years. So the question shouldn't really be "which surgery is more successful", but "which surgery will work best for me as an individual". As you probably know if you've been lurking around here, the band is only a tool.....you'll have to do some work as well if you want it to work for you.

Bottom line, do the research carefully and ask questions from people who have had the different types of surgery (uh, like you just did, lol). I think the band is the best option, but there are people that think the RNY is the best, and there are people who swear by the DS. The more information you get means the better chance you'll have at making the right decision. Good luck!

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Dr. Hekier - banded Feb 22nd 2008
6'4" / highest wt - 378 / target wt - 250ish
www.myspace.com/treyswint

My surgeon says weight loss is initially quicker on gastric bypass but that lap band catches up in 2 to 4 years. He does say that any weight loss surgery has a long term success rate of only around 40 to 45% because so few people want to change their bad habits. He does both surgeries and has done gastric bypass for years but only suggests it for people with really horrible comorbidities who need that very fast weight loss.

I think it is a tool and the work is up to you. I worked with a couple of people who had gastric bypass who ate the most horrible of diets lots of cheetos and candy.....let me tell you the bathroom was no place to be after they had been in it. It is attitudes like theirs that causes all that weight to creep back on people. Advantage lap band......get a fill and remember what the long term goal is.

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finally have a surgery date!!! 7-14! I am the first one up that morning. 7-7+7....hope that is lucky!
self pay
Dr. Christopher Edwards
Springfield MO

304 h/263 c/ 135g down over 40 lbs! since 3/6
3/6, 6/9, soon I hope!

I agree with everything said here...just thought I would throw a curve ball. I have lost 56% of excess body weight in 7 months and still losing. I agree everyone is different and each type of WLS has its pros & cons. Just get educated and your heart will help you make the decision. However, I love my Band.

Cindy

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Thread Starter  

Hi To All!
Thanks for all the responses....I really appreciate your concern. I already know that I'm going to have the Lap Band but that statement my friend heard from the Dr. on the radio kind of scared me. I just couldn't believe a 20% success rate. I've been doing a lot of research on the Lap Band and I do know it's a tool and I plan on fully taking advantage of that tool. I think maybe my friend misunderstood what the 20% was. I wouldn't have gastric bypass....the body is altered too much and there are lots of risks. I've been researching all my info since Jan. My surgery date is set for July 2 and I'm very excited. I know it won't be an easy journey, but I welcome the challenge....I feel it's finally time to lose this weight and really , really join the rest of the world in things my weight has been prohibiting me to do. Thanks again for all your help and support....I wish you all good luck and great success!

Lisa :)

My surgeon says that the average is that 50-60% of excess weight is lost after 2 years. You have to keep in mind that an average means that some people lost 100%, some lost 0%. You can lose it all if you want to put the effort in.

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Banding Date: 10 Dec 07, Dr Stephen Watson, StJoGH, Murdoch
No longer Morbidly Obese!!!

My surgeon's office shows about 60-70% after 3 years for gastric bypass and around 43% for lap band. With the lap band you can cheat, you have to fo the work.