Why is the lap band not popular? I have a BMI of 28 with many weight-related health issues.

Question

I need to lose weight but only like 20 pounds max. I am willing to pay cash but not sure if this thing does not work. FYI, my husband had the gastric sleeve a few years back and he has never gained his weight back. I am too small for the sleeve.

Mark Pleatman, MD (retired) · Answer

Bariatric surgery has risk.  It's a significant operation.  Don't be lured by claims that Lapband surgery is safe and easy and reversible.  Living with a Lapband is NOT easy.  You would get tired of the frequent and expensive visits to the doctor to have it adjusted.These comments are in response to statements made by Dr. Simpson.  Yes, the band can work well in some patients.  Unfortunately it doesn't work well in MOST patients.  And even in the ones where it does work well, we have seen that after a number of years problems eventually will develop in most patients requiring removal of the band.  These problems include esophageal dilation, concentric pouch dilation, slippage, and unexplained refractory reflux.  Dr. Simpson claims that "it is a great operation that has every bit as good a result as other weight loss surgeries."  This statement simply isn't true.  Weight loss is NOT as good as with other operations.  Resolution of medical comorbidities is significantly worse than with other operations.  This isn't just my personal opinion.  I work in Michigan where our Michigan Bariatric Surgery Consortium has compiled results from tens of thousands of operations.  My comments are based on this data.  Nobody should get a Lapband.

Terry Simpson, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The band needs follow up - not much mind you, but more than most bariatric surgeons were willing to do. In addition, there were some "rules" about the band which were not true - that it was "restriction" or that it would make you "feel full." The band does suppress appetite, and the band works well, as long as you have someone who can help you with it-- it is a great operation that has every bit as good a result as other weight loss surgeries.

Why is the lap band not popular? I have a BMI of 28 with many weight-related health issues.

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