question for the lap banders!

So I just want to ask the banders here in Delaware a question.. I know you guys that have done the bypass have lost a ton of weight fast.. but I am reading mixed reviews about the lap band.. I am going for that surgery... I know it's what you put into it..I just am wondering what the progress has been for you guys??? Were you able to lose all that you wanted to with the band?? How are you doing so far?? Thanks for anyone *****sponds.. I really need to make sure I am confident about the lap band before I do it.. Because I don't want to turn back.. Toni

Just like with any WLS procedure it has a broad range of success/failures.  I am an RNY patient but know many many bandsters on another board.  Many are hugely successful, many are not. (I also know alot of RNYers and DSers, many are successful, many are not).   But please remember that there are just as many complications/concerns with the lap band as with RNY and DS.  The complications are just different.  Some are serious some are not.  Go into this with your eyes open.   I know of at least 7 people who have converted from the band to RNY or DS due to mechanical failures, slippage, stomach erosion, etc.   It's definately mostly about what you put into it.  Same goes for RNY and DS.  Your plan should be to do your homework, research, research, research, and not just on this board, there are many other WLS sites out there with excellent information.  When I had research papers to do for school, I utilized several different libraries, not just the one they had at my school.  This is about you and what you will be comfortable with and the effort you are willing to make.  Make the decision that YOU can live with FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

thanks for responding!! I know it is what you put into it. I am set on the band because I am scared of the whole re-routing the intestines.. However I know the complications with the band as well... The slippage and erosion problems scare me also. I have also heard of peoples ports flipping or turning... I have done a ton, ton, ton of research!!! I just want to get the perspective of real people that I can actually talk to.. I have friends who have done different surgeries with great results.. So.. You get what you put into it I guess!

Good Girl!  I an in no way trying to talk you out of the band.  My SIL is getting one herself soon and I fully support her decision.  I just wanted you to know, to move into your decision with your eyes open.  Contrary to popular, outside, beliefs, no WLS is the "Easy way out".  Yes the Band is much more easily reversed then DS or RNY, but not without lingering effects.  They are all major, life changing surgeries.  Every time you lay on that operating table you take on the risk of dying.  I just hear so many lapbanders go into the process thinking, "oh if I don't like it I'll just get it out".  It doesn't work that way.  This piece of equipment stays in your body, perhaps forever.  In order for it to work properly, you need to get stuck with a needle for a fill/unfill.  Some people don't take the fill/unfilling process into consideration (and some insurance companies don't either, make sure those are covered, BTW, I've know of a bandster going in for her first fill and getting charged $600 because her insurance company didn't cover fills).  They think they're coming home from the hospital already at their "sweet spot".  Again it doesn't work that way.  Take the time now to become acutely aware of your body and how it functions prior to surgery so you'll know when you are at your "sweet spot" or if something isn't right.  Sit in a quiet room after you've eaten and listen and feel.  Your body will talk to you. BTW I too considered the band at first.  I changed my mind because the thought of the port sitting under my skin for the rest of my life totally skeeved me out.  I'm weird that way.  LOL  Also at the time my insurance company didn't cover the band, I do believe it does now.  But that was a minor point because I was ready to take a loan and pay for it myself if I had to.

lol I know I think I am going to turn into an alien with this thing stuck under my skin.. and i can't stand needles... but my whole family is a lot more accepting of the lap-band.. I don't know why.. they cut you either way you look at it... My problem is that I have absolutely NO patience and I want immediate results.. I know, I know!! I didn't gain overnight so I won't lose it overnight...  I am ready to make the change though to a healthier me. I'm 22 years old... and I can't see my feet when I am standing... I can't breathe when I go up more than 2 flights of stairs and I absolutely hate trying clothes on right now.. The bigger sizes are all ugly clothes.. like just because I am not skinny I can't wear nice stuff... ahhh I am rambling now.. But I am really serious about this and I know it is a life change but I am glad I have a whole network of awesome people just a keyboard away from me if I ever need help! I loveee this site

Hi AK, I also considered the lap band, but very briefly after doing the research.  My health was so bad and I was so close to losing my life, I had to do something that would render very fast results and was irreversible.  It was a wrenching decision for me to be permanently altered but the band did not fit my needs at the time.  I did not want to make the 3 hour trip every month for fills, didn't want a port under my skin, and needed to lose that weight faster than the band could offer.  I wanted to disable my poor food choices for the rest of my life, but with the band you can pretty much eat what you want, just less of it.  That was how I got where I was and did not want to ever go back.  I chose the Lap-RNY with Dr. Irgau and have never regretted it.  I am almost 18 months post op and have lost 155 pounds, had my plastics in November 2007 and feel fantastic.  Yes, I developed ulcers due to the cardiac meds I must take for the rest of my life but that is easliy dealt with by listening to my tummy and using my Carafte for flare-ups  No big deal.  It beats the hell out of dying young.

Hey Toni,   I had my lapband surgery done back on 9/11/06....I feel the surgery definetly worked for me, because I know I could of NEVER lost 105 or so pounds without the surgery. Just like any surgery, it is just a tool...The first 25 pounds or so, came off with me sitting on my A@@, but after that it seemed that the exercise that I was doing, DEFINETLY helped with those pounds coming off.  Read some of the lap banders on the Lap Band forum, you will read alot of successful stories, as well as some not so successful...If you are having the lap band surgery done, if you  have time, try to attend a lapband meeting on the last Thursday of each month 7PM (rear of CHRIAS building)...there you will be able to hear everyones expierence.  Best of Luck  Dave

thanks.... that is great how much weight you have lost! I need to lose about 80lbs to be comfortable and want to lose at least 100lbs to put me at 130lbs.. I know small goals first.. I just keep looking at the big picture. I like to work out so I think I will definitely work the band.. I think I can make the meeting this month... I am thinking my surgery will be def scheduled between april and may... I am almost done with all of my appts!

I am still pretty new to the band life. I was banded 2/11/08 so far I am down about 17lb. I haven't done much exercise, I am still sore. I haven't experienced an of the negative effects. right now I can pretty much eat what I want just not as much.(at all) Have the time I'm not even hungry, I forget to eat. lol. My first feel fill is on 3/26/08. K.D