Would You Get the LapBand AGAIN.......If you had it to do over...

Yes!! I still love my band and have had NO complications. You have to exercise  and follow the rules and learn to deal with head hunger. Everyone should choose what surgery is best for THEM. Good luck!

Without hesitation. If I were to lsoe my band tomorrow, i woudl hoep ti could be replaced. And if it couldn't, I would not regret having had it.

But i have to say that ALL wls requires effort and full commitment and if the VSG is what you really want, can you not appeal?

Kate

Yes absolutely.   I still love my band.  I guess I was lucky to have such a awesome support group, because of that I made it to goal the first year.  

Recently I thought I was in danger of losing my band (I'm fine I just worried too much) so I do appreciate having my band because I panicked when I thought I was going to lose it.  So I don't want you to think I hate the band when I say this...I would probably go for VSG or DS if I had it to do over.  The reason I say this is I know two people that have lost their bands due to complications but DS or VSG people don't lose their tool.  That is my main complaint right now. 

Also it seems to be easier and faster to lose weight with the other surgeries.  But then again if weight loss came to easy for me I wouldn't be exercising like I am now.  I feel so healthy and energetic.  I am so glad I am getting into shape now.  I believe when I finish losing weight I will be healthier than someone that lost weight so easily they never had to exercise.   

 So I guess I would have a lot of thinking to do to make my decision.  It's a difficult call.  But I do like having my band and don't want to lose it...I would sacrifice a virgin to the Band Gods to keep my band!!! 

I would do it over again. I have loss over 100 lbs and I will lose the rest it may be slower with the band but to me losing it slower is healthier. We did not gain all this weight fast so why should we lose it fast.

I would fight for the surgery you want.

I only wanted the band when I picked surgery, but no, I would not get banded again. I had one good year with the band and then spent the next 1.5 years going through what seemed like a million fills and unfills trying to find the "sweet spot." My band would often tighten up randomly and I would be unable to even drink water. There was lots of vomiting and it was pretty miserable. Then I had to have a complete unfill for several months and all my hunger returned and I gained a ton of weight.

The VSG has been a huge relief. No hunger, no vomiting, and a normal full feeling.

Fight for what you want, but if you settle on the band, I hope your experience is a good one!

Keep us updated,
Lindsey

Yes, I would do it again. I have lost weight before surgery with diet and exercise but it does not take me long to gain it all back plus 10 extra pounds. I feel confident that the lap band will help me to become healthier. I am trying to avoid health problems that run in my family.

NEVER! Had I known then what I know now I NEVER would have gotten the band! :-( It has been a COMPLETE waste of time and MONEY!!!

I ould not recommend the band to my worst enemy!

Please visit the VSG forum and ask them the same question. You will find that a lot of them are former bandsters.

Also they can probabably give u some advise on appealing your insurance company to get the VSG!

You might want to read this post that I had on my blog about WLS research:

www.obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand/4316546/Lap-Band-Realize-Band-BEWARE/

I would in a heartbeat and recommend it highly to others.  it is not a magic bullet but with work and careful attention (including going in for fills and listening to your body when it says it is time for fills, when to stop eating and when to stop eating certain foods).  The lapband might not be for everyone and you need to read the resarch (not necessarily just examples from those who have had bad experiences).  You need to talk to your doctor about your needs.  and then you need to decide whether you can say goodbye to some of the things that are part of your current life (in mine it was-large meal servings, no exercise and fast food). 

I have lost 141 pounds and am at goal weight now.  I went from a size 26 or 3x to a size 10/12.  I can shop all day, walk all day and work all day without being exhausted.  

I am off my high blood pressure medication.  Only occasionally have trouble with water retention. 

None of this would have been possible without my band.

~ it is not a magic bullet but with work and careful attention (including going in for fills and listening to your body when it says it is time for fills, when to stop eating and when to stop eating certain foods).~

I'm glad u have had good LUCK with it, but that is not the case for everyone! I have now had 15 fills. It has done me noe good whatsoever!