Be honest: Would you do it again? If you knew what you knew now?

No. Never. Not in a million years.

After looking at several WLS I decided that the band was right for ME.  Mostly, I did not want my insides re-routed and I did not want to take supplements for the rest of my life.   If my band were to have a mechanical failure then I would absolutely have it replaced.  If it were to slip I would want to make sure it wasn't I who caused the slip (by overeating and not following band rules).  If it were to erode then I might look at a different WLS if I were to revise.  HOWEVER, knowing that the chance of erosion was miniscule, I considered it a risk I was willing to take (also knowing that EVERY WLS has risks associated with it, both short and long-term).

I attribute at LEAST 50% of my success to my surgeon and her fantastic staff.  We are a TEAM - my surgeon, her staff, my band, and me.  The 3 surgeons at my clinic have done thousands of lapband surgeries - they know what they are doing and they CARE about their patients.  It makes all the difference.

The band is my PARTNER in portion control and weightloss.  It has a job to do (portion control), which it does admirably, and I have MY job to do (measure/weigh my food, exercise and STAY POSITIVE).  If one of us were to stop doing our job it makes it almost impossible for the other to succeed.  Knowing that, I do everything in my power to help my partner and, in doing so, help myself.

I LOVE MY BAND!!!!!!!!!!1

If my insurance still only covered rny or lapband most definitely.  I'm not going to pay thousands out of the pocket when not necessary.   Even if my insurance covered sleeve don't know that I would go through with it w/o first doing the band first.  My philosophy is always try the least intervention first then if you find a bigger intervention is needed move up.

No way because I was already eating 800-1000 calories a day and was unable to add exercise because of health issues.Because of this I lost just 20 lbs. because there was nothing to change. Couple that with being either too tight or too loose and it was just the wrong surgery for me. I think it probably works fine for over eaters but not necessarily for others. All I can do is wish your luck.

Yes . Absolutely.  It has changed my life.  I was always a fit fatty. Now my endurance is off the chart. 

Getting this weight off has been a lot of hard work. buy so worth it.

The amount of food I ate previous to the band I could never work off if I was on the move 24/7

This has been something I have given a great deal of thought.  My conclusion is that I would definitely do it again.  It's just perfect for what my type of problem with obesity.  I ate too much and too much of the wrong foods. 

Even when restriction is a bit confusing, I love my band.  If it wears out or something years from now?   I'd have no compunction with getting another one as soon as they said it was alright.  There are still things I am learning - but I have no regrets.  I have energy now - only super mild sleep apnea now so I do not need the cpap machine anymore, and am off all medications (aside from my blasted sinus allergies :o).  Not to mention that I love seeing all this extra skin rather than the fat that used to fill it.  I have collar bones now!!!! 

And I feel truly great, energetic, and kind of like I'm coming back to life after a long sleep.

Absolutely not. At this point, I do not know that ANY wls is right for me. Im not too comfy with my most of my stomach being removed and my band sucks and always has. Yep I lost a lot, by puking a lot. But once unfilled, I gained a lot back. It never worked right or as described for me, no matter how many fills/unfills/etc.

Absolutely not. It truly was the most heinous experience of my entire life. The lapband affected me horribly and I can't imagine going through it again. I got to the point where I was consulting with an RN about assisted euthanasia, the chronic pain was so bad. I'm grateful having the band removed alleviated at least the bulk of the pain.  I'd never willingly go through it again.

Nope

You asked a question which devides the answers into 3 categories:

1-yes
2-no, but don't bash the band publicly
3-no, band haters

I just hope this doesn't start a new round of surgery wars (not that it ever ended).

PS....I would!