Need advice!! Pros and Cons of Lap Band???
One thing about the band that most Drs. DON'T mention to patients BEFORE surgery is that some ppl NEVER reach restriction. So w/o restirction is just like trying to lose weight BEFORE you got the band! I am less than 1 1/2 yrs. out. I finally gave up after 16 fills!
Please read on the revision forum about all the failed bands!!!
Good luck!
Or you could be like me, I ended up with 12 fills that I later found out left 0 in my band. When after I fired the surgeon I got my records I calculated what he had filled my band with almost close to 11 cc, in a 4cc band.
Pretty amazing I thought. All the while I had left shoulder pain, day in and day out.
I lost my meals at least 3-4 times a week. And believe me it was not because I took "a bite bigger then a pencil eraser" or I ate to fast, boy did I know the rules, inside and out.
The whole 2 years I had the band I had shoulder pain and port pain. I still have the habit I then acquired of putting my left hand on my right shoulder, it somehow seemed to make my left shoulder pain feel a bit more bearable.
I still can't really figure out why I put up with this for all that time.
Thank goodness I started to read other boards and finally realized how un-natural this way of eat really was.
Please what ever you decide, research very thoroughly all the different surgeries that there are.
Pretty amazing I thought. All the while I had left shoulder pain, day in and day out.
I lost my meals at least 3-4 times a week. And believe me it was not because I took "a bite bigger then a pencil eraser" or I ate to fast, boy did I know the rules, inside and out.
The whole 2 years I had the band I had shoulder pain and port pain. I still have the habit I then acquired of putting my left hand on my right shoulder, it somehow seemed to make my left shoulder pain feel a bit more bearable.
I still can't really figure out why I put up with this for all that time.
Thank goodness I started to read other boards and finally realized how un-natural this way of eat really was.
Please what ever you decide, research very thoroughly all the different surgeries that there are.
The band has saved my life. I followed the rules the best I could, I did my research and my decision saved my life. I have lost more than 150lbs and still losing!
(deactivated member)
on 4/28/11 10:40 pm, edited 4/28/11 10:44 pm - ~Somewhere in~, PA
on 4/28/11 10:40 pm, edited 4/28/11 10:44 pm - ~Somewhere in~, PA
I've had my band going on 6 years, it has worked for ME, now that being said, it does not mean it will work great for you. I've had MANY fills and a few unfills, some were NEEDED and some fills were too tight, I got NEEDED unfills when my band was adjusted too tight and when I got an unrelated surgery, things happen to merit unfilling the band, this is part of the process. Also I learned my previous surgeon was not filling me properly and I have since changed practices with a new surgeon and now I have perfect restriction and don't need any more fills, but if I do in the future, at least I know that I can keep getting them to help maintain my weight loss.
If you are on a limited income and and don't have extra funds to pay for fills or sometimes NEEDED unfills if you get too tight, then I would not suggest you move forward with the band.
But if you have a great surgeon that has great aftercare and you want to take that risk, I would say go for it NO WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY IS PERFECT, but with the band it CAN get costly and you need to be aware of this, you may get the band and only need 3 fills and get perfect restriction and you go your merry way and lose weight, but again it may not go that smooth everyone is different that's the risk you have to take.
Good luck with your decision.
If you are on a limited income and and don't have extra funds to pay for fills or sometimes NEEDED unfills if you get too tight, then I would not suggest you move forward with the band.
But if you have a great surgeon that has great aftercare and you want to take that risk, I would say go for it NO WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY IS PERFECT, but with the band it CAN get costly and you need to be aware of this, you may get the band and only need 3 fills and get perfect restriction and you go your merry way and lose weight, but again it may not go that smooth everyone is different that's the risk you have to take.
Good luck with your decision.
Hey There. I am so glad you are taking the time to research your options. It is a huge decision. I am only 8 weeks out and so far I am loving my band. At the time of surgery, my surgeon put 3cc's in my band, I have since had one fill and am now at 4cc's. As you probably already know each surgery has a positive and a negative, but all are designed as tools to help you become a healthy person.
Although it's only been 8 weeks I have some pro's and con's:
Pro's, I haven't had any issue throwing up or digesting food. I have lost 41 pounds since the week before surgery (11lb of it was prior). I am down 2 dress sizes. I way more active then I used to be, I actually want to get out and do things. My 5 year old daughter told me that I "am fun now". I have been way more affectionate with everyone, I even started hugging people again. My relationship with my husband to improving. And I just an overall happier person.
Con's, if I don't chew my food then yes, it hurts. I have learned to get up and walk around a bit and it usually passes in a few minutes. I am still working on this. It's been 8 weeks and I still have to remind myself to take small bites and chew. Other then that I haven't had any issues. I know down the road I may come across one, as I could with any of the other surgeries.
It's clear that not every surgery is right or works for every person. It's true the band doesn't work for some people and the opt for a revision. Just remember this is true for the other surgery's as well. BOB or band over bypass are common as while. I know 11 people that have have an RNY and each of them (yes all of them) have had issues too, some minor and some MAJOR. When I asked them if the regretted it, only one said yes.
Good luck with your future health.
Although it's only been 8 weeks I have some pro's and con's:
Pro's, I haven't had any issue throwing up or digesting food. I have lost 41 pounds since the week before surgery (11lb of it was prior). I am down 2 dress sizes. I way more active then I used to be, I actually want to get out and do things. My 5 year old daughter told me that I "am fun now". I have been way more affectionate with everyone, I even started hugging people again. My relationship with my husband to improving. And I just an overall happier person.
Con's, if I don't chew my food then yes, it hurts. I have learned to get up and walk around a bit and it usually passes in a few minutes. I am still working on this. It's been 8 weeks and I still have to remind myself to take small bites and chew. Other then that I haven't had any issues. I know down the road I may come across one, as I could with any of the other surgeries.
It's clear that not every surgery is right or works for every person. It's true the band doesn't work for some people and the opt for a revision. Just remember this is true for the other surgery's as well. BOB or band over bypass are common as while. I know 11 people that have have an RNY and each of them (yes all of them) have had issues too, some minor and some MAJOR. When I asked them if the regretted it, only one said yes.
Good luck with your future health.
Jenny S
I want to share my experience with you, and also put a disclaimer in...these are my experiences and do not reflect upon another person's choice of surgery or results.
Pros:
It is adjustable
It is removable
It keeps me feeling satisfied between meals for at least 4 hours.
I can change my diet to suit my current needs as I get older. Malabsorbtive procedures do not allow for this...
It will not cause malnutrition in and of itself. If you find you are too tight, you must take action quickly to reduce your amount of fill to avoid complications.
I can eat like a normal person in social situations with my band at optimal fill (for me) and get right back on my food plan for my regular meals. I have never been faced with a situation where I could not eat anything, with one exception, in 11 months.
Cons:
Post-op care can be a pain. Because I have a Med-Advantage insurance plan and needed to follow medicare guidelines, there was only one hospital I could go to for care. I had surgery in Seattle and see my doctor and PA in Federal Way a good hour and 20 min away.
When I travel to a warm and humid climate, I can have issues with tightness for a couple of days...now that I know what to expect, I am more prepared for it and plan accordingly.
It is a slower way to lose weight unless you are an exception or exercise addict. I am neither, but I have lost almost 50% of my excess weight without excercise and without "dieting". I eat pretty much what I want and socialize a lot. I drink wine 2-3 times per week...
You will never feel "full" again the way you did pre-op. This will require you to stop eating before you are "full"...if you keep eating to the point of discomfort, you will risk real complications, such as a slip or heartburn. Learn your soft stop signs pre-op...a runny nose, cough or hiccup, for example and practice stopping then.
The biggest con I have come across thus far is the abuse we bandsters take from a few of those who haven't had a good experience with their band, will constantly berate your choice of surgery with a vengance. It honestly borders on bullying. If you have had your band for 6 months and are happy, they will tell you it will eventually fail you...if you have had it 7 years, they will tell you to come back in another 7 years and bet you won't be so happy then...they honestly believe this and I don't hold their unhappiness against them, but once a person is banded and posts a question, they should be left alone. If you have a thick skin, you will be fine, if not... I wouldn't let it deter me from my choice and WLS is not a way to win a popularity contest....
Some things to consider:
You will need to change your lifestyle for quite a while to accomodate pre-op and post-op requirements. This is a good thing...at least for me. I have changed more detrimental habits in the last 18 months than I ever did in the previous 60 years.
The following can be pros or cons depending on how you look at it:
You will need to be diciplined in measuring, weighing and logging your food intake to ensure you are getting enough protein and other nutrients and keeping your carbs and fat to a minimum.
You will need to drink at least 64 oz of non-caloric (water) beverages per day
You should not drink with meals or for at least a half hour after
To lose more than 1-2 lbs per week on average, you will need to exercise daily at least 30 min.
You should take a multivitamin daily
If you have a problem, your first resource should be your surgeon and staff, not an internet forum.
There are some "complications" or "side effects" that can happen with or without any kind of WLS...these include but are not limited to:
Heartburn and GERD...ask to be tested for a hiatal hernia before surgery.
Constipation...less in, less out.
Noises coming from your stomach...before surgery most of us had pretty full stomachs...this might be the first time you are aware of "true physical hunger"
Lightheadedness...another way people who are naturally thin know they are hungry...
Most WLS will require you to cut your food into tiny bites and chew 15-25 times per bite and stop eating when you get a signal, runny nose, hiccup, cough etc. If you overdo it, there will be consequences.
I hope this helps you and that you are successful with whatever surgery you choose..
Steph
Pros:
It is adjustable
It is removable
It keeps me feeling satisfied between meals for at least 4 hours.
I can change my diet to suit my current needs as I get older. Malabsorbtive procedures do not allow for this...
It will not cause malnutrition in and of itself. If you find you are too tight, you must take action quickly to reduce your amount of fill to avoid complications.
I can eat like a normal person in social situations with my band at optimal fill (for me) and get right back on my food plan for my regular meals. I have never been faced with a situation where I could not eat anything, with one exception, in 11 months.
Cons:
Post-op care can be a pain. Because I have a Med-Advantage insurance plan and needed to follow medicare guidelines, there was only one hospital I could go to for care. I had surgery in Seattle and see my doctor and PA in Federal Way a good hour and 20 min away.
When I travel to a warm and humid climate, I can have issues with tightness for a couple of days...now that I know what to expect, I am more prepared for it and plan accordingly.
It is a slower way to lose weight unless you are an exception or exercise addict. I am neither, but I have lost almost 50% of my excess weight without excercise and without "dieting". I eat pretty much what I want and socialize a lot. I drink wine 2-3 times per week...
You will never feel "full" again the way you did pre-op. This will require you to stop eating before you are "full"...if you keep eating to the point of discomfort, you will risk real complications, such as a slip or heartburn. Learn your soft stop signs pre-op...a runny nose, cough or hiccup, for example and practice stopping then.
The biggest con I have come across thus far is the abuse we bandsters take from a few of those who haven't had a good experience with their band, will constantly berate your choice of surgery with a vengance. It honestly borders on bullying. If you have had your band for 6 months and are happy, they will tell you it will eventually fail you...if you have had it 7 years, they will tell you to come back in another 7 years and bet you won't be so happy then...they honestly believe this and I don't hold their unhappiness against them, but once a person is banded and posts a question, they should be left alone. If you have a thick skin, you will be fine, if not... I wouldn't let it deter me from my choice and WLS is not a way to win a popularity contest....
Some things to consider:
You will need to change your lifestyle for quite a while to accomodate pre-op and post-op requirements. This is a good thing...at least for me. I have changed more detrimental habits in the last 18 months than I ever did in the previous 60 years.
The following can be pros or cons depending on how you look at it:
You will need to be diciplined in measuring, weighing and logging your food intake to ensure you are getting enough protein and other nutrients and keeping your carbs and fat to a minimum.
You will need to drink at least 64 oz of non-caloric (water) beverages per day
You should not drink with meals or for at least a half hour after
To lose more than 1-2 lbs per week on average, you will need to exercise daily at least 30 min.
You should take a multivitamin daily
If you have a problem, your first resource should be your surgeon and staff, not an internet forum.
There are some "complications" or "side effects" that can happen with or without any kind of WLS...these include but are not limited to:
Heartburn and GERD...ask to be tested for a hiatal hernia before surgery.
Constipation...less in, less out.
Noises coming from your stomach...before surgery most of us had pretty full stomachs...this might be the first time you are aware of "true physical hunger"
Lightheadedness...another way people who are naturally thin know they are hungry...
Most WLS will require you to cut your food into tiny bites and chew 15-25 times per bite and stop eating when you get a signal, runny nose, hiccup, cough etc. If you overdo it, there will be consequences.
I hope this helps you and that you are successful with whatever surgery you choose..
Steph
6-7-13 band removed. No revision. Facebook Failed Lapbands and Realize Bands group and WLS-Support for Regain and Revision Group
Excellent post Steph.
I'd add one other thing to your list of side effects towards the bottom of your post.
Some banded folks who lose fast can develop gall bladder issues. There's a medication that can be taken to help deal with this (can't recall the name of it now), but has to be taken the first 6 months if it's going to be of use.. at least that's what my surgeon says.
I'd add one other thing to your list of side effects towards the bottom of your post.
Some banded folks who lose fast can develop gall bladder issues. There's a medication that can be taken to help deal with this (can't recall the name of it now), but has to be taken the first 6 months if it's going to be of use.. at least that's what my surgeon says.
Lisa
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Reinhold Niebuhr
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Reinhold Niebuhr
Awesome post, Steph. I think you are spot on about the bullying. I sure have developed a thicker skin. You kinda have to in order to stick around here. I wish more people could share their negative experiences without going into attack mode. Sigh. It is what it is...I can wish we could all get along and play nice but that's not realistic. I can dream though....
5.0 cc in a 10cc lapband (four fills) 1 unfill of .5cc on 5/24/2011.
.5 fill March 2012. unfill of .25cc May 2012. Unfill of .5cc June 2014.
Still with my lapband with no plans for revision. Band working well since
last small unfill.
HW: 267lbs- size 22-24 LW:194lbs CW:198lbs Size 14-16
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