People scare me

I read these post every day... I am having my lap band surgery on June 30th... and reading so many negative things about the lap band on here scares me... I did my research and made my decision... but now? I don't know if I should go with the lap band. My insurance only covers the lap band or the gastric bypass, ans I DID NOT want the bypass... So now I'm thinking WLS is not for me.. or am I just getting the last minute jitters? or should I just ignore what some of the negative things said.
Debbie

There are probably folks who could give you more information about an appeal, but I would appeal your ins. to get the sleeve.  

The band may work for you, but it is such a gamble, and not worth taking if you can get the sleeve.

I think your fear is a good thing.  Don't underestimate your gut feelings.  There is so much information out there about poor band statistics these days.  Finally, people are speaking out who have had a bad experience with the band hoping to warn people of the possible outcome.

Good luck

My insurance WOULD NOT perform any other surgery .. And if I did the sleeve on my own and had problems and complications (they happen with that surgery too) they would not cover any of the resulting complications.

I simply couldn't take the risk so I choose the band.. I have lost 90 plus pounds and I'm still about 50 pounds away from my goal.. and my goal is not to be 140 pounds (not that there is anything wrong with that.. it's just not my goal) I was 313 pounds when I had surgery and I ZERO regrets... would I rather to wait 5 years for my insurance to cover the sleeve.. UM no another 5 years in that body.. NO thanks!! I'll take my chances with the band!!

I think it's common to have jitters.. but you really need to evaulate why your having surgery... pros and cons for you.. I did a last ditch effort and tried WW one more time w/o minimal success... I have NEVER be able to lose a significate amount of weight and been able to KEEP it off!! It's been 2 years and I have kept the 90 plus pounds OFF...

Only YOU know whats best.. go search other boards there is complication and weight gain, and people disappointed with their choice of WLS it happens with all of them ... Do whats best for you.

Good Luck

With the things I know about the band and my personal experience with it, I would of course encourage you to appeal to your insurance company for approval of the sleeve. It would be worth the effort to get a surgery you feel comfortable with. I would also make sure they don't have the "one WLS per lifetime" rule.

You said you did your research and made your decision, so I can only assume that you were comfortable with the lap band's stats on EWL, post-op complications, and follow-up surgeries when you made your decision.

If that really is the case, then this is probably pre-op jitters. I certainly wouldn't ignore experiences or stats, but pre-op jitters are normal for most people about to undergo surgery.

Best of luck with your decision,
Lindsey

Don't let people decide for you, it can only be your decision.  I love my band & have lost 42lbs in 8 months. I've not had any problems at all, apart from feeling pretty rough the first week, but that was to be expected.

Good luck with whatever you choose!!

Jill

The "negative" things are very REAL things that happen. You should never ignore them. Back when I had my surgery, there was little to research, but NOW, there is much more known about lapbanding.

Appeal to your insurance company. The lapband is really not a good option for a LOT of people. There are the exceptions, but the majority of people have less than stellar results or complications.

If you truly feel that you've researched to the point where you feel 100% comfortable with your decision, you have faith in your surgeon and can handle anything that comes your way, then go forward confidently. But, if you have any doubt, take time to rethink your options.

Good luck to you, Debbie. I wish you the best with whatever you decide.

I can only comment on my experience...I have not had any problems.  I've lost 75 pounds and feel GREAT!!  It's the best decision I have ever made....

I had last minute doubts too, but that is normal....

Debbie,

Just do your research. Just because some people have a bad experience with the band dont mean  you will or I will.

Everybody is different and the reason why you hear so many horror stories on here is because usually the ones that have no problems with the band dont even bother to post on here no more .

People always flock to Internet boards when there are problems, if you dont have problems then no reason to post :o)

As long as you are happy with your decision and know going into this process that the band or any WLS for that fact is no miracle cure.  You have to do the work all the band does is help you along the way and once again that is with any WLS.

I'm happy with my band.  And I wouldn't gotten any other surgery and will not get any other surgery its one and done for me this is it :o)

Once again do what is best for YOU that is all that matters

Good luck

Debbie,
 
This Allergans website. Allergan is the maker of The Lap Band.I'm going to highlite some of the stuff I think may be of concern to you in orange.

CONTRAINDICATIONS
The LAP-BAND AP® System is contraindicated in:
1. Patients with inflammatory diseases of the
gastrointestinal tract, including severe intractable
esophagitis, gastric ulceration, duodenal ulceration, or
specific inflammation such as Crohn’s disease.

2. Patients with severe cardiopulmonary diseases or other
serious organic disease which may make them poor
surgical candidates.

3. Patients with potential upper gastrointestinal bleeding
conditions such as esophageal or gastric varices or
congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectases.

4. Patients with portal hypertension.

5. Patients with congenital or acquired anomalies of the GI
tract such as atresias or stenoses.

6. Patients who have/experience an intra-operative gastric
injury during the implantation procedure, such as a
gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended
band placement.

7. Patients with cirrhosis.

8. Patients with chronic pancreatitis.

9. Patients who are addicted to alcohol and/or drugs.

10. Non-adult patients (patients under 18 years of age).

11. Patients who have an infection anywhere in their body or .
where the possibility of contamination prior to or during
the surgery exists.

12. Patients on chronic, long-term steroid treatment.

13. Patients who are unable or unwilling to comply with
dietary restrictions that are required by this procedure.

14. Patients who are known to have, or suspected to have, .
an allergic reaction to materials contained in the .
system or who have exhibited pain intolerance to
implanted devices.

15. Patients or family members with a known diagnosis or
pre-existing symptoms of autoimmune connective-tissue
disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus .
or scleroderma.

16. Pregnancy: Placement of the LAP-BAND AP® System is
contraindicated for patients who currently are or may
be pregnant. Patients who become pregnant after band
placement may require deflation of their bands.

WARNINGS

1. Laparoscopic or laparotomic placement of the .
LAP-BAND AP® System is major surgery and death
can occur.

2. Failure to secure the band properly may result in its
subsequent displacement and necessitate a second
operation.

3. A large hiatal hernia may prevent accurate positioning .
of the device. Placement of the band should be
considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the
severity of the hernia.

4. The band should not be sutured to the stomach. Suturing
the band directly to the stomach may result in erosion.

5. Patients’ emotional and psychological stability should
be evaluated prior to surgery. Gastric banding may be
determined by physician to be inappropriate for .
select patients.

6. Patients should be advised that the LAP-BAND .
AP® System is a long-term implant. Explant (removal)
and replacement surgery may be indicated at any time.
Medical management of adverse reactions may .
include explantation. R evision surgery for explantation
and replacement may also be indicated to achieve .
patient satisfaction.

7. Esophageal distension or dilatation has been reported .
to result from stoma obstruction from over-restriction .
by excessive band inflation. Patients should not expect
to lose weight as fast as gastric bypass patients, and
band inflation should proceed in small increments.
Deflation of the band is recommended if esophageal
dilatation develops.

8. Some types of esophageal dysmotility may result in
inadequate weight loss or in esophageal dilatation when
the band is inflated and may require removal of the
band. On the basis of each patient’s medical history
and symptoms, surgeons should determine whether
esophageal motility function studies are necessary. If
these studies indicate that the patient has esophageal
dysmotility, the increased risks associated with band
placement must be considered.

9. Patients with Barrett’s esophagus may have problems
associated with their esophageal pathology that could
compromise their post-surgical course. Use of the band
in these patients should be considered on the basis of
each patient’s medical history and severity of symptoms.

10. Patient self-adjustment of superficially placed access
ports has been reported. This can result in inappropriate
band tightness, infection and other complications.

PRECAUTIONS

1. Laparoscopic band placement is an advanced
laparoscopic procedure. Surgeons planning laparoscopic
placement must:
a. Have extensive advanced laparoscopic experience, .
i.e., fundoplications.
b. Have previous experience treating obese patients
and have the staff and commitment to comply .
with the long-term follow-up requirements of .
obesity procedures.
c. Participate in a training program for the LAP-BAND®
System authorized by Allergan or an authorized
Allergan distributor (this is a requirement).
d. Be observed by qualified personnel during their first .
band placements.
e. Have the equipment and experience necessary to
complete the procedure via laparotomy if required.
f. Be willing to report the results of their experience .
to further improve the surgical treatment of .
severe obesity.

2. It is the responsibility of the surgeon to advise the
patient of the known risks and complications associated
with the surgical procedure and implant.

3. As with gastroplasty surgeries, particular care must be
taken during dissection and during implantation of the
device to avoid damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Any
damage to the stomach during the procedure may result
in erosion of the device into the GI tract.

4. During insertion of the calibration tube, care must .
be taken to prevent perforation of the esophagus .
or stomach.

5. Revision procedures may require the existing staple line
to be partially disrupted to avoid having a second point
of obstruction below the band. As with any revision
procedure, the possibility of complications such as
erosion and infection is increased. Any damage to the
stomach during the procedure may result in peritonitis
and death or in late erosion of the device into the GI tract.

6. Care must be taken to place the Access Port in a stable
position away from areas that may be affected by
significant weight loss, physical activity or subsequent
surgery. Failure to do so may result in the inability to
perform percutaneous band adjustments.

7. Care must be taken during band adjustment to avoid
puncturing the tubing that connects the Access Port
and band, as this will cause leakage and deflation of the
inflatable section.

8. Failure to create a stable, smooth path for the Access
Port tubing, without sharp turns or bends, can result in
tubing breaks and leakage. In order to avoid incorrect
placement, the port should be placed lateral to the trocar
opening. A pocket must be created for the port so that
it is placed far enough from the trocar path to avoid
abrupt kinking of the tubing. The tubing path should
point in the direction of the Access Port connector so
that the tubing will form a straight line with a gentle
arching transition into the abdomen.

ADVERSE EVENTS

It is important to discuss all possible complications and adverse
events with your patient. Complications which may result from
the use of this product include the risks associated with the
medications and methods utilized in the surgical procedure, .
the risks associated with any surgical procedure and the
patient’s degree of intolerance to any foreign object implanted
in the body.

I made the above part larger because even if you follow all the band rules, you will have NO CONTROL over your body NOT TOLERATING the band.

Perforation of the stomach can occur. Death can also occur.
Specific complications of laparoscopic surgery can include
spleen damage (sometimes requiring splenectomy) or liver
damage, bleeding from major blood vessels, lung problems,
thrombosis, and rupture of the wound.
Ulceration, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn, gas
bloat, dysphagia, dehydration, constipation, and weight regain
have been reported after gastric restriction procedures.
Band slippage and/or pouch dilatation can occur.
Gastroesophageal reflux, nausea and/or vomiting with early or
minor slippage may be successfully resolved by band deflation
in some cases. More serious slippages may require surgery
to reposition and/or remove the band. Immediate re-operation
to remove the band is indicated if there is total stoma-outlet
obstruction that does not respond to band deflation or if there is
abdominal pain.
Gastric banding done as a revision procedure has a greater
risk of complications. Prior abdominal surgery is commonly
associated with adhesions involving the stomach. In the US
pivotal study of severely obese adults, 42% of the subjects
undergoing revision surgery were reported to have adhesions
involving the stomach. Care and time must be taken to
adequately release the adhesions to provide access, exposure
and mobilization of the stomach for a revision procedure.

There is a risk of band erosion into stomach tissue. Erosion
of the band into stomach tissue has been associated with
revision surgery after the use of gastric-irritating medications,
after stomach damage and after extensive dissection or use of
electrocautery, and during early experience. Symptoms of band
erosion may include reduced weight loss, weight gain, Access
Port infection or abdominal pain. R eoperation to remove the
device is required.

Reoperation for band erosions may result in a gastrectomy
of the affected area. Eroded bands have been removed
gastroscopically in a very few cases.  Very few cases my ass Consultation with other
experienced LAP-BAND® System surgeons is strongly advised
in these cases.

Esophageal distension or dilatation has been infrequently
reported. This is most likely a consequence of incorrect band
placement, over-restriction or stoma obstruction.

This is misleading on so many levels. My band(s) were both properly placed as were both my daughters bands and MANY MANY others. It says they were in our surgical report(s)

It can also be due to excessive vomiting or patient noncompliance, and may
be more likely in cases of pre-existing esophageal dysmotility.
Deflation of the band is recommended if esophageal dilatation
develops.
A revision procedure may be necessary to reposition or
remove the band if deflation does not resolve the dilatation.
Obstruction of stomas has been reported as both an early and a
late complication of this procedure. This can be caused by edema,
food, improper initial calibration, band slippage, pouch torsion or
patient non-compliance regarding choice and chewing of food.

Infection can occur in the immediate post-operative period or
years after insertion of the device. In the presence of infection or
contamination, removal of the device is indicated.
Unplanned deflation of the band may occur due to leakage from
the band, the port or the connecting tubing.
Nausea and vomiting may occur, particularly in the first
few days after surgery and when the patient eats more than
recommended.

Nausea and vomiting may also be symptoms
of stoma obstruction or a band/ stomach slippage. Frequent,
severe vomiting can result in pouch dilatation, stomach slippage
or esophageal dilatation. Deflation of the band is immediately
indicated in all of these situations. Deflation of the band may
alleviate excessively rapid weight loss and nausea and .
vomiting. Reoperation to reposition or remove the device .
may be required.
Rapid weight loss may result in symptoms of malnutrition,
anemia and related complications (i.e., polyneuropathies).
Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid .
weight loss.

Other adverse events considered related to the LAP-BAND®
System that occurred in fewer than 1%   Most surgeons working with Allergan DO NOT REPORT ADVERSE EVENTS OR THEY CALL IT SOMETHING ELSE .of subjects included:
esophagitis, gastritis, hiatal hernia, pancreatitis, abdominal
pain, hernia, incisional infection, infection, redundant skin,
dehydration, GI perforation, diarrhea, abnormal stools,
constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia, eructation, cardiospasm,
hematemesis, asthenia, fever, chest pain, incision pain,
contact dermatitis, abnormal healing, edema, paresthesia,
dysmenorrhea, hypochromic anemia, band leak, cholecystitis,
esophageal dysmotility, esophageal ulcer, esophagitis, port
displacement, port site pain, spleen injury and wound infection.
Twenty-six subjects (9%, 26/299) had a total of 27 reoperations.
Thirteen of these 27 (48%) revision procedures were completed
laparoscopically. In 9 of the 27 procedures (33%), the band was
removed and replaced with a new band in the same procedure.

These were due to 3 initially incorrect placements, 5 stoma
obstructions or band slippage/pouch dilatation, and 1 band
system leakage. Two subjects had new band replacements at
separate interventions. Sixteen of 27 revision procedures (59%)
did not require removal of bands. All of these revisions were
performed to correct band slippage/pouch dilatation. Six of
these (37.5%) were completed laparoscopically. There were no
deaths associated with LAP-BAND® System revisions.

Seventy-five subjects had their entire LAP-BAND® Systems
explanted. Fifty-one of the 75 explants (68%, 51/75) were counter
measures to adverse events. Band slippage/pouch dilatation
and/or stoma obstruction was the most common adverse
event associated with these explants (32%, 24/75). Other events
associated with these explants were erosion (5%, 4/75), infection
(4%, 3/75), GI disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux and/
or dysphagia (11%, 8/75), LAP-BAND® System leak (4%, 3/75);
one needle damage to shell and 2 access-port tubing leaks;
esophageal disorders, such as dilatation and delayed emptying
(7%, 5/75); gastric perforation (3%, 2/75); one abdominal pain;
and 1 respiratory disorder. Insufficient weight loss was also
reported as a contributor to the decision to explant in 24 of
the 75 explants (32%, 24/75). Data from a post-approval study
showed an estimated explant rate of 6.5% per year over the first
5 years following implantation.

There is more and here is the link, but Allergan is not being truthful in their " findings " because surgeons are discouraged from reporting the true events.

www.allergan.com/products/obesity_intervention/lap-band.htm


One-year data are available for 149 obese subjects with BMI ≥30
and