Banded 9 days ago - came here for support, but...

Hi All -

I carefully choose my WLS, with the support of a doc that I think is really good - has lots of experience, never a mortality, and has not had a patient with band slippage or erosion in 6 years.  So, I got the Realize band last Tuesday and I was/ am feeling good about it.   I have lots 19 lbs (I know crazy, right?) since surgery - mainly due to being on a clear liquid diet for a week, and more liquids (protien shakes, etc) the last few days.  Plus, my start weight was 320lbs, with a BMI of 49 ish, so there is plenty to lose :) 

Anyway, I came on here last night and today hoping to read some positive success stories (I also go on banded living and LBT), but I was so disappointed to see what seems to be some sort of battle going on.   It doesn't do newbies any good at all to hear that lap bands are the worst surgery out there and everyone fails.  I get that many people have complications.   This can happen with all surgeries.  I also get that the band is not effective for some people.  This is also true for all WLS.  I chose the band, mainly becuase I am a mother and the sole financial supporter of 3 small kids (2,4,6), and I couldn't take the surgical risks of RNY or even VSG (although I did consider VSG a lot, and would definitley consider revsing to that if I am unsuccessful with my band).   I had to take the surgery with the lowest mortality rate.   I am vety hopeful that my band will help me lose weight.  I am optimistic that it will and that i will be able to learn to use this tool to achieve a comfortable and healthy weight. 

I hate to see a battle among people who have had differnt WLS.  We all make choices based on our personal and family needs - no WLS surgery is perfect and all come with risks and all come with potential failure.   I would like to be able to come here for support and not have to read people telling me that the band is the worst thing out there.   I have one.  I just got it. I need supprt and I want to be successful.   If I have trouble with it, I will deal with that - that is a risk I knew about going in.  

Just my initial reaction that I thought I would share.  I don't know what these boards are normally like, but I may have to stick with the other sites I have found.

peace, Nora

Hi Nora,

I am sorry that you feel this way about OH. I am one of the band revisions that often responds to newbies asking for the good, the bad, and the ugly before making their decision.

I don't view it as a battle (although I do agree that some people's posts get a bit aggressive), but rather a newbie being able to get both sides of the story. I want everyone to succeed with whichever WLS they choose and I want them to be able to make an informed decision. I am very happy with my current procedure and its results 6 months out, so it doesn't much matter to me what anyone else chooses for himself.

With so many billboards and "seminars" going on to advertise the band, it is unfortunate that the very real possibility of post-op complications requiring further surgery is frequently being glossed over. That is why so many of us who have suffered with the band feel the need to be sure that each newbie does his/her own, independent research so that they can make an informed decision.

There are several veteran bandsters on here and other supportive members in general who will be thrilled to hear about all of your upcoming success and give you support when needed. If the aggressive style posts bother you, you could just pass by the topics suggesting a newbie is asking which way to go, or you could hang around and chime in with your own success to add to the other side of the equation.

Best of luck and congrats on those 19 lbs!!!
Lindsey

Hi Nora,

I have been on this board for almost 3 years.  I have found it to be incredibly helpful and supportive.  I have to admit that it was more so a few years ago.  But I have learned to avoid the drama and the wls wars.  You just have to be selective in what you read and block people who are into those things or are unsupportive.  I still find it useful to read a few threads on here every day.  Sorry your experience has been negative.  Good luck with your weight loss!

Katie

There are a few people who seem to have made it their life mission to try to convince anyone they can NOT to have a band. They periodically pop up here and get things stirred up. You just have to learn to ignore it. There are success stories here, stories of struggle, and even stories of failure - there is a lot to learn. You must always remember that the nature of the internet is that you have to sift through all the garbage to find what you need. The band does take a bit more "fiddling" with to get things just right, so whenever you have questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Nora,

I understand you wanting to hear positive things about your surgery.

But for the longest time, very real negative experiences with the band have been met with hostility on this board.   People who have bad experiences with the band need even more support than those who are doing well.

I believe you will get the support you need here whether you are doing well or not.  Good luck to you.

I can tell you now I AM a success story with the lap band and SO WILL YOU!  I know a lot of us here will support you and guide you if need be. Ignore all the negatives and embrace the positives.  You are at the beginning of your journey and you need a lot of support and ideas right now and we will be there for you!  Like others said, there are always going to be good and bad but take whatever you want out of it all!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU and welcome to the fun ride!

Take care!
Janice

No matter what type of wls you choose there will be people with an opinion about it.  You chose and will deal with whatever happens.  Use whatever boards that work for you.  I chose the band, I am still working with it and so far no complications.  Wish you the best.
Z

Nora - WELCOME!

There will always be naysayers in everything in life... I'm sure you already know that, but this site is no different.

There are people who love their band (like myself) and people who hate the band and ba**** EVERY chance they get.

WLS is a very personal choice, and for each person, their reasoning is different.

I assure you there is more support, than negativity on this board.  It doesnt always seem like that, but for the most part, it's very supportive.  

Hope you stay!

Four years ago when I got banded, there were not only viscious fights between banders and those who had DS surgery, there were viscious fights between several banders, including one member who blocked anyone who asked him how much weight he had lost.  Those banders are no longer on the board. 
This board can be a tremendous source of support and knowledge.  I would suggest that you do the same thing that you would do with a television program that you don't like--don'****ch it, or in this case, don't read any posts that look like they involve an argument about the best surgery or what is wrong with any particular surgery.
And best wishes to you on your new surgery and your future progress.

I had lap band surgery in February and so far I've lost 27lbs.  I haven't had any complications so far, I go for a fill tomorrow.  Best of luck to you and congratulations on the weight you have lost!!! That's great!!