Surgery next week and a little scared now.....

I hoped prior to my surgery that I would be one of the lucky ones as well. I assumed that if I followed the band rules and did the things I needed to do to work WITH the band that the band would work. IT DIDN'T! I wish you ladies luck b/c in the end........with the lap-band.........that's really what it all comes down to! :-(

~I know there are risk with any type of procedure I chose, but I would hate to have to go under again.~

If you don't want multiple surgeries then that band is NOT the surgery for you! Most band complications seem to start about 2-4 years, although I have seen bandsters develope slips, erosion, esophageal dysmotility in as little as 1-2 months out and had to have the band removed. Bexie got her band around Nov. or Dec. and had to have hers removed at just 1 1/2 weeks!

You will notice that you rarely see a bandster that has made it 5 years out with their band, and if u do see it, they have almost always had to have a 2nd surgery!

~Any word of advice would be appreciated.~

Run! Run far and run fast AWAY from the band. I wouldn't wish the band on my worst enemy.

Thanks for the advice Maria. I like the idea of the band being removeable if it doesn't work for me. I'm sorry the band didn't work for Bexie and others. Eight of my coworkers have had other WLS and six of them are experiencing major problems, one almost died, and most wish they had bypassed the 'bypass'. So far my friends and relatives have had great success with their bands. I'm praying for success.

I let my surgeon pick the band and he used the Lap Band.

I am with you I have met several people who have had WLS, both the sleeve and band. None of my band friends have had complications. You have Togo into it knowing that it is a tool and will NOT do the work for you!

I feel strong that my brain knows it is there and I am very careful what goes in my mouth now!

I am scheduled for my first fill on the 15th.

Stay positive and follow the rules!

Thanks SueBee. How are things going for you so far?

 I agree with both of you ladies. I know several people who have had other WLS and are regretting it. But their surgeries can not be reversed like the band can. I am getting nervous and excited for this up coming week. 4 days till I'm Banded!!!!!!!

Boy, that advertising really works. I bought into the "reversible" part, too. I'm sitting here with extreme pain from a hiatal hernia, gastritis and bleeding ulcers... all from the "reversible" band. Not to mention the adhesions from the multiple corrective surgeries.

I'm going to say this bluntly and honestly so I can at least feel decent for having warned you. The band is dangerous, it causes a LOT of problems and most people have to have multiple surgeries to reposition, correct or revise.  It is NOT a good long term solution to anything.   I'd keep researching... including reading the Revisions forum.

I had mine done 9 years ago, so I swear to God, I've seen it happen over and over and experienced it firsthand. That "reversible" band damages the stomach and esophagus much, much more than most of us can even imagine. The nerves that run through that area aren't meant to be touched. And they ARE touched... and that causes very unfortunate consequences.

True it is removable, but not always as easy as putting it in. It despens on how much damage it has done internally. The band takes about 30 mins. to be installed. The removal can take 6 hrs. I have a lady that had to have her band removed after 1-1 1/2 years that will be doing a post for me about her this. Hers was a 6 hour surgery, and I have heard of many others taking that long.

Hope you are one of the lucky ones that has great long term success with their band though. Best of luck to you!!! :-)

Surgery rescheduled for Mar. 12. Was a little bummed at first but I'm okay with the change. It gives me a few more days on my liquid diet.