Thinking about WLS

I am thinking about getting the Lap Band surgery.  I need to lose 85-95 lbs.  I'm reading through people's posts to see what types of questions I should ask a surgeon as I make my decision.  Is there anything else you wish someone would have told you before you had WLS??

 I wish I would have asked more questions about revision rate, failure rate.

I wish I would have asked more 'real life bandsters' about that and not just the surgeon.

I have had great success with my band and my weight loss.

But, I attend a local group of about 20 bandsters and there are 2 of us at goal and 2 or 3 that got to goal and remain within about 20 pounds of it, but in 3 years of attendance, the majority of the group has not been ble to lose the weight they expected to.


POI read so often here about people who just seem to wake up one day with new reflux issues and bands tightening unexpectedly.  I pray every day that it won't happen to me.

I just can't in good conscience recommend the band to others.

I wholeheartedly agree with Kathkeb, the band is not what it is portrayed to be. The first year or two are ok and you might lose some weight but the majority of us do no lose a significant amount of weight. Then after 2-4 yrs problems start and there is a good chance of losing the band because of the problems. There are a few people who have done very well but they are the minority. Please read about all the surgery options before deciding on the band.

I lost 50% of my extra weight and was concidered a sucess.  I had
my band removdr four week ago due to the problems mentioned above.  That said when the PCP wanted it removed I fought and cried to keep it another 18 months before I gave in and admitted I couldn't deal with the medical issues anymore.