Lap-Band Problems - and solutions

Our Lap-Band Forum (and all surgical forums) is a place to provide education, exchange information and give/take support.  A debate isn't the purpose nor the intent of this thread but to have a discussion between Dr. Simpson and OH members.

Just as a reminder, make sure to keep all posts on the topic, and not on a person.  In the case of this thread, the topic is "Lap-Band Problems - and Solutions."

Thanks,
Member Services Team

doctor im so sorry that the money has brained washed you. tomorrow makes one month for me post op. it has been the most miserable month of my life. i have followed all the rules even lost twenty pounds in less then a month. but guess what I will take the twenty pounds back in a heart beat if I can have my old self back. I am so miserably in pain and discomfort, between the burning, stabbing, paralysis, shoulder pain, sneezing, sinuses, back pain, inability to move certain ways, and inability to do my job properly, I want cry.

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First- I am here to help. Second, I am sorry you are having problems- you need to see your surgeon if something is wrong. And when you start with "the money has brainwashed you." I am thinking that you are being a bit less than straightforward with me. You should not have that pain - please see your surgeon

Just wanted to send you a big {{{HUG}}}.......it does it better.

We might not be the correct audience, honestly. The people who "love" their bands don't post here much. They've gone to a private group where they don't have to hear the truth. Those of us still here are more like realists. I've had a decade to develop my quite militant opinion about bands. I admit to being absolutely stubborn in my opinion. After going through hell with a band it's rather hard to speak highly of it.

When you say the truth - it is the truth as you have experienced. Sorry you went to hell with your band - and my job here is to help those who have them use them properly so they don't go through hell. Or if they are, help them fix it. 

Have you had a band yourself, Dr?
I was taught how to use my band by Dr Santiago Horgan. He tried valiantly to help me but the band still damaged me irreparably. If it were solely my experience I would not have such low regard for banding. But it's not only been my experience. I've spent ten years watching people suffer and it's painful...just as a fellow human with empathy.

Ah yes- so you were taught that the band is restrictive, and it should be tight. Dr. Horgan's views are the old views that we all taught people.  Such views lead to reflux, heartburn, slips, pain. 

Here is the issue that I have: people love confirmation bias. You had a bad experience, and then you will see those who have bad experiences and assume it is a trend. That is confirmation bias. That isn't supported by the literature, it isn't supported by the studies (except a few very small ones). But you will find those people here.  

My purpose is to help those having trouble learn a different way to use the band. Things like:

The band does not work when you eat a meal- it works two hours later. 

The band will not make you feel full.

The band will not make you feel satisfied.

The band will suppress appetite - a couple of hours after you eat.

People who choose to work the band differently, well -they run into problems

Huh. I never had the band filled.
You never had a band obviously.

and you choose to come to a forum where it is to help and argue.