Thinking about the band

I had the band for over 9 years.  I had a lot of issues.  I couldn't eat.  The bad food went down without trouble resulting in weight gain.  I had an upper gi that found my stomach above the band was dilating. That was grounds to be removed.  I ended up revising to the sleeve and am very happy I did.  I am still progressing through the stages of eating/healing but I have not thrown up once and the feeling of food going down my throat is awesome.  I lived in misery for years...not anymore.  Consider the other options but do what is best for you.

So glad to hear you are doing so well Karen! Best wishes for a speedy recovery and much weight loss.

Great to hear you had the revision and are doing well Karen!  Best wishes for a Happy and healthy New Year.

Hello, new to this forum!

I love my band and I was banded almost 13 yrs ago. I did well and moved as quickly as my group that had gastric bypass. I did gain back some weight after 10 yrs but mainly because I had all the saline taken out and thought I could maintain on my own. I got back all those old eating habits and after losing 130 lbs, I put back on about 50 lbs.

I'm back on track now got a fill and I have a great dr that's been supportive for the whole 13 yrs! I say get a dr that you trust and he or she will guide you with what's right for YOU. If there's nothing else I've learned with bariatric surgery is that EVERY BODY is different. Try not to compare.

And last but not least you were right in saying that the band is something that can be removed. You look pretty young in your photo so I think it's important to make the right decision with all you have to consider.

Best wishes

Deb (replay queen)

When I went to my first information meeting with my doctor in February 2015, I was told that the only band surgeries they do is to take them out.  The band has far more complications than the RNY, Sleeve and DS.  Please do lots of research and read this forum and the Revision forum.  Most people having revision are getting the band removed and revising to one of the other 3 surgeries.  

Hello everyone,

I'm seriously thinking about gastric sleeve for 2 months now.

Two years I had more than 12 diets and more weight loss workout programs. All without any visible results.. Eating clean is for me a must and at least one hour exercise per day..

Now, what I could do more?? Nothing changed.

That's why I've started to consider weight loss surgery, especially gastric sleeve. I've read some information about this procedure on Placidway's website and I've seen there some good packages.. but maybe you can tell more from your experience.

The thing is I would like to have the surgery abroad as my insurance doesn't cover it. So, why not having a nice trip and the best medical care?

I need some advice, please!

If you are thinking of a sleeve you should go to the VSG forum (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) they will be glad to help you. This is the lap band forum and a totally different surgery and a bad surgery in my opinion! Please try the sleeve forum they are very nice folks there, Good luck to you!

Had my surgery in Mexico last July. Yes it was more like a vacation than a big surgical deal. Care I got was fantastic, basically no pain, out and about enjoying Tijuana 2 days after surgery. Like you my ins wouldn't cover it in the US. spent less than $5,000 including my airfare.

I've been banded for 10 years. I've only kept off about 15% of the weight I lost. Never got to goal. No real probs with my band but I do not recommend them to anyone, especially if you eat snacks, sweets, chips, etc. It's easy to eat around the band.

Hi amcz!  I am banded almost 9 years and down 110 pounds. No problems and no additional surgeries. Love my life and my band.  I do not like the follow up and doctors appointments it involves.  I would probably opt for the sleeve or Rny today.  I am lazy and don't like going to appointments and paying an expensive copay.  Other than that no problems. I am sure you will make the right decision for you.  If you left the hospital the day of the surgery I don't think the type of surgery is the real issue.  Maybe you need to be more prepared  for the life changes the surgery will bring. Good luck!