Ummmm...Hello?

Just to clarify...and I'm probably gonn **** some people off even though it's not intended that way.  But, I've lost over 200 pounds and my wife Kris has lost 116, so to US the Lap Band is a phenomenal tool to use.  So, if anyone's on the fence trying to decide, just know that the band is NOT a failed experiment.  Apparently it works for some, not for others.  Didn't hear anything about dumping or other problems associated with Bypass.  I know I'm in the minority here, but the Lap Band WORKS.   I don't care what Channel 5 says.

We worked the tool..and still have a long way to go.  But you know what?  It's a choice. 

Honestly, I don't care WHAT kind of WLS you had, I love all of our friends here and I'm just happy we're all getting healthier together....  And, BTW, Stephanie looks AMAZING!!

But, the Republicans get a response to a Democratic address...Dan Aykroyd gets to counter-point Jane Curtin....so my response is...to those who don't know and are looking into it, PLEASE INVESTIGATE BOTH.  Maybe Channel 5 should interview a Lap Band patient so they can promote how good it's worked for THEM as well.... 

Just sayin...

I'm doing a interview with Yvonne for the WLS Channel soon...does that count?  Geez I'm nervous about that!

Hmmm, just sayin' I'm down 94 lbs with the "failed band".  I agree, it is a personal choice, and on how much you are "personally" going to put into the effort, how educated your Doc is, your after care...  the band has come a long way in the last few years.  The docs are more educated, the after care is more educated...   I don't care what type of surgery you have.

I will stand steady on my "there is no cookie cutter surgery", there is not "one" perfect surgery out there for anyone.   YOU have to work YOUR tool of choice, what ever that choice is.  Can you fail with the band? yes, can you fail with RNY, yes...  We all can learn how to eat around what ever choice we chose.  You have to be COMMITTED to what ever surgery choice you choose.

Told self I wasn't going to post on this subject, but other self took over.  No, the band did not cause me to have multiple personal ties, I had those before surgery....

When I was approached to do the TV spot, I was asked to do a story about the need for psychological testing prior to WLS.  When I was interviewed I did tell them that I had SEVERAL friends that were VERY successful with their bands.  (In fact I mentioned you and Kris by first name).  However what they chose to air was out of my control.  For ME, the lapband did not work despite my best efforts to follow the rules and I made it clear to them that it was MY experience only.  I apologize if you think that I meant to slam any particular type of surgery.  To me we are in this fight together to fight obesity and to overcome the challenges we face due to our obesity and food addictions.

Steph, Chris has been in the media for years...we both know ALL ABOUT creative editing and we KNOW that Channel 5 did the band bashing.  Their "teaser" said they were bashing some WLS.  Just wish like in politics they'd show the negatives and positives of all sides.  
We both thought you looked fantastic btw!

Steph,

I know how the media editing works also.  Nothing bad being said against you.  Just voicing my opinion on that I know the band doesn't work for everyone, neither does RNY.  Just want to tell folks not to rule out the band just because there was "Media Bashing" done. 

You do look awesome! Just sayin'

Chris - I have told folks that for ME the band would not have been a good choice b/c I NEED the dumping but I also always point out that I know people - you Kris trainman - that have done great wtih it and that it is a PERSONAL MEDICAL  choice

just clarifying b/c I love my RNY but dam I still don't look as good as Kris :)

I have always thought and will continue to think that this is a personal choice.  Education and thoughtful consults with your surgeon are the keys to success.

My only opinion was expressed to Adam when he was considering which surgery to have and it was that the LapBand would be high maintenance.  He has found that to be so very true.

A person must first be dedicated to being healthy and then make the choice of a lifetime.

Now as my Chris considers his surgery, I can only say talk to his wife, talk to his surgeon, talk to his GP.  It is his choice, not mine or yours.

My vote is to say that I know a lot of peeps that have been successful.

 Hey Chris....All the WLS work but some don't work for everyone.    I don't really think that piece on the news was meant to "bash the lapband" but if you really think about it....more people fail their WLS when they  have the lap band than any other WLS....that is MHO.    I know so many people who have had lap band surgery and only lost 50 lbs and couldn't get past that.   BUT I also know people like you and Kris who have totally rocked that band.     Just shows that it works for some and not for others.    Not having the lapband I would never ba****but then again people do need to hear the facts about what effects that it can have on others just like the RNY can cause and usually does cause dumping, possible strictures and other things.     Just my opinion.   We love you guys and would NEVER intentionally offend you by putting down your WLS.    All of the WLS work....you just have to be a good patient of that surgery and "work it" to the max as you and Kris have done.
Congratulations on both of your success !!!!!  I am so proud of you both !!!!!!


Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

Chris, you didn't **** me off.  I don't know why people like to slams surgeries.  Whatever works, works, period. 

I know people from all surgery types that haven't done as well as they'd like to have done, or gained weight back.  Some people just like to be naysayers and find fault with surgery choices, I call BS on them.

Surgery is a TOOL, it works better for some and not for others.  


Edited to correct Kris to Chris, sorry :(.