Considering WLS not ...

Hi John, I had the permanent band (Vertically Banded Gastroplasty) 3 years ago. I lost my first 100 lbs. in 7 months and have lost a total of about 140 lbs, puting me right where I should be. I have absolutley no regrets. I never need fills, I will forever need to watch the quantity of my food consumed so I don't overeat, but I don't have to worry about malabsorbtion, eating sweets or anything like that. It is purely restrictive, but I do get a sickening taste in my mouth if I eat too much of some things. It was the absolute best choice for me and my style of eating, and am very thankful for my doctor, his nutritionist and the psychologist for helping me make the right decision. good luck!

Good morning Duke .. I lived up near Hayward Wi for 26 yrs and moved to Tn 4 yr ago  but I miss Wi alot ..  I had lap band onOct 19 2006 and have now lost 58 lbs,  had no pain, no gas and went home the next morning after I took a shower and washed my hair .. No re-routing of your intestines, no malapbsorption , no dumping no diarrehea  and no daily vomitting either . and no staples .. best decision I ever made concerning my health ,.  we are slowly restricted over time with a smaller tummy.. therefore we eat less  I have  had 3 fills and now have 1.8 in my 4cc(medium size band   once we get to what is called our "sweet spot" we do not need any more fills usually it takes 3 to 5 fills  to get to this spot  (about 6 to8  months in the beginiing .It is a simple  and very safe operation and compleletely reversible. Also, the band can be unfilled if you get really sick and then slowly filled again when you get better   My daughter had an RNY 6 yr ago .. she lost a great deal of weight the first 6 to 9 months (called the window of opportunity)  but most of that was thru diarrhea and vomitting all the time .. you will lose much slower  with the band  but we also can continue to lose  3 and 4 yrs later if need be .. You do need to diet with the band  and choose your food wisely ..the band helps  keep you satisfied on much less food . it is not the choice for  everyone.. you do not dump on sweets or fats like RNYS ... until lap band came along I would not consider any weight loss surgery. Lapbands are quickly becoming the weight loss surgery of choice gaining popularity every day .. . check out the lap band forum and ask lots of questions   there are some  with bands who have lost over 250 pounds .. good luck  ..whatever you choose ..I know it is not an easy decision ..