ASMBS: Gastric Banding Gets Low Marks
Best of luck on your journeys,
Heather
That is so NOT true. Yes............u do have to comply to be successsfull but being compliant does NOT guarantee success with the band!!! There are way too many banders with slips/leaks/errosion/esophageal problems! Not to mention the ones that never reach a good restriction. Some are either too loose or too tight. No inbetween!!!
Best of luck on your journeys,
Heather
You're less than four months post-op. I've spent many, many months 'on a diet' in my lifetime, and, sure, it was possible to stick strictly to the rules for six months or so. The problem with all diets is that you must stay on them FOREVER, and most of us can't do that.
If you can lose and maintain with your Band long-term---good for you. But as time goes on, I'll betcha it will get harder and harder.
I didn't want a 'tool' that I had to 'work'. I wanted a surgery that would fix what was wrong with me---a screwed-up metabolism.
I followed my surgeon and food plan religiously. I was super compliant. I tried to meet my tool half way. Unfortunately i got Gastritis 5 times in 14 months. My surgeons said it was not the band causing the gastritis, but I sure had a lot of Bandster friends who also had Gastritis or were popping Omeprazole/Prilosec all the time. I endured 3 barium meals to check for slippages (never did have one) and was hospitalized with dehydration after not even being able to keep water down for 3 days - on an empty band.
I am looking forward to RNY and hope to have better PERSONAL success at that one. I do have a couple of friends who have successful bands, but they struggle with restriction and reflux. If your band works for you, Great!!. If you have not had surgery yet, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!
All the Best, Karren
Must admit I wasn't going to get into this but I will add my bit. I must say I am extremely happy with my band. In four years I have not had any problems and maintained under my goal weight for 2 1/2 years. My blood pressure remains in the normal range and my diabetes resolved after 6 months. In four years I have had three fills. That being said, we have been doing lapbanding here since 1994 and something like 90% of WLS is lapbanding. I will email my surgeon and ask him for the latest statistics as I don't have the motivation to trawl the net. You can find any study to say whatever you want. I do that all the time at work to argue a point.
I do think assessment for which WLS someone undergoes is vitally important. Lapbanding for someone who can't exercise or won't do the 'head work' to resolve psychological reasons for their obesity (for example) is just dumb. I hardly ever come to OH anymore, I'm too busy. Presently I have two weeks off work so have been coming in. I find it really disappointing that people cannot support each other whatever surgery they have.
Sharyn
on 6/27/10 9:44 pm - Woodbridge, VA
Despite your last comment, most people DO actually support those with different surgeries. Check my friends list - patients of every surgery type. Posting an informative article, even though some choose to read such as an attack for some reason, is still supportive - it's sharing information with those who are still researching or trying to decide between procedures. I would argue that it is the pointlessly defensive responses that generate the most animosity and tension on this board.