anyone have info on lap band results
I spent the worst three years of my life with a lap-band. Despite following the protocols, I had terrible, terrible reflux. If you've never had reflux, you might think, "So what?", but let me tell you, reflux/GERD can totally ruin your quality of life. It sucks really, really, bad! Talk about sleep deprivation!!! I had crazy variations of restriction (due to a slip that didn't show in my repeated upper gi's), and it wasn't possible for me to have a fill. I fought hard to keep that band. I wanted it to work so bad! I spent a small fortune on GERD meds to try and make things bearable. After three years, I started having LOTS of stomach pain and was forced to go see a surgeon (mine had moved away). We tried some different things (changed meds, tried to unfill the already empty band, upper g.i., endoscopy) and he then agreed it was time to go ahead and remove it. After the surgery, he told me it really needed to come out and that I had a big slip the whole time. The night of the removal was the first time in years I slept through the night reflux free. I lost 40 lbs with the band in three years, but most of that was done when I was seeing a personal trainer three times a week, so I don't think I can attribute it much to the band.
I chose the band simply because it was the least invasive, and I was terrified of dying on the table. It was that simple. Back when the FDA first approved the band (2001ish?) I remember seeing much better statistical numbers than what more recent studies are showing. I knew the band wouldn't perform as quickly as the bypass, but believed that over time, it could get me pretty close. I also had high confidence in my own abilities to kick butt with the band. Man was all that wrong! For me, it was all a big waste of time and money.
Since then, a diagnosis of diabetes has overcome my fear of surgical death. I'm facing major health issues and death without surgery, and a really crappy quality of life. So with fresh eyes, I've been revision shopping. I've read the studies, talked to surgeons, spent many hours of many days on the OH boards and at DSfacts.com. Folks, I've sipped the DS koo-laid, and boy does it taste good to me!! But I'm not here to trash the band and promote the DS. I'm just here to tell you about my experience, and suggest you research the heck out of all your options. Don't blindly trust any one source of info. Gather a nice body of information for yourself so you can make the best decision for you. Best wishes with whatever course you choose!!
Lori
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