What does Less Invasive REALLY mean ?

I keep reading about people choosing the band surgeries because it is " Less Invasive " but what does that really mean ?

I found this definition for invasive here www.thefreedictionary.com/invasive

(Medicine / Surgery) (of surgery) involving making a relatively large incision in the body to gain access to the target of the surgery, as opposed to making a small incision or gaining access endoscopically through a natural orifice

THIS is why so many people who say they chose/or are choosing their band surgery was because it was " Less Invasive "

This part of the surgery has NOTHING to do with all the things that can go wrong with the band surgeries.

In the context of the lapband, "less invasive" not only is meaningless, it is a LIE.

 I'm sick and tired of reading about people choosing the band surgeries for this reason. This is just misleading.

It's a buzzword they use to sell it, period.. in this case it truly means nothing. I know they pitch it to the effect that they're not cutting any organs, only implanting a device.. a device that eventually will need to be replaced or revised. So, not sure how they justify it.. considering a second surgery is guaranteed sooner or later whether your body tolerates it or not.

I wonder if there is anyone on all of OH that has had the band for more then 5 years, but has not had a second surgery.post band ?  I can't imagine there would be that many.

NO flipped port surgery
NO leak surgery
NO kinked tubing surgery
NO revision surgery
NO slipped band surgery
NO band removal surgery

I have had my band for over ten years and have not yet had a secondary surgery.  I am planning on having a revision though.  I have had no problems medicaly with the band and realize that is just dumb luck.  I had lost 50 but have over the years gained it all back.   Would love to get the DS but my ins will only cover RNY.  Have my consult aug1st.  Can't wait get this thing out of me and get some real help.  Anyone looking into getting the band needs go to youtube and watch some videos of failed band, band slippage and eroded bands being removed.  Seems like everyone who gets a band needs to have it removed eventually.  When I got mine I was told it could stay forever with no problems.  They lied ,eventually, something will happen.  I am luck that nothing as far as I know, has happened.  Will find out more when they so the scope down my throat.  Not looking forward to that but will happily do anything to have a revision.  Why get something that will eventually have to be removed???       

Insurance limitations like that can be fought and won.  MEDICARE covers the DS - they have no basis to refuse to cover it.

I'm am sincerely happy that you have had no problems with your band It is very rare indeed to actually come across someone who has been banded for as long as you have and who has had no issues, but I'm glad we did.

Good luck with your revision and try to push for what you really want.

Pumpkin, we have corresponded on this and other boards for a while now and I respect the hell out of you and I admire you for telling everyone what could happen with the band surgery. I have never said the band is the end off of surgeries because I know things can happen at any time but for this post I do meet your criteria.

NO flipped port surgery - NO
NO leak surgery - NO
NO kinked tubing surgery - NO
NO revision surgery - NO
NO slipped band surgery - NO
NO band removal surgery - NO

Maybe I am a freak of nature, I don't know but I will be banded 7 years in January.

Debbie, I am incredibly happy that you have had zero band complications. I respect you too, and whenever I come across a successful, but more importantly safe and healthy bandster, then I must take the time to congratulate them and acknowledge their successes.

Lisa