REPOST: Why I chose the band

 I hope you didn't think I was referring to you when I made the comment about ripping into someone about their surgery choice. I wasn't talking about anyone specificially, just the surgery wars in general. I made mention of mine being worse than the adjustable band because it was a "one size fits all" and it's just not possible. 

 Me? Nope! 

 
No, I really wasn't very clear at all.  Sorry about that.

I can go to a board, any board where band people are and write the facts, post the studies, show that they have been making various types of bands since the 70s and the stats still are no better.  Then I'm accused of bashing the band, insulting everyones choice, blah blah blah.  I don't even pay much attention to it anymore.  I just think that it's time for people to finally get it, stats are not a lot better than they were years ago, the various bands still have huge and major problems, and stating truth and studies is not band bashing.  I'd do the same with any medical procedure that did not provide good results and especially when there are better and far safer (long term) results.

It's not the size that matters!  People have problems regardless.  They slip, they erode, they form scar tissue that grows to your liver, they cause stomach necrosis, they reach a point where there is no sweet spot, they cause vomiting, nausea, and a host of other problems and starting about year #2 is when they problems kick in most of the time.  Not all the time, most of the time.

Ins co's are changing to a once in a life time WLS.  If someone chooses a band and it doesn't work they are self pay for a revision.  Revisions are expensive and risky.  I'd rather see people get something far more effective and safer.

Bottom line, you said yours was the worst surgery.  Again... stats aren't a whole lot different today than they were when you were banded.  So what's the difference?

 Maybe there isn't any difference. I really haven't done any research on the old vs new bands. I realize I made a bad choice when I had the old band. Who knows, If I had waited a year later I may have had an adjustable band, I don't know. 

I'm choosing what is best for my body.  I have to live with myself and my decision.  I am reading everything and research, research, research is the best thing you can do.  I wanted the band but after long consideration I have decided to go bypass because I am a sugar addict.  I know that with the band I can still eat sugar and I love sweets.  So I would be a failure on the band.  My non existence will-power is what got me to the weight I am now, so a tool that is correct for my body and my personality is what is best for me.  This is a MAJOR decision and it is a decision that is between you and your surgeon.  I hate when people try and butt in and tell you how much of a mistake you are making.  This is MY so called MISTAKE and I will make it on my own without another human being involved.  I got myself into this mess and I am the only person to get myself out. I love these boards for personal stories and advise on how to cope with certain issues that arrise.  I am happy for anyone who goes to WLS and is successfull no matter what surgery they choose.  I wish everyone luck on this journey we are all suppose to be on together. 

 
I agree, you need to get the surgery type best for you.

With that said I just want to make sure you are aware that only about 1/3 of bypass folks dump and even then it only lasts a year or so in most.

I just didn't want you going into this thinking it is a given bypass will make you dump on sugar.  Odds are, it won't.

Bette,

All I have to say is one thing.

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

YOU DID GOOD!