LAP-BAND regrets???

I'm in the very early stages of learning about wls. I am leaning towards lap-band surgery (I couldn't do the RNY). I'm very interested in hearing about regrets or "no regrets". Thanks! Elizabeth

I'm not sure a lot of banders visit these boards. Every thread I've seen about this pretty much had no regrets. There's one lady I know of who's body pretty much rejected the band and she had it removed a couple of months after it was placed. She pretty much knew something was wrong immediately. Another lady I know of has had her band a while longer, but she had to have her port removed. I haven't been able to stay up on her story but I heard she may need to have the band removed as well and is considering the bypass. Those are the only people that I've ready about with real issues like this. I'm sure there's more, but that's what I know of. I personally have lost 40 lbs, and I'm now at the size I was when I graduated high school. I'm very excited. Sarah 280/239/140

Hi Elizabeth, I'm in the surgery scheduling stages right now for the Lap band and am reading up on the good and the bad about the surgery. Personally, I'm a little nervous. I have 2 friends who have had lap band surgery - one over a year ago and the other just last week. I also have a friend who had the laparoscopic RNY as well. All 3 indeed have different stories - but the one thing we rarely hear about is the depression that follows the surgery and the psychological issues that may arise afterwards. BE PREPARED! Contrary to popular opinion, us bandsters and "soon-to-be" bandsters do visit this site often - we just sometimes don't see things that pertain to us. My pre-op advice is to be sure to read ALL the posts regarding Lap Band surgery - the good, bad and indifferent to ensure you have the whole story prior to surgery. Go on Google.com as well and plug in Lap Band surgery - there is a lot of information at your disposal that you may not find here. Check out www.lap-band.com as well. I've heard/seen a lot of information and still plan to go forward. I go for my scheduling appointment on Thursday and will be sure to keep you posted. Peace & Blessings, Jameka

Hi Elizabeth, After reviewing all the information on here from people who had RNY and Lap Band, i decided that the Lap Band was the only way for me to go. My surgery has not been scheduled yet, I am still in the 6 month process that is required by my insurance company. There is a site www.weightlosssurgeryinfo.com that you can go to and they will send you a booklet about all the different types of WLS. I received the book last week and found it to be very informative. Good luck on your journey Susan

Hi Elizabeth, I did the same thing as you - looked for some lap band regrets. To tell you the truth I didn't find many. I did find some flipped ports, one erosion and lots and lots of poor aftercare or ignorance. It is good that you are searching for information because that is the key to the success of the band if you ask me. Personally, I love the band so far. I have lost 22 lbs & 9 inches without even a fill yet (this week). My surgery went well, 1 day in hospital, couple days on the couch and I was fine. Please keep asking questions and doing your research. Of course, there are plenty of nice folks to answer you on the lap band forum.

Hey Elizabeth. Sorry it's been awhile since I was on this board .. the day you posted this, we were in New Orleans signing consents for my husband's Band! You are welcome to read my profile. It pretty much lays it all out there. My journey has been frustrating at times, but ultimately rewarding and absolutely the best thing I've ever done for myself. Best of luck to you! jeanie

Whoops. I was adding a ticker to the DH's profile, and I forgot to log into my own! Oh well, you can read them both. jeanie

Hi elizabeth, everyone seems to be so positive about the lap band but I have a different story. I had the lap band in oct 2004 and in dec 2004 I had it removed. I developed alot of adhesion around the band and it moved onto my esphogus. I had troule breathing and alot of reflux problems. I am not knocking the band because I did lose 35lbs. It is a good tool for some but not for others. I wish you luck in your quest. I am now thinking of having the rny. I know there are many more complications but there are also complications with the band so please do your research.... Julie....

Not trying to be a cheerleader here but honestly no regrets. Best of luck, Caeli

I am almost a year out with my lap band. NO REGRETS from me, at all. There have been rough spots for sure...but it is really more about my mind set trying not to let go of old habits, and not about the tool itself. I LOVE my band. I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING. I am now down 80 lbs. and my last adjustment was back in November. -Paula- 233/153/130