Strongly Regret Lap-Band

My experience with this Lap-Band, after paying about $21,000,has been less than desirable and that it does not work for some people. I followed the instructions and was never able to get past 2nd stage foods. I hope the light of truth will be shown on this misrepresentation of this weight loss alternative. Many patients would be better served to have ALL the data pre-op to review and come to a logical decision that information would provide in my opinion. I had 3 fills and spent most of my day vomiting. Now I am stuck with this (expensive) device inside my body that serves no purpose. For those considering lap-band I would review a recent study that suggests RNY has better long-term results. These comments are bases strictly on MY experience and do not reflect those who have had great success with lap-band. Vanessa in Tennessee

Sorry you are having trouble...Can't they just loosen it up a little so that you can eat? Hang in there.

Are you going to have the lap-band?

Vanessa- If you've had 3 fills, have never gotten past mushies, and spend your day vomiting then you are too tight, period. Go to your surgeon and ask for an unfill. Have you expressed your dissatisfaction with him? Is he being any help? If not, I would suggest finding a more knowledgable doctor! Aftercare is a HUGE part of being a LapBand success. Please e-mail me if you'd like to talk, I'm always here for a fellow Bandster! Take care! And seriously consider having an unfill! Grace

Hello Grace, Thank you for responding. I am sorry so long in replying back. I had all of the saline removed from my band back in March of 2004. Now I have gained back all the weight and just wish I had never spent all of this money and never had this done. Now I don't have a chance of getting the surgery I need. I am in the process of trying to have revision surgery. I am just getting a little overwhelmed already. Vanessa

Sorry for your terrible experience. Can you not have the band removed ?

Yes. I am hoping to have revision surgery it is just a long process trying to set it up and get the insurance approval process in motion. Vanessa

Hey there sorry to hear that this has been a shocking experience. After care by a 'Professional' is so important. If you have never gotten of mushy foods and are vomiting all the time then your band is TOO TIGHT!! Have the fill fluid removed ASAP and if your specialist is that incompetant that he/she can't see that you have too much restriction find another doctor that is on the ball. I was banded 4 months ago and have found the experience liberating to say the very least. Feel free to get in touch with me if you need to talk. Jan

Dear Jan, I am glad to hear that this has been a good experience for you. I hope you have long-term success with the band. I just don't think some people can adjust to it. It has been very heartbreaking for me to endure this. The studies do not show as good of long-term results with the band as with RNY. I wish I had taken those facts more seriously when I made this decision. Vanessa

I need your advice because I'm "going for" the lap band. I live in Nevada and am seriously thinking of going to California to get the surgery. What about aftercare? What do you think?