How many RNY patients go back to the DR only once in a year? You don't go for checkups? And wouldnt you say that is definately NOT the average that you return to the DR only one time per year? I would say your expectations are a bit rose tinted.

Wearing a size 7 nine months after banding. No pain after surgery no problems, so easy I drove myself home from the hospital. before you make such uninformed statements about the band you should do your research. Just sign me, losing weight and eating cake too.

Good Info!!!!

Kimberly, You've got the right idea in that you're asking questions. That is the best possible thing you can do to determine what's right for you. However, you need to base your decision on which procedure is right for YOU, not just because it's what you can afford. Please, if I may suggest, take comments on RNY from RNYers, and comments on the BAND from bandsters, since people can - and SHOULD - really only speak from their OWN experiences, not from something they read or heard second- or third-hand, much of which is incorrect and/or not based in fact. You'll find that both procedures produce people who would not, under any cir****tances, have opted for the "other" one, under any cir****tances. That being said, the only regret I have about my band is that I didn't do it sooner. I was 376 pounds at 5'10", with a BMI of 54. I was taking about 10 medications a day including 2 insulins, had Type 2 diabetes (obviously), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome, edema in my legs, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. All of those comorbidities and all the meds that were prescribed for them are gone. I have lost between 215 and 220 pounds (depending on the day) in less than 2-1/2 years, have gone from that 54 BMI to 22.8, and have gone from a size 32 to a size 8. My glucose levels preop were between 250 and 350; currently they run between 90 (before meals) and 130 (after meals.) I have lost far more than my own expectations (which, I must admit, were pretty low based on prior weight loss efforts) and far more than my surgeon's. I have lost more than (I'm pretty sure, anyway) ALL the bandsters I know who had the same BMI range and the same time "out from surgery date," and have lost more than the majority of the RNYers I know. I am not telling you this to brag but, rather, to show what is POSSIBLE with the band. It IS possible to lose ONE HUNDRED percent of your excess weight. My case may be an anomoly, but it IS doable. Best of luck in your journey, whatever path it takes. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them. As anyone who knows me will tell you, my life is an open book. Bette, "The Mutant" and satisfied Bandster Dec. 2003 376/157

Totally false facts!!! i am 3 months out and have lost 70 pounds to date!!! I love my band!!!! Laura fuller