My claim is pending!!!

Oh yea I havent updated my ticker having issues with it. But I am down to 238 from 287 this summer. So I dont care what anyone says about the band. I love it even when I eat to fast and it tells on me.

You have to really do your research and make the best decision for you.  Please don't base it on what your doctor is doing, base it on what you are trying to do and how you are trying to lose.  The band is a commitment, but it has taught me how to make better choices and how I should be eating.  Alot of people talk about foreign objects however people get things in their body all the time (ex. knee replacement, implants, pace makers) Your follow up with your surgeon is very important.  In the begininng the work falls on you, but you have to be willing to commit just like any other wls. So if you want the RNY look for other surgeons.  This is a very important decision, one only you can make. I chose the lapband because I needed to learn how to change my eating habits and I can say that the band has taught me that. has it been hard yes it has, do I have the opportunity to seek another surgery and the insurance will pay for it yes I  do. However if I am not doing my part the band will let me know , the weight loss will stop and I will be at a stand still. Good luck on your decision.   

Hi Shay..........I agree with what Lee said.  Base your decision on your needs, not your doctor's choice of what he decides to perform.  I'm an RNY'er and am loving the results.  I initially wanted to be banded, but after researching my options, I decided that the band would not provide the results and weight loss that I sought.  Whenever I am at the wl center, it's easy to tell who was banded and who chose other options.  It's just a matter of what your needs are, and your commitment to getting there.

It's never a good idea to compare your wl journey with anyone else's, but I observed my boss, who was banded over a year before my surgery.  It will be 2 years out for her in a month or so.  She's dropped about 50 lbs thus far.  I'm at 5 months out and over 80 lbs loss.  Everyone is different, and loses at differnt rates, but I knew after observing her progress that it was too slow of a pace for me.

I'm in Charlotte also, and I know there are compotent physicians that perform all of the procedures.  I had a great one with great service and results.  Hit me up on a pm if you want to chat more.

Best wishes to you for whichever one you decide on.

Janice

Find a new doc.
You shouldn't let what THEY do dictate what YOU do.
I agree with Lee.
And the other poster. If you just are DYING or HAVE to stick with the doc, I'd look closer at the sleeve.
While I see some on OH who have done great with the band, most of those I know in IRL who have had it, really haven't lost much. If you are looking at 100lbs, I'd keep shopping.
But that's just me.
I'll probably get flamed for this.

I feel like I am a successful lap bander.  I am almost three years out and I have lost 83 pounds since surgery.  It is much slower and I have not always done everything that I have needed to do in order to be at goal by now. I am happy with my success with the band.

Okay....I'm going to just be straight and say this....having a lapband (and I consider myself a success, 90 lbs and counting ) TAKES A LOT OF WORK!!!!!..before anybody trips...EVERY weight loss surgery takes work...but having a band takes EVEN MORE work than most and it takes a long time too loose BUT it's a WONDERFUL surgery to have.  Less invasive, less expensive, less complications on average but...it only works if you work it boo.
It took me three years to loose 90 lbs.  If you are prepared emotionally that you will not be loosing as quickly as a RNY-er and you are prepared to work just as hard as your band does, meaning REALLY clean eating, working out consistently, getting fills regularly, keeping your attitude positive, no excuses and being REALLY accountable, then go for it.  Also, many (for the reasons I just outlined) lapbanders don't get to goal.  Cuz IT'S WORK! Most people don't want to work at it.  They want it to be easy and fast. 

Also,  I am NOT a fan of the realize band.  I think it allows you to get away with too much. Meaning, it allows you to over eat too easily.  However, it slips less often.  Most surgeons are using the realize now.

So think about it.  You love your surgeon and not having him/her may be something to consider.  Also, who ever you do choice if you have a band must have an EXCELLENT follow up program for lapbanders.   Hugely important for you success with the band.

Okay girl, that's the truth from a lapbander.  Hope it helped.

Thanks you all of the good advice. I found a great surgeon locally whose willing to get me in later this month. He's also willing to accept all of my completed paperwork as is versus having me go through the approval process again as a new patient! I'm so happy!!!!

Oh yea...I'm going to have RNY thru him and really can't wait.