How has the band changed within the last 3 years?

Hi MJ! My best friend had bypass three years ago and told me about this site. She said the arguments about which surgery is "better" can get vicious so I just avoid them. We just need to keep in mind what OUR reasons are for choosing the band. We've done our research and weighed the pros and cons according to our priorities and no one's decision is any more valid than anyone else's. I haven't had my surgery yet (12 days!) but we can't let ourselves get freaked out over something that may or may not happen. I'm sure you educated yourself and went into this well-informed and there's no sense second guessing yourself now or conciously worrying about potential complications. My PCP recommended I go with the band and that meant a lot to me. I trust that my doc wouldn't steer me wrong.

Best wishes to everyone, regardless of surgery type.

Hi Liz.  You're right.  I think most of the time many of us are fine and happy with our choice...but once in awhile something comes up that just shakes our confidence a bit.  I put over a  year of research into my decision and both my sisters are banded so I have my own personal support group -haha.

I'm not quite two weeks out so I'm still in the "what did I do to myself phase" , lol so I'm a little sensitive but it's all good.   I'm going to work my tool the best I can, and if something happens, so be it.

Good luck on your surgery!

That's awesome! I wish I had someone in my "real" life who's had it. I know a few who have had RNY but not the band.

I think it might be best for me to stay away from the boards until after surgery...I don't want to give myself nightmares! ;-)

Marjane, things can and do go wrong, but it really isn't worth worrying about! Did you see my stats table earlier in this thread? Yes, the band is an implanted object and, yes, it can cause problems. But many of those who went through the apparent months of agonising pain etc didn't have to! They could have had it taken out!

These 78% complications etc include things like bringing food back. Yup, i am in that statistic. I bring food back about once every two months!!!  Big deal!

Kate

MJ,

I'm so sorry. I brought this to our support area (board). I can't tell you how much I feel badly about it. I too, have received a lot of encouragement and support from this board. I don't think I would be as successful without the kindness of others on this board. Please, continue to use this board for support and encouragement. I can't count the amount of times, I felt scared or nervous about the future and I came here for encouragement and was pulled out of that funk by the kindness of others on this board. I know there are so many others that will continue to be supportive and encouraging to us. Again, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me.

oh don't be sorry at all!! this is what the board is for - I have definately found support and when Liz responded to my initial issue it made me feel a lot better.  No need to apologize!!

I am truly sorry I brought this to our "peaceful" board. I was reaching out, because I got caught up in feeling upset over the comments made on the main board. I should have known better to even respond the first time. I'm very sorry I have caused anyone to be scared or have anxiety.

I respect those who want to share their experience so those who are searching for a cure to obesity can make an educated choice. However, this is NOT the board to scare people who are already banded. I'm sure if we have any issues we will reach out to the revision board or where ever, if needed. I pray we are welcomed with compassion, if that day ever comes.

This board was intended for support and encouragement. I own the fact that I may have caused stress on anyone. Again, I'm very sorry.

You are so so sweet - you didn't do anything wrong!  This board can be for venting too - so please don't beat yourself up!

I can tell you are a thoughtful person, as my husband always says..."don't worry your pretty little head about it! "   :)

Thank you! I have to admit after seeing all the nasty post and then having some of it follow me back to the "safe support board"  it made me feel like I should take a break from the board. However, I do feel like there are enough of us out there that can be encouraging and supportive regardless of where we are in our journey. Best wishes!