Need advice

Sounds like you and Maria went to the same school..........

 
Why?  Because you are incorrect and I defended her right to post on a forum you do not own?

If you want someone to shove rainbows and puppy dogs up your back side start your own forum. In the meantime she is following OH rules so buggar off.

~Just remember..."it is the least effective WLS" is your opinion, not fact.~

No............It's NOT just my opinion! It's the opinion of the ASMBS! You know...........the professional organization for bariatric surgeons! Get your facts straight!

ASMBS Lap-Band Gets Low Marks

And who the hell are you to tell me that I "haven't been working with it"?! I've lost about the same amount as you have in less time. Sounds to me like YOU are the one that "hasn't been working with it"!

I was diagnosed with PCOS several years ago.  I gained close to 100 pounds in a very short amount of time after stopping birth control.  After several doctors and a couple of frustrating years, I was diagnosed with PCOS and told that I had basically been self medicating with the birth control. 

Long story short, I was banded in August 2010.  I have lost almost 40 pounds.  Honestly, I know that I could have lost more, but I have not followed the rules as I should have.  You really have to be committed to making any WLS work, not just the band.  I certainly don't blame my band for the slow weight loss because if I am honest with myself, I know that it is my fault.  Getting restriction to right level seems to be the most frustrating part, but I am so grateful that my insurance paid for this life changing surgery for me.

~ I certainly don't blame my band for the slow weight loss because if I am honest with myself, I know that it is my fault.~

Actually your not having slow weight loss. The band "average" is 1-2 lbs. per wk. so your doing very well as far as weight loss.

The band has the slowest weight loss, the least weight loss, the highest regain, and the most mechanical complications of all surgery types. 25% need their band removed in the first 3 years and another 25% need a 2nd surgery to correct a mechanical complication. Some studies are showing 95% don't have their bands at the 10 year point.

There are simply safer alternatives. Long term the sleeve is vastly safer than banding. Even the ASMBS doesn't think highly of the band. Heck, the band company knows their days are numbered and they are milking it for all they can get out of it until it is obsolete.

Ins co's are opting for a one WLS in a lifetime policy, so if you fall into typical band stats your odds for being self pay for a revision are quite high.

Think this through long and hard, least invasive does NOT mean safer long term.

Excercising and diet only frustrates me and does not move the scale


I love my band and it has changed my life. But please be aware that you still have to choose your food carefully and that exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle. I am not saying you can't lose without exercise, I did! But the band is hard work - not magic!

We don't malabsorb. All the band does is  help us postpone hunger.

Kate