what made you choose the band?

Like many others............I fell for the "least invasive" B.S. True, the band is the least invasive DURING the actual surgery. However all the problems seem to occur with the band AFTER the surgery............slips/port problems/leaks/etc.

I would not recommend the band to my worst enemy. Please read on the revision forum and see how many ppl are revising FROM the band. If the band was that great, all those ppl wouldn't be putting theirselves through the pain and expense of yet another WLS now would they?!

Just to add two things I forgot to add to my original post. i didn't know about the first at the time of my decision making!

I am told (by my doc and by several people on the grad board who have been directly affected by this) that if we are unfortunate enough to require chemo, there are problems for those who have malabsorption. The sleeve, like the band, does not have this issue but one of our long term posters whose job was to arrange clincial drug trials was told to exclude not only those with malabsorption but those who had had any part of their stomach removed.

And a second point.... there are many more people who fail to lose with their bands than fail to lose with other wls. For some that is in no way their own fault. But stats are bumped up by people who do not use their band as it is intended. In some ways this may also be not their own fault -  they were psychologically unable to use it. But just to make the point that with all wls, but especially the band, mindset is key.

Kate

I was on a waiting list for RNY - in Canada it can take 1+ years on the waiting list.  I was very afraid of the organ dissection/reattachment, malabsorbtion, hair loss, bathroom issues if certain foods were eaten not to mention 2% mortality rate on the operating table and my husband was dead set against it but I was going to go ahead anyway.  One of my co-workers told me about the Lap Band and I met with the surgeon - I knew right away this was right for me - 7 weeks later I had the surgery (I paid for it myself $16,000 but that includes monthly check ups and fills for 5 years, a wonderful support group, a nurse, nutritionist and exercise physiologist)  I went to therapy for a year and a half 3 years ago to get my head ready for this - it really is about the head and not the stomach in my opinion.  You have to be involved with your band - get checked, get fills, exercise and eat right but 6 months later I am down 68 pounds as of this morning and could not be happier.  I know people who have had issues with every WLS, a friends Mom had RNY lost all the weight and when her husband left her for a younger woman she gained it all back - not one is perfect you just have to figure out what you want and work it.

Good luck & keep us posted,

Lori 

 Thanks so much everyone for your replies.  I have had a lot to think about.  I still believe that the band is for me. I am committed to the surgery and the maintenance required with the band.  I will keep you posted:o)