For the record...

…I agree that I probably would have lost more weight with a procedure other than lap band

…I agree that I would have lost faster with a procedure other than lap-band

 

…I am regularly disappointed with the amount of effort I have to put forth with my lap-band including semi regular visits to my surgeon who is 80 miles away costing me nearly $60 per visit (gas, co-pay, & parking)

 

…If I could get revision without having to regain my weight I would strongly consider it.

 

…I am terrified that one day my lap-band may indeed have to be removed based on numbers and that I may regain as a result.

 

…I would never blindly recommend a lap-band to anyone without sharing with that person everything they are getting into esp. a self pay.

 

Now if you’re still reading let me say over 3 years ago when I began this journey I was balding rapidly (started in my 20’s and it is still extremely difficult to hide now), I had struggled for 5 years to get pregnant only to miscarry in my second trimester of pregnancy. I would pee when I tried any real exercise, even just laughing or sneezing. I would cry every time I would kill myself with diet and exercise and fail. (I could carry on about my crappy side effects of weight, but most of you know what the problems associated with being morbidly obese are.) I was only told I had PCOS when I asked for a referral for WLS (and denied by the judgmental PCP), then told by the endocrinologist there was nothing wrong with my hormones, "LOSE WEIGHT"! When I finally got a doctor willing to send a referral over 15 months later I only had 2 choices that were covered by my insurance, Lap-band & RNY. I had no idea what was wrong with me since I was now being told it was not PCOS (though the jury is still out on that), but I was terrified of malabsortion since I also have symptoms of vitamin deficiencies already. Plus I knew too many people personally that RNY had failed.

 

So I finally got my lap-band and lost weight, it has been the most thrilling thing in my life. It hasn’t been easy, and it will probably have more obstacles yet to come. I am still terrified of malabsorption even if it would get me to goal and I didn’t have to deal with the obstacles presented with the lap-band. But I am 33 years old and I am so SICK & TIRED of coming here to compete with the mountains of ASSHOLE posts who want to treat me as if I am UNEDUCATED, MORONIC, and downright STUPID if I think my lapband won’t fail me. This board seems to have more ANTI-BAND posters than regular and enough is enough. Three years of posting here and what I can say now is add me to the list of successful bandsters off living my life away from this BS because I don’t think I have the mental energy for it anymore.

 

Hi Sarah,
All I can say is I can so relate. I am also glad back in the day when I was a newbie, that I didn't have to deal with all the crap. I hope you don't go, if you do take a break, come back every once in awhile to help newbies with YOUR experience. I try and stay out of all the mindless babble. Hugz and I love your new "avi"!

 HI Sarah,

I know what you mean.  I sometimes think that participating on OH may be hazardous to one's health.  I say that because I truly believe that "what you believe is what you achieve".  When I had my surgery 4.5 years ago, I fully believed that I would lose the weight and keep it off long-term with the band.  The worst stuff on the board back then was either liquid protein wars or an occasional board war with the DSers.  If I was just starting now, and reading on OH every day, I don't know if I'd have the same strength and commitment because of all the negativity about success with the band.  

Tami

Wow I havent been around in a WHILE was coming back in for a little support...but I see things have not change...hence why I come once a year...I've read a few of your posts over time...I was banded before you but I can totally understad how you feel. It's a shame that we cant always rally around to help each other. As another poster said I hope you don't leave as you never know who you support but you have to have a peace of mind as well!

Don't leave! We really need successful bandsters on here - especially those who don't have stars in their eyes and can put (asyou just did) negative experiences calmly and sensibly.

There may be something that sparked this post - yours is the first thread I have opened this morning so i don't know! But in fact, the vehement anti-bandsters are very much in the minority! They're just very noisy!  If you leave, the percentage of them goes up in relation to others!!

That's why i stay! To make a supportive voice heard.

Kate

Do you come to the Band Grads board? Sorry - have a memory blank! Nice and supportive over there. No all success stories, some are , some aren't. But no-one is ever nasty!!

Kate

What do you have to do to become a member of the band grads board.  I'm tired of this BS myself and need a place where I can be me and don't have to listen to the BS.  I'm 15 months out from surgery and have lost 85 lbs.  I'm 20 lbs from goal.

Thanks, Kate.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bandgrads

It's a  private board and to be allowed in (and be allowed to stay!) you just have to be over 1 year post-op, have a posting history and stay NICE!! Doesn't matter how much you have lost! Just the length of time.

Kate

I havent been to the grad boards. I'll check it out, Thanks for the suggestion!

Nice post it is appreciated.