Is Anyone Happy?

Is anyone happy with the results of their lapband? I keep reading about people who aren't happy.  I have lost about 12pre-op lbs and have 85-90 left  to lose. I'm thinking of getting the band instead of bypass because I really dont want to deal with malabsorption. Can anyone help?

I LOVE my band. I lost most of the weight within a fairly short period of time. The only things I am not happy with is my lack of financial stability regarding upkeep and regular Dr. Appts but that is my personal seperate issue and not of any fault to the band at all.

Both procedures require a lifestyle change, although bypass is going to case more plus its irreversible. I contemplated both and decided at my age and the possibility of maybe wanting to have another child, wanting to enjoy food, and not wanting to mount up any other health risks that the band would be a better choice for me. My aunt went with bypass and doesn't have an regrets.

I think it's a personal choice you need to make considering your future and how you want to be impacted. I don't think many people on this forum are unhappy with their band as much as simply trying to get advice on band-related issues. Like I said it still requires a lifestyle change and as I have told others many times when you go through the majority of your life thinking about only what you are eating to suddenly having to concentrate on how you are eating it is not nearly as easy as it seems. Most issues I have read about or personally experienced was due to not following  band "quidelines" 100% although some people do have issues outside of that I see more of the former than the latter. IE: eating too fast or too much...

I swear by my band and believe it is the best decision I made for my health.

Tiffany,

Did you see Dr. Baptista on Friday? 
Are you feeling better and able to eat now?

The RNY IS reversable when necessary and ONLY with an experienced surgeon.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my band and would NOT trade it in for anything else!
Granted there are times when I hit a low with my band but for the MOST part it's been an AWESOME journey for me and the band has given me the TOOL to have a life I never knew that I can have. 
I too contemplated band vs. the bypass 4 years ago but after talking to my surgeons, we came up with the band being the best option for me.  Talk to your surgeon.... have some debates with him/her and see what you guys come up with. 

Good luck to you and welcome to the fun ride!
Take care,
Jan

 
Oh, hell. I AM!!!

While I will never be totally satisfied with EVERYTHING ("I want to lose another 10 pounds", "I want smaller thighs", blah blah blah, wah wah wah), I BEYOND happy with my band. 

Is it right for EVERYONE? Probably not, but NO surgery will be, and for those of us who flat out do NOT want a) the majority of our stomach removed or b) our intestinal tract redesigned, the band is still the ONLY option available.

Congratulations on your weightloss, and I think if you lose 10 more you might disappear. LOL. just kidding. you look great. Thanks for your help.
Joanna

I'm very happy with my band. I have lost 50 pounds and 30 inches off me in five months .

I can still eat all the same foods as I could eat before the band, BUT now I'm learning to eat them foods in moderation and how often to eat them foods and that is exactly what I wanted from the band nothing more nothing less .  I did not get the band to restrict me from foods and be oh I cant eat that or this , to me that is not what the band is designed for its to help curb hunger and portion control.  You do need self control and will power also the band dont do all the work for you . 

To me the band is doing exactly what I wanted it to do. I'm learning portion control, I'm learning how to eat the right foods for weight loss, but I can also still enjoy all them foods before I got the band also, pizza, McDonald's , chips, and yes bread , but the amazing part is I can go to McDonald now and get  a grilled chicken sandwich and take the bun off its automatic to do that now and eat about 5 fries  , I can order me a pizza and eat two slices of it and I'm done instead of eating a whole pizza.  I can stop myself now and say okay that is enough you dont need no more .

I have Krsipy Kreme donuts sitting right here in my house and I can walk by them without touching them because I know they have to many carbs and I really have no desire to have one . 
These things is what I wanted from the band and that is what I got.  

steelerfan1,

You are exactly like me, we even quit smoking around the same time. my quit date is 10/10/10. everything you said about food is the way I feel. I want to still enjoy food. I love it. your right about bread. lol  I think since they put me on a pre-op diet I am learning what to eat in order to lose. I can't believe I lost the 12lbs in a month. So I think the band would be best too, By the way my husband is a Steeler fan too. ;-)
Thanks so much!!
Joanna

I too, LOVE my band.  I'm almost 3 months out and have lost 61lbs.  I chose the band because I was always a "volume eater" and so far, the band has been such a blessing.  I can already do so many things I couldn't before, and best of all, I get such a good night's sleep...

As others mentioned, it is a tool.  You will hear this a lot, but it's true.  It's also a commitment and hard work is required on your part.  

I've learned a whole lot on OH, so keep researching and reading the different testimonies.  So many inspirations on this site!!!   

Congrats on your 12lb loss and good luck with your decision.
~ Barbara