Trying to decide

PLEASE DON'T DO THE LAPBAND. I had lap band surgery in December of 2005. I threw up several times a week with no rhyme or reason. I went through 5 1/2 years of sheer torture, never knowing from one meal to the next if I would be able to keep it down (usually that would be a "no"). I initially lost weight but I was so sick I was not living a full life or really any type of life at all. Finally after getting anemic and so weak I could barely get up and go to work, I told my surgeon that it had to be removed. In 2010, I went in and had it removed. I enjoyed the next 6 months of actually getting to eat without throwing up so hard, I would throw up blood. My uncle had VSG in June of 2010 and went from 498 to 330 in a very short period of time. He was truly a food addict and spoke ravingly of the surgery. I knew if he could do it, I could too. By the time my surgery date came around, I had regained all the weight I had lost and was actually the heaviest I had ever been. I started out at 283 at a height of 5'4". Almost a complete square (lol). In 3 short months, I've lost 62 lbs and have never regretted the surgery not once. It is the best thing I've ever done. I don't know if everyone has the experience I've had but I've not thrown up because of the sleeve's restriction but I know completely with all the bells and whistles exactly when I've had enough. I can tolerate any foods, just eat a much smaller portion and I am completely satisfied. Good luck with your decision and enjoy life!!!
 

PLEASE seriously consider the sleeve. Read about how many of us have terrible vomitting, trouble swallowing and no weight loss because we can't eat chicken, tuna, eggs or other healthy food while chips, cookies and ice cream slide right in. My friend had the sleeve a year after me and she lost 80 pounds and kept it off for three years. I am trying to get a revision to RNY but since there is nothing "mechanically wrong" with my band (puking all day is not a band problem- it's mine apparently), I have been denied. My band is now empty and I weigh 260 pounds- with a 40 pound gain in just this last year. I am MISERABLE. Please read our stories and think about them. Reply if you need anything or if you have any questions! I'd be happy to speak with you via email or even by phone!

Had I known then what I know now, I NEVER would have gotten the band!!! I would not wish the band on my worst enemy!

CHOOSE YOUR WLS WISELY!!!

Check out this post from the main board...www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/4416773/quotDoes-the-Patient -Fail-the-Procedure-or-Does-the/

It might help you decide.

 Any other surgery than lap band!! I had a terrible experience with it, and know many others that had a horrible time with it!! I lost a tiny bit of weight, and then had to go into my doctor many times to have it filled, and unfilled, as it was causing horrible reflux for me! I can't even begin to tell you the various pains from my neck and shoulder that I had when I would eat! Then there was the eating-could never find the "sweet spot' for my band! It was a moody creature!! I simply couldn't eat a lot of meats, or even steamed veggies. They had to be cooked to a mushy state.

When I started my WLS journey, I was planning for the Gastric Bypass, but, chickened out! So 5 years later, I decided on revision to  gastric byass. Just got home from the hospital, today, from my revision surgery. Hoping the weight will start to come off soon! Like everyone has said-do you research. I just wanted to share my experience with you! If I had it all to do again, I wouldn't have chosen lap band.
Good luck on your decision! 

Since you asked for opinions, here is mine.   Get the sleeve!   I have had 2 bands.....one that was non adjustable, and I lost about 70lbs...not great...but i was still happy.....then the issues started....same ones described in the other posts....I stupidly agreed to let a different surgeon (original one had died) place an "adjustable band" and I have never lost another pound, yet I still have all the same problems I had with the original band.    So I too would NEVER recommend the band.