Why the band?

I'm at the very beginning of my WLS journey. I'd like to know why you chose the gastric band (either Lap Band or Realize Band) over other types of WLS.

Thanks in advance!

 I didn't want any part of my stomach removed (leaving out sleeve and DS) and didn't want to have my intestinal tract cut and redesigned (leaving out RNY and DS.) 

But back when I had my surgery, you only ever heard about RNY and the Band, but I would not have opted for any of the other 3, regardless.

 Good looking doggy you got there!

I "chose" it because my horrible surgeon wanted to start making more money, so he told me the band would work better for me. I was one of his first banding patients (BIG mistake) and came out with huge complications.

I went along with it because I believed the "less invasive" advertising. But, it turned out to be very, very invasive. I had to have multiple corrective surgeries and finally, removal when it nearly ended my life.

My reasons were much like Bette's, plus I had just had surgery for cancer and didn't want another major disruption to my system.

I'm also post-menopausal and malabsorptive surgeries aren't always the best choice for women who are at risk for osteopenia or osteoporosis (I have family hx of osteoporosis).   I also did not want to deal with all the labwork and supplements that RNY patients require.

Would I have the sleeve now?  (wasn't offered by my surgeon 2 years ago and frankly I didn't know about it).  Best I can say is maybe.  If I loose my band for some reason and need a different WLS, Sleeve would be my choice before a malabsorptive one.. at least as things stand now.  I don't like to say never.. but knowing me and my body and my mental processes.. I think RNY or DS would be a bad choice for me.

I chose it because I too believed the " Less Invasive " propaganda BS that Allergen ( makers of the lap band " like to perpetuate. BIG MISTAKE.....
 
I've had 3 " Less Invasive " surgeries since being banded and my daughter will be having her 4Th
" less invasive " surgery soon.

I initially chose the Lap Band because I believed a lot of their advertising, bought the line about it being "less invasive" and did not take the time to research the stats on the band. Oops...now I wish I had taken the time to research the stats on the band's EWL and post-op complications. Maybe I could have saved myself a lot of trouble and a second surgery (but can't say for sure).

Lindsey

I would also like to add that I am taking supplements just like the RNY people because my band did not allow me to eat healthy nutritious foods. I am now anemic and my calcium & vitamin D are low. So keep in mind that the band can require you to have to take supplements.

I take calcium & D3 too.. and took them even before banding.  :) Many of us obese (or formerly obese) are D3 deficient.. because we don't like to go out in the sun. 

So sorry your band(s) caused you so much grief.

There's something I've been wanting to ask you, just out of pure, plain curiosity. 

Was the surgeon *****moved your last band and revised you to a sleeve.. was it the same as the one who placed your band(s), or in any way affiliated with the band surgeon?

If you don't want to say, I understand and hope you don't mind me asking.

" Was the surgeon *****moved your last band and revised you to a sleeve.. was it the same as the one who placed your band(s), or in any way affiliated with the band surgeon "

No, my original surgeon who placed both of my bands was out of network because of HMO contract issues with the hospital he was working out of. I really liked him too.