More Confused Than Ever

Thanks Steph!

Why do people think that ( unless we are name calling and yes I have done that ) that when we post our negative experiences with (all types of band surgeries) that we are " trying to scare the crap out of people "

Mary has me blocked which is why I have replied to you Maria.

1. Does Mary think that by pulling the covers over her eyes she will lesson the chance that these things will not happen to her ? I'm not saying they will....I just don't get that kind of mentality.

2. Can you tell Mary that if there ever comes a time that she needs our help and I hope she doesn't ever need our help. That we will still be here to help her.

3. I'm willing to help anybody that I have had past conflicts with.

Mary, it's not too late to change your mind.

I am not sure how someone could be "199% positive" that the lap band is the right surgery for her if she is well informed regarding the documented outcomes of the lap band procedure.

I would think if someone is up to date with all the information available on the lap band, the most someone could say is, "I'm 60-70% sure this is the right surgery for me and I'm hopeful that I will not fall into the 30-40% of people who experience post-op complications and poor weight loss" or "I'm going to risk the odds and hope for success with the lap band because I really like the idea of it (being adjustable/ "less invasive" / insert other pro here)."

I am sorry if the high rate of post-op complications is "scaring the crap" out of you, but please realize that it is a blessing to know these things BEFORE choosing a surgery. I definitely went into my surgery with rose-colored glasses and ignored the stats, knowing that I would do whatever it takes to succeed. Then I felt really terrible when I required a second surgery after 3 years and then felt outright ignorant when I realized how commonplace that is with Lap Band.

I wish I had reached out for information like the OP prior to choosing my surgery.

It is a gift to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly so you can be well informed when you decide what you are and are not willing to risk and how much your health depends on you really getting the weight off.

I wish you the best of luck in your procedure, Mary! I hope you have a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery!

Lindsey

Hi Christi,

I think the post Jean meant to point you to was this one:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/4422909/Questions-about-the-Lap-Band/

There are many other threads discussing the various WLS's available if you'll do some searching.  Or just go back a few pages.

All of the surgeries have their pros and cons.  I think Jean is right when she suggests you talk to a surgeon (or two or three).  Most bariatric surgeons have free seminars where they discuss the different surgeries that they perform and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

I only have personal experience with the band.  It has done well for me.  I have a friend who was just sleeved about 3 months ago and he is doing well.  I know 2 people from my support group who had the RNY.. they are also doing well.   On the other hand, I know via the internet people who are having issues with each of the above surgeries.  

Keep doing research.. read, read, read and ask more questions.  We'll help if we can.

I will say this.............Had I known then what I know now I NEVER would have gotten the band. Complete waste of time and money!

I would suggest reading on the revision forum and seeing how many are revision FROM the band. If the band were that great there wouldn't be all those ppl wanting to put theirselves throuogh the pain and expense of yet ANOTHER WLS now would there???

There is also a FAILED lapband group on OH. Many very sad stories on there! :-(

Also I would suggest reading about how the ASMBS consideres it an ineffective WLS:

ASMBS Lap-Band Gets Low Marks

And also:

Consumer Reports Warns About Lap-Band!

[quote]I will say this.............Had I known then what I know now I NEVER would have gotten the band. Complete waste of time and money! [/quote]

 

Maria, if you're going to continue to say that, you're gonna have to go back to your old avi.  You look too good in your current one to make your complaint sound valid.  ::smile::

" Maria, if you're going to continue to say that, you're gonna have to go back to your old avi.  You look too good in your current one to make your complaint sound valid.  ::smile::  "

Then that would hold true for me as well if I had an avie LOL

Me too. Everyone told me I LOOKED good. And I smiled and said, "Thank you." And then I'd find somewhere to hide and bawl my head off because I couldn't stand the pain anymore. I put up a brave front, though.

I'm still putting up a brave front