Hoping to be Banded
My suggestion is to read these:
ASMBS Gives Band Low Marks
Consumer Reports Health Warns: Think Twice About the Band!
Do lots of research. The band was the correct choice for me, it is not for everyone. Look at all the main surgeries, look at the post- op lifestyles and decide which works for you.
All surgeries have their downsides and their dangers.
You need to be aware that the band requires a lot of effort and that loss is not fast.
I am not trying to put you off! My band has changed my life and if for some reason I had to have itremoved tomorrow, I would not regret it for one second. But you must have realistic expectations.
Kate
All surgeries have their downsides and their dangers.
You need to be aware that the band requires a lot of effort and that loss is not fast.
I am not trying to put you off! My band has changed my life and if for some reason I had to have itremoved tomorrow, I would not regret it for one second. But you must have realistic expectations.
Kate
Highest 290, Banded - 248 Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.
Happily banded since May 2006. Regain of 28lbs 2013-14. ALL GONE!
But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,
Kate has said basically the same things I would say.
Research all 4 main WLS's.. Band, Bypass (aka RnY), VSG (Sleeve) and DS.
Figure out if you need a restrictive surgery (Band, Sleeve) or malabsorption (Rny, DS). Decide if you are better off with the fills and sometimes unfills that the band (usually) needs or if you'd rather deal with the vitamin regimen that RnY & DS requires.
If you're going to be self-pay, the sleeve might be a better option as there seems to be much less maintenance.
I chose the band for myself as I didn't want RnY or DS and my doc didn't do sleeves at that time. He does do sleeves now. I'm happy with my band, but if I had to choose now.. the sleeve would be in close competition with the band.
All 4 surgeries are only as good as the effort you put into them.
Congrats on making steps towards a healthier life. :)
Research all 4 main WLS's.. Band, Bypass (aka RnY), VSG (Sleeve) and DS.
Figure out if you need a restrictive surgery (Band, Sleeve) or malabsorption (Rny, DS). Decide if you are better off with the fills and sometimes unfills that the band (usually) needs or if you'd rather deal with the vitamin regimen that RnY & DS requires.
If you're going to be self-pay, the sleeve might be a better option as there seems to be much less maintenance.
I chose the band for myself as I didn't want RnY or DS and my doc didn't do sleeves at that time. He does do sleeves now. I'm happy with my band, but if I had to choose now.. the sleeve would be in close competition with the band.
All 4 surgeries are only as good as the effort you put into them.
Congrats on making steps towards a healthier life. :)
Lisa
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Reinhold Niebuhr
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Reinhold Niebuhr
Like the other girls said do your research and do what is best for you and you alone. . Listen to your doc but dont let them force you into something you are not comfortable with . Check records of your surgeon go to a couple of his support group meetings listen to the folks, talk to them after wards and ask them questions about the doctor, the aftercare you will receive from the doc.
I got the band because I never ate sweets . I would eat a piece of cake or candy maybe twice a yr and that was it . I got donuts, candy , and all kinds of junk laying around here at the house and I just dont touch the stuff , I was never a snacker either. The only time I struggle is a week before my period and then I want to eat all the time. I do crave sweets and carbs during this time .
I had problems learning portion control on meals and not eating healthy meals ( IE pizza way to much, eating fast food way to much ) and not getting off my lazy ass to exercise . I just needed a tool to remind me that I didn't need to overeat at meal times and that is why the band has done well for me .
The band has worked wonders for me and I knew going into this process it was going to be alot slower and alot harder way to lose weight but that is okay with me . Im happy with just 5-7 pounds per month its a safe healthy weight loss and I am learning and changing my eating habits every day to be successful :o)
Good Luck with your decision .
I got the band because I never ate sweets . I would eat a piece of cake or candy maybe twice a yr and that was it . I got donuts, candy , and all kinds of junk laying around here at the house and I just dont touch the stuff , I was never a snacker either. The only time I struggle is a week before my period and then I want to eat all the time. I do crave sweets and carbs during this time .
I had problems learning portion control on meals and not eating healthy meals ( IE pizza way to much, eating fast food way to much ) and not getting off my lazy ass to exercise . I just needed a tool to remind me that I didn't need to overeat at meal times and that is why the band has done well for me .
The band has worked wonders for me and I knew going into this process it was going to be alot slower and alot harder way to lose weight but that is okay with me . Im happy with just 5-7 pounds per month its a safe healthy weight loss and I am learning and changing my eating habits every day to be successful :o)
Good Luck with your decision .
Quit Smoking 10/8/10
Starting BMI 52.9 BMI now 44.4 updated 6/6/11
(deactivated member)
on 8/18/11 9:18 am, edited 8/17/11 9:23 pm - Rockville, MD
on 8/18/11 9:18 am, edited 8/17/11 9:23 pm - Rockville, MD
I am hoping to banded also, but I have also done my homework on it as well. I have researched all surgeries. I was on the fence about the sleeve and band, but I finally decided that since I will have to exercise and eat a high protein and low carb diet, I might as well get the band, I don't want to remove my stomach if I will end up doing the exact same thing, and I might need it one day..lol. The Sleeve is not a magic wand, I have a friend that got it and is very miserable, she is happy with the the weight loss 40 pounds in two months so far, but she is in misery though and I hope she gets better soon, some people will love their surgery as long as the scale is moving regardless of how they feel..lol.
My sister has been banded for 4 years and she is still happy with it, but she keeps her band adjusted correctly, she can eat all foods but she always stop eating on about 1/2 plate of food, and she exercises about 4 times per week, just like most thin people. I know going into this that the band is a tool and not a magic cure and if I want to lose weight and be happy with it I will have to do my part, I am well aware that it may take me a few months before I get good restriction, my sister has already warned me about the "urge" to get too tight, which will cause all sorts of problems, I have already lost weight, so I will use the band to help me to lose the rest of my weight and not as a cure all.
My sister has been banded for 4 years and she is still happy with it, but she keeps her band adjusted correctly, she can eat all foods but she always stop eating on about 1/2 plate of food, and she exercises about 4 times per week, just like most thin people. I know going into this that the band is a tool and not a magic cure and if I want to lose weight and be happy with it I will have to do my part, I am well aware that it may take me a few months before I get good restriction, my sister has already warned me about the "urge" to get too tight, which will cause all sorts of problems, I have already lost weight, so I will use the band to help me to lose the rest of my weight and not as a cure all.
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