Banding? Would you do it again?

RB I am constantly amazed that the Lap-Bands have not been recalled and banned! The only reason for it not occuring that I can think of is that most of the band Drs. are NOT reporting all of the band complications and removals!

Yes, I would choose the band again.

I've had a band slip - not sure why - possibly due to the hiatal hernia that my original surgeon chose not to repair after telling me he was going to. My slip was cured by a total unfill and 6-week rest period.

My port flipped - again, not sure why - possibly due to poor surgical technique on the part of my original surgeon. The port flip was fixed with outpatient surgery.

Most of the problems I've had with my band fall into the side effects (not complications) category, caused by user error.

So although I've had problems, my overall experience with my band has been good. I lost 100% of my excess weight in one year and 4 years of banded life has far exceeded my expectations.

I wish we could help you make your choice. There's no one-size-fits-all WLS and even a bariatric professional can't predict the outcome for individual patients. Interestingly, my current surgeon's partner refuses to do band surgery, while the medical director of the bariatric program at a hospital in the same city refuses to do anything but band surgery.

Good luck, whatever procedure you choose.

Jean

Well I am only 3 weeks post OP so its hard to tell but so far I am very pleased. My case is bit different though because I had gastric plication as well as the band and my band only has like 2-3 ml at the moment. I am supposed to get a fill soon but honestly not sure if I even need it yet. I eat about 4  4-5oz soft food meals daily and have to supplement in protein shakes because I cant eat all my calories yet. I simply cant eat that much yet and I think its mainly from the plication. So far this has been great though. I havent seen my current weight in at least 5 years so that is great. I am anticipating issues with the band down the road though and I always told myself I can get it removed if need be and the follow up care at duke raleigh is paramount.

No I won't do the band again.  I think it should be banned.

I've had problems with the band for over a  year until finally revised from band to RNY a month ago and I'm very happy with my decision!  I wish I had done the RNY in first place.

Yes, I would have it again.

I'm three years out.  Any issuse I've had(stalled weightloss) has really been on my own doing.
 


 

Would I do it again? 
Absolutely!!!

I am a totally new person today.  I weighed 488lbs and today I am a normal weight and feeling like a million bucks!  The LapBand saved my life.  I have had NOT one problem with it.  Not one issue!  I know I am very fortunate.  I have kept my band as loose as possible and have forced myself to pay very close attention to my "soft stop" and I stop eating when I know I should.  I'm not perfect, but even not being perfect and following the rules 90% of the time, I've lost my weight.

What I love about the LapBand is - it's always there for you.  I had plastic surgery and took some time to up my calories and protein to heal.  When I was ready to return to the lower calories, I was able to without a problem!  The Band was there AND because of it, even with the higher calories - I continued to lose.

I am blessed, yes!  I had a great surgeon and a wonderful support group.  And a Band that has helped me be as healthy as I can be!

I'd do it again! And Again!

As you can see with all the mixed reviews and you may also notice that most of the positive views have had minimal weight loss. ( I said most right ).  The band appears to be a gamble at best. Are you willing to gamble ?

I would absolutely do it again!  I am 2 years out, 80 + pounds down, 10 pants sizes down, happy, healthy and feeling younger than I have since I was 23!  No problems, no slips, no flips, maintained for a year due to not visiting the doctor often enough.  When I can walk away from a meal or a snack without obsessing or overeating, I know I made the right decision.  I don't even want to think about what my health would be like if I had stayed where I was weight wise.

I really can say that I think I would. With all the ups and downs I have had. It hasn't been an easy road, but it has been MY road, and I have learned alot about myself.

I've been banded for 6 years, no complications and great results, no vitamin deficiencies or long term illness and I have a great quality of life.  I would do the band again in a heartbeat.