Is LAP-BAND for me?

Docd, do you know why they go postal?...and behave like mad savages? Because they are mourning their bands and hate anyone else that does well with it, or even thinks about getting one....you know like if they can't have one...then nobody else should enjoy their bands and everyone else is doomed...

I agree...people should know the good, bad and ugly about the band, there are some people end up with legitimate complications from the band from no fault of their own, many surgeons install it wrong, there used to be warnings from veteran bandsters on band abuse, keeping the band too tight for too long, but many ignored this because the scale was moving in the direction they liked...until they damaged their bands and they ended up paying the ultimate price of removal....there is a difference in sharing your story and telling everyone they will be doomed... just because they themselves suffered complications.

 If you can't see where people are trying to help others, even though you've said you wouldn't do the same, you're being willfully obtuse.  

There's a really good chance that you'll have to eat your words at some point, you know. Complications happen whether band "rules" are followed or not. I'm sure you know this by now, unless you're  deeply in denial. When you develop complications,  I wouldn't be above trying to help you. I know you've said that should your band fail, you'd never come on the board again, but that's the difference between you and me... I really do care about others.  I have compassion and don't even remotely think that people are "jealous" of anything. That's juvenile thinking.

Hi Nicole!

So, I am figuring you are about 5'1" if your BMI is 47.2 at 250 lbs. If that is correct, the highest weight within the normal BMI category would be about 132 according to OH's BMI calculator.

I don't think the lap band would be your best choice. The lap band has a very high rate of post-op complications that often require follow-up surgeries for repair, removal, or replacement. This rules it out as being one of the "safest" surgeries in my opinion.

It does have a fairly quick recovery time, but I would suggest it would be better to take 3 days longer to recover in order to have a more effective and successful WLS journey longterm.

I've had both the band and the sleeve. The sleeve is the hands down winner. Please read these boards and get a feel of what eating is like for many people with the band. My experience with the band (which is pretty common for bandsters) was that some days I could eat just the same as pre-op. The next day I wouldn't even be able to drink water. I never knew what would make it down and what would come back up despite numerous adjustments. It was miserable.

Many people have restriction fluctuations based on all kinds of things...you may be too tight to eat in the mornings...taking a flight might change your restriction...summer v. winter....menstration...exercise...etc. etc. It seems almost anything can  be pinned to the cause of fluctuating restriction.

For me, the sleeve works like I thought the band should. I have consistent restriction without the need for adjustments. I can eat in the morning or at  night, on a plane, on a boat, no matter the temperature or time of the month. I have good restriction and am satisfied with smaller portions.

When my band had to be completely unfilled due to random tightening, my big old stomach was there just waiting to be filled and regain was very easy.

There are lots of things to consider beyond our personal journeys. Someone suggested you visit the lap band website...well, that is a terrible idea to be honest. They are salespeople trying to make money. Instead, visit pubmed.gov and read the research available on the band. Do that and your sure to be crossing it off your list in no time.

I don't hate successful bandsters like someone suggested and I'm not one iota jealous. I am so in love with my sleeve that I hate to see anyone else waste time or struggle with their band. You deserve to be a healthy weight. You really do. Own that and stack the deck in your favor with surgery that can get you to goal.

Here is a pic of me last December after nearly 2 years with my band...and then one of me back in October wearing size 10 jeans (I've lost about 5 more lbs since then). So...2 years with a band v. 10 months with a sleeve. I have never vomited with my sleeve and eating feels much more normal (because you actually have a functional stomach and not a pouch! big difference!).

Come visit us on the VSG board too!

Best of luck and keep us updated!

Lindsey

 
Let's first go into the "least invasive" crap. That is a marketing term the band manufacturers use to con us into getting the band. Yes. The band is the safest DURING the actual surgery. However all the band complications start in later on. Slips/port problems/esophageal dysmotility/ diaphram problems/etc.

Can you lose 100+ with the band? Yes. Just as you can lose 100 pounds by dieting and/or exercise. There are some that the band works well for initially (long term success stories are extremely rare!). Then there are those that lose weight with the band b/c they vomit frequently with the band. There are others that lose a lot of weight from dieting and/or exercise.

The Lap-band is a CRAP SHOOT. It seems the only one that wins consistantly is the band manufacturers with all that money they're making off of us. Most of us with the band do not do well long term...............and many of us do not even do well with the band short term! Personally, I have had 16 fills and never reached restriction.

CHOOSE YOUR WLS WISELY!!!

Nicole,
There are complications to EVERY WLS - you have to sit down with a pen and paper and figure out which one will work for you and your specific eating issues.
The LapBand worked for me and I have not one regret!

I have had my band for almost 4 years, not one complication - I have been very fortunate to have a wonderful doctor and PA and a great support system!

The LapBand can and does work for many - just as other WLS do.  Do you research and if you really want the Band, know that losing over 100lbs is an absolute possibility!

wow!..........you're like................. a unicorn.