Confused about the band

I think the reason people think she looks like my husband is because she has taken on some of his mannerisms. She looks exactly like me and nothing like him at all.

 She really is just the sweetest baby! Almost makes me want to have another one, ALMOST! LOL 

You can borrow her anytime ! ! !

 LOL if I was closer you would have to chase me away!

Research is very important as all have said in the prior posts! Do that and then talk with a surgeon and see what may be the best WLS for you. Many will tell you they love the band and as many will say how they despise the band. I had some minor issues with my band, but I am 3 yrs post op and down over 250 pounds, and am pleased with the results. But that is MY personal opinion, you have to decide for yourself. It is possible with a functioning band and complete dedication. Be sure to look at all options prior to your decision. Best of luck in whatever path you go down :)    

CONGRATULATIONS on your SUPER FANTASTIC OMG AMAZING results.....

All I can say is research, research, research, and when you think you know it all, research some more.

What surgery you ultimately choose is up to you, but I would encourage anyone contemplating the band to think about it seriously.  Though the lap band traditionally has the lowest surgical complication rate, it has a much higher than I realized late complication rate.

When I researched the band, I thought it would help me cut down on the volume of food I ate.  After all, I just needed help to feel full.  I never felt full prior to surgery.  I knew about slips and erosions, but thought those were the biggest potential complications I'd have to worry about.

Now I realize that there are so many additional issues, like esophageal dilation and dismobility, the chronic pain, and even the fact that the band simply may not work for you like it is advertised to.

I don't feel full, I don't have any inhibition of my appetite.  If I were able to identify satiety in the first place, I wouldn't need the band.  Didn't have it before, don't have it now.

In my case, I do regret getting the band.  I wanted the least invasive route that was reversible.  I realize now that was because I was afraid to commit . . . to myself, to my health, to success.  The ultimate in self-sabotage was for me to choose this surgery.

Still have diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, joint pain and am about 8 pounds lighter than my surgery weight.  But now I have chronic pain in my abdomen (left side, under rib cage--feels like getting a stitch in your side almost) due to adhesions/scar tissue, and increasingly worse left shoulder pain, which is usually brought on by drinking liquids.

I have sinus issues and when I was last treated for a sinus infection in May, I got gastritis and my band clamped shut.  Couldn't swallow my own saliva.  I had to go to the ER for an emergency unfill, which cost me about $2000.  My band is now empty and I'm keeping it that way.  I'm not paying $250 per adjustment just to go back through stuck episodes, sliming, and risking injury to my stomach/band.

I was never able to find that elusive "green zone" where 1/2 cup of food would keep me full for 3 or 4 hours.  I was either wide open or too tight.  There were a few fills where I had to get back on the table for unfills before I ever left the clinic!  And that was fun because my port has flipped and it's a ***** to get to.

All surgeries have their pros, cons and risks.  You have to look at them with respect to who you are and what risks you are willing to take.  If you're self pay, find out what they charge for adjustments (fills).  That can add up, especially if you have issues and need a visit to the ER.  I've had two ER visits.  Not fun.  But if you can't even swallow your own saliva, you risk getting dehydrated very fast.

Because I've never been in the green zone, had restriction or whatever that sensation is supposed to be, the band has been nothing more than a frustrating diet for me.  I would have been better off buying high quality gym equipment for my home with that money.  At least that would also substitute for a clothes hanger!!!!  

For me, if I had the money, I'd self pay revise to the sleeve tomorrow.  

Those of us referred to as band bashers are not trying to scare people away from the band as much as we are hoping to educate those still early in the process and to save them from the potential pain and suffering we've endured.

The band is an unpredictable crap shoot at best.  Some people do really well.  A guy who used to go to my support group lost 100 pounds and never had a fill!  But I know far more bandsters personally who have had negative experiences, and most of those have had theirs removed and/or revised.

Make sure you choose the right surgery for you the first time.  Good luck.

To Whom It May Concern:

Nana has me blocked, so I can't read her "unique interpretations" of the band. But please ask her to continue posting. I believe we have far more ppl that get scared of banding from her dribble than our informative stats and honest band experiences. Thanks Nana!

Btw........how's that HIV laptop working out for ya???

Last week or maybe it was the week before I don't know, but anyways...do you remember the post from Nana where she told me that, " she would make me block her this time and she was going to get ghetto on my ass "

I guess she decided to once again block me because I told her that I was going to keep correcting her false & misleading information every time I came across one of her posts that needed correcting...and even though she recently changed her mind and blocked me....that won't stop me from correcting her and her inaccurate posts.

Because I have 100 lbs to lose, possible 120, I still think Lap Band is a good route for me. I need to do something, but have tried every single diet out there! I am a single mother of two little kids and I need to be here for them. I feel gross, have totally let myself go and I need to do something about it. My problem is food. I love food! I don't know how to have portion control and that is why i am resorting to lap band. It will cost me 15k, whi*****ludes all my fills for 2 years and consultations with the dr and nurses. I spoke with the surgical center where I would be getting it done and I asked them about slippage of the band and they said that happens to less than 1% of their patients. I'm waiting to speak with 2 people that have had it done from this center. One had it done 6 weeks ago, one had it done 4 years ago. I am trying to do as much research as I can!!!!