Newbie w/ questions

Welcome, and congrats on starting your WLS journey.

I chose the band because (among other reasons) it has the lowest surgical mortality rate and is adjustable. The adjustability that's a "plus" for me may be a "minus" for others, though.
 
My insurance doesn't limit my bariatric visits (I have a $5 co-pay). Since my original surgeon left his practice and my new surgeon is 5-6 hours away round-trip, I find it harder to afford the time and gas money for office visits.for fills or unfills. So for some, the sleeve is a much better choice because it requires far less aftercare.

In theory yes, your band can be unfilled if you become pregnant but it's not essential (unless you're vomitting a lot), and every bandster I know who got an unfill for her pregnancy lived to regret the weight gain that followed.

I lost 100% of my excess weight (90 lbs) in one year with my band. I had a band slip (cured by an unfill & rest period) and a port flip (repaired surgically). It wasn't until after re-fills started a month after my port repair that I experienced the reduced hunger and appetite that I'd hoped the band would give me. Before that, my weight loss was due to a reduced capacity for food (and my increased exercise).At just over 4 years post-op, I have no regrets about my band.

Jean

BTW - my port bulges out very slightly but it's not unsightly and anyone having the misfortune to see my bare belly without knowing I had band surgery would probably think my port is just a small cosmetic anomaly.

i would check with your insurance & see if it's one that states "one per lifetime WLS".

also, i'd pop on over & read the other surgery forums - along with the revision one.....might not be such a bad idea.

Thank you guys for all of your input... I went to a support group tonight (required by my surgeon) and got a lot of first hand information. Right now I think I am going to be open to RNY, VSG and the band. I need to talk to the surgeon and see what he thinks is best for me. I'm doing all the research I can, and then I'll make my decision. I just really can't wait to have this "tool" to help me loose weight and regain my life. I just want to get going already! lol...

Thank you again for your info. I'm going to continue reading the boards and read about the good, bad and the ugly of all the different WLS out there. Thanks again!