Any Regrets ?

Hi Everyone ....I am just starting the process of investigating different surgeries.  Just looking around on here I have had seen a lot of people have complications with the Band.  When orginially thinking about surgery I wanted Lap Band but now I am thinking maybe not.  I have a little while before I have to make a final decission so, I am wanting to way the pros and cons and get opinions from those who have bad the Band. 

Thanks !! 

I would suggest you researching the procedures. There are "good and bad experiences" with all procedures. I personally have not had any problems. Please know that the BAND is only a tool. If you do not use your tool for all that it is worth, it will not work for you.

I wanted the band because the gastric bypass was too extreme for me..but that is "me". Take the time, do the research, talk to your surgeon and make the best possible choice for your life. Whatever you choose, good luck to you!

Please know that the BAND is only a tool. If you do not use your tool for all that it is worth, it will not work for you.

Please know that you can use your "tool" for all it's worth and it still NOT work for you. The band is very much a crap shoot! :-(

The band is very much a crap BAND!!!!

Tell it sistah! ;-)

No regrets here......the band was the only option available to me at the time that wasn't as drastic in my opinion......

Yes, I have had a few issues and have gained some weight back: however:

Had no fill for a while but it was still me that put the wrong foods in my mouth........

Sometimes when filled have gotten "stuck" due to me not chewing or taking small bites.....

The band is not an "easy" weight loss tool....then again no weight loss surgery is easy, they all take work, they are all not one size fits all. 

All can have complications, no surgery can guarantee that nothing will go wrong.

Keep in mind that all banded persons don't come or post to this site, and the majority of people come here when something is not right and they want to get other opinions or have serious issues (as well they should, we all have a right to know) .......this site does not account for the many banded who are off living a happy, healthier and lighter life and therefore don't come here......

Only you can decide and you should know the good the bad and the ugly.....also look to other sites and check other places for stats............

Most important is to check your Surgeons stats.....mine gave them to us during our pre op visit...it listed how many surgeries he did, and a list of all complications and how many patients experienced these..........

Michele

Thanks.... I completely understand it is a tool to use to help u loose weight not the answer that makes u loose it alone. The program I am in gives lots of counciling and classes on nutrition and also how to change you relationship with food. Right now I'm just looking at which would work for me. Maybe I shouldn't have said complications as, from what I've researched it's not really complications ...but fills are just part of having it . I have heard the good along with the bad. I think for me the sleeve is a better option only because I plan on moving back to the states and I don't want to risk not being able afford getting fills and such in the time I don't have insurance. Then when I would eventually need to have more surgery I would fear my insurance wouldn't cover it. I have a friend who has had awesome success with the band ...but she lives in the same town as Dr so acres is very easy. Just wanted to get other opinions ....as I have had a few people message me to run for the hills from the bad

Well it certainly sounds like you are on the right track and I feel that you will make a success of whatever surgery you decide on, you have the right attitude and education!

The sleeve wasn't an option when I was banded but I will tell you that if something where to ever happen to my band and if I had to pick a revision surgery it would be the sleeve.

Good luck and keep us posted...........listen to what you want, it is good to listen to others experiences but you have to do right by you.....and of course those who weren't successful or had problems beyond their control will tell you to run.......I lost a brother in law at the age of 30 due to complications from gastric bypass and I ran from that......

So do right by you and know that you will have support in whatever journey you choose to go on!

Michele

Michele, I couldn't agree more.  Banding is a personal choice.  I did my research for 2 years before I made the decision and the only other option there was at the time was RNY.  I had lots of friends waiting to see how I did before commiting to the procedure and once I started dropping the weight, they all lined up and took a number. 

The band is only a tool but I think we were lied to about its effectiveness.  I, like thousands of others, figured we'd have a smaller stomach and could eat what we wanted only smaller portions.  We all assumed the same thing.  But you know what they say about assuming.....assume, it makes an ass out of you and me.

Nowhere in my research did I see where I'd have to continue to watch every single thing that went in my mouth and that exercise was an essential part of this.  ANY kind of wls is like all the diet pills out there:  works well with a sensible diet and exercise.

But I've seen people loose 200 pounds on the band and I've seen people loose more than 100 and gain it all back.  But these people who have been banded for a year and not come close to losing 100 pounds, something isn't right.  They either live on carbs or their surgeon isn't aggressive enough with the fills.

Different strokes for different folks.  I still have a band but no port.  Here's hoping that band is not erroding my stomach as I constantly gain weight.

Depends on how much weight you have to lose, and what kind of eater you are. There are a lot of different points you need to consider. I have a lapband and I am happy with my choice. Others..not so much.