I liked this post from a long time Lurker so much...It needed its own Post and Ramblings of...
NanaB.
on 3/10/12 9:24 pm, edited 3/10/12 9:41 pm
on 3/10/12 9:24 pm, edited 3/10/12 9:41 pm
I've been around a long time....I will never lead you in the wrong direction, I've helped MANY newbies and oldies keep their bands over the years, this new group of lap banders don't know me very well, they've only seen me fighting with band bashers. Let me make this clear...I AM NOT a Lap Band cheerleader, nor DO I Abuse my band either, isn't this a support forum for those looking for ways TO PREVENT complications, cheer those who have lost weight, etc?
Most people here that have posted for long periods of time, SHOULD KNOW all warning signs of a too tight lap band and KNOW the consequences of keeping it. Reflux and sinus issues, throbbing chest pains, not associated with heart symptoms ARE NOT NEW SYMPTOMS of early signs of band slippage, I would think MOST people would know that very well by now.
This is why I get a bad rap as a oldie mentioned....I NEVER smile in your face and give you support that YOU WANT TO HEAR that may be harmful to you....I give you support that WILL HELP you (for those than want help...MANY DON'T) and it may NOT BE WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR....also WE ARE NOT DOCTORS HERE, NO ONE is here to be an alternative to medical advice, this board should not be used to keep you from spending money, because I've SEEN so many use this board to seek advice and try to avoid getting that NEEDED unfill, because if you NEED AN UNFILL and don't get one it can cost you your lap band and MORE MONEY if you are self pay....this board can't help you only your surgeon can help you. We can only give you advice from what we've seen or experienced over the years...and trust me I've seen a lot.
What I do agree with some of the band basher is they LET YOU KNOW what the lap band can do if you keep it too tight, but what I don't agree with is.....they don't fully disclose HOW they got to the point of slippage and how they generalize we are all doomed and will suffer band slippage and removal...NO WE WILL NOT! Band slippage IS VERY EASY TO AVOID (in most cases)...and I am a VERY PROACTIVE PERSON this why I warn and try to educate the NEWBIES and some DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT because they want everyone else to believe the lap band is a piece of CRAP, if they can't keep it dangerously too tight.
Maybe these people chose the wrong surgery? Many people realize that AFTER getting the band that it was the wrong choice for them. The Sleeve and RNY maybe the wrong choice for others people as well, But for MOST people -- the band works for THEM and they don't NEED their bands THAT TIGHT to lose weight and TRUST ME...I've had EVERY SINGLE FILL LEVEL, my band has been so tight, I could barely swallow my saliva, I've had the reflux, and pouch dilation a few years ago BUT ALL THAT WAS RESOLVED immediately with getting saline removed.....sometimes we get filled too tight by mistake (filling the band is not an exact science and a ONE-STOP SHOP like other surgeries), I have been filled too tight many many times, but I have always done the right thing and returned to my surgeon for an UNFILL....yea it can get expensive and annoying....that can be the nature of the beast with the band --unfortunately.
But while the unfill and refill can get costly and annoying at times, it can also be a life saver for people like me almost 7 years out that can jump start weight loss without having to get a revision surgery to lose weight again...THAT is what I signed up for when I got the band, the ADJUSTABILITY and the reversibility...and ALL OF THOSE NEEDED UNFILLS (which my insurance covered most of the cost) that I got in my 1-3 years of being banded HAS KEPT ME from slipping my band and costing me extra money and headaches for a revision or removing my band.
I was just lurking over one of the posts...Any oldies out there? And found a true oldie that remembers me from back in the day....with this post that I find may need a post of its own
LDW
William NealLap Band (09/09/05)Member Since: 03/08/12
[Latest Posts]
I've been a lurker for 7 years until today. Never wanted to join due to some very vicious surgery wars, which is not to say I didn't study what was being said (they were most entertaining), and I did learn a lot (we all know the people who can be really annoying, but it makes for interesting reading, and I learn a lot - so I keep an open mind). I just never felt the need to participate. Being flamed is not a good use of my time.
I've had my lapband for coming up on 7 years. Only had 5 fills and one unfill after a car accident. My last fill was 11/2007 (total of 2 cc in a 4 cc band) and I've been at my sweet spot every since (not too tight, not too lose - just perfect). My surgeon provides FREE lifetime fills and unfills for self-pay patients and they are all under fluoroscopy. I'm below goal weight and maintaining well. I've probably spent hundreds of hours on here in these last 7 years and have gotten to know quite a few people. So even though you don't know me, I feel like many of you are old friends. And I miss the ones who have disappeared over the years (for various reasons).
Don't have anything to add except that yes, there are quite a number of us successful long term bandsters out there who selected the perfect surgery for US and we've no problems (large or small, and some have had minor issues). I've lost 80+ lbs, went from a 22 to a 6/8 and for a 55 year old, I love my body. Haven't had plastic surgery and I look great with my clothes on - which is what is important to me since I've been married 32 years and my husband has loved me no matter what I weigh or look like just out of the shower
As has been said repeatedly throughout the years, most "old timers" don't bother to post. We truly are living life. But... I have found a wealth of information on here and want to stay on top of things, so sometimes it is 6 months or more before I lurk, and sometimes I lurk every day. Sometimes Naomi gets a bad rap, but I've been following her for almost 7 years. She's earned her stripes and I value what she says. Bette is a blast to read, and while I didn't always agree with Diana Cox, I respected her wisdom and knowledge and what she had to say. I ordered and read Jean's book - really great job - and feel like she is a friend. Revisions can happen at any time, and I am sorry she is undergoing a revision, but no doubt she will be an inspriration whatever happens in her life. Maria is interesting, a little blunt and no-nonsense, but nothing wrong with that. She does know her stuff and she has my respect. There's a number of others who I faithfully follow, both pro lapband and lapband haters. I respect them all, regardless of their passion for or against the lapband. If I had to do it all over again, I would still go with the lapband as it has been 100% perfect for me. Were the lapband not availabl for me, I'd probably go with the sleeve. I've learned a lot and knowledge is always a good thing. I don't have to defend my decision as I am secure enough in my choice that this will never fail me. I've come too far. BUT, I DO agree with the anti-lapband people for those considering surgery to explore ALL the options and make the decision that is best for you (although it would be nice if people just told their stories without imposing their beliefs the lapband is a crapband and will fail no matter what). I think in the end, we should certainly share OUR experiences without generalizing. I enjoy reading all experiences, negative and positive - and yes, there ARE negative and positive on ALL the message boards abut ALL the surgeries.
When I get the energy, I will try to update my profile.
But I DID want to take the time and tell people that there ARE very, very successful lapbanders who have no problems, who have quickly lost weight, look great and feel great, and have kept it off (even after they watch multple RNY friends regain their weight - not that all RYN's do, but I've seen too many in real life get past the honeymoon period and start packing on the pounds). Not everything works for everyone. But don't tell me my lapband is going to fail at some point. I'm not a perfect bandster, but I treat it well. And since it was a high quality band installed by a center of excellence surgeon who provides free after care, I don't believe I will ever lose my band. HOWEVER, should the unthinkable happen, thanks to all the negative bandsters/revisionists, I know where to start looking should i need a revision (and yes, my health plan pays for it regardless if I was self pay the first time around).
I will say the new terms have made this rather boring, but I still keep coming back. At least now I am official.
Most people here that have posted for long periods of time, SHOULD KNOW all warning signs of a too tight lap band and KNOW the consequences of keeping it. Reflux and sinus issues, throbbing chest pains, not associated with heart symptoms ARE NOT NEW SYMPTOMS of early signs of band slippage, I would think MOST people would know that very well by now.
This is why I get a bad rap as a oldie mentioned....I NEVER smile in your face and give you support that YOU WANT TO HEAR that may be harmful to you....I give you support that WILL HELP you (for those than want help...MANY DON'T) and it may NOT BE WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR....also WE ARE NOT DOCTORS HERE, NO ONE is here to be an alternative to medical advice, this board should not be used to keep you from spending money, because I've SEEN so many use this board to seek advice and try to avoid getting that NEEDED unfill, because if you NEED AN UNFILL and don't get one it can cost you your lap band and MORE MONEY if you are self pay....this board can't help you only your surgeon can help you. We can only give you advice from what we've seen or experienced over the years...and trust me I've seen a lot.
What I do agree with some of the band basher is they LET YOU KNOW what the lap band can do if you keep it too tight, but what I don't agree with is.....they don't fully disclose HOW they got to the point of slippage and how they generalize we are all doomed and will suffer band slippage and removal...NO WE WILL NOT! Band slippage IS VERY EASY TO AVOID (in most cases)...and I am a VERY PROACTIVE PERSON this why I warn and try to educate the NEWBIES and some DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT because they want everyone else to believe the lap band is a piece of CRAP, if they can't keep it dangerously too tight.
Maybe these people chose the wrong surgery? Many people realize that AFTER getting the band that it was the wrong choice for them. The Sleeve and RNY maybe the wrong choice for others people as well, But for MOST people -- the band works for THEM and they don't NEED their bands THAT TIGHT to lose weight and TRUST ME...I've had EVERY SINGLE FILL LEVEL, my band has been so tight, I could barely swallow my saliva, I've had the reflux, and pouch dilation a few years ago BUT ALL THAT WAS RESOLVED immediately with getting saline removed.....sometimes we get filled too tight by mistake (filling the band is not an exact science and a ONE-STOP SHOP like other surgeries), I have been filled too tight many many times, but I have always done the right thing and returned to my surgeon for an UNFILL....yea it can get expensive and annoying....that can be the nature of the beast with the band --unfortunately.
But while the unfill and refill can get costly and annoying at times, it can also be a life saver for people like me almost 7 years out that can jump start weight loss without having to get a revision surgery to lose weight again...THAT is what I signed up for when I got the band, the ADJUSTABILITY and the reversibility...and ALL OF THOSE NEEDED UNFILLS (which my insurance covered most of the cost) that I got in my 1-3 years of being banded HAS KEPT ME from slipping my band and costing me extra money and headaches for a revision or removing my band.
I was just lurking over one of the posts...Any oldies out there? And found a true oldie that remembers me from back in the day....with this post that I find may need a post of its own
LDWWilliam NealLap Band (09/09/05)Member Since: 03/08/12
[Latest Posts]
I've been a lurker for 7 years until today. Never wanted to join due to some very vicious surgery wars, which is not to say I didn't study what was being said (they were most entertaining), and I did learn a lot (we all know the people who can be really annoying, but it makes for interesting reading, and I learn a lot - so I keep an open mind). I just never felt the need to participate. Being flamed is not a good use of my time.
I've had my lapband for coming up on 7 years. Only had 5 fills and one unfill after a car accident. My last fill was 11/2007 (total of 2 cc in a 4 cc band) and I've been at my sweet spot every since (not too tight, not too lose - just perfect). My surgeon provides FREE lifetime fills and unfills for self-pay patients and they are all under fluoroscopy. I'm below goal weight and maintaining well. I've probably spent hundreds of hours on here in these last 7 years and have gotten to know quite a few people. So even though you don't know me, I feel like many of you are old friends. And I miss the ones who have disappeared over the years (for various reasons).
Don't have anything to add except that yes, there are quite a number of us successful long term bandsters out there who selected the perfect surgery for US and we've no problems (large or small, and some have had minor issues). I've lost 80+ lbs, went from a 22 to a 6/8 and for a 55 year old, I love my body. Haven't had plastic surgery and I look great with my clothes on - which is what is important to me since I've been married 32 years and my husband has loved me no matter what I weigh or look like just out of the shower
As has been said repeatedly throughout the years, most "old timers" don't bother to post. We truly are living life. But... I have found a wealth of information on here and want to stay on top of things, so sometimes it is 6 months or more before I lurk, and sometimes I lurk every day. Sometimes Naomi gets a bad rap, but I've been following her for almost 7 years. She's earned her stripes and I value what she says. Bette is a blast to read, and while I didn't always agree with Diana Cox, I respected her wisdom and knowledge and what she had to say. I ordered and read Jean's book - really great job - and feel like she is a friend. Revisions can happen at any time, and I am sorry she is undergoing a revision, but no doubt she will be an inspriration whatever happens in her life. Maria is interesting, a little blunt and no-nonsense, but nothing wrong with that. She does know her stuff and she has my respect. There's a number of others who I faithfully follow, both pro lapband and lapband haters. I respect them all, regardless of their passion for or against the lapband. If I had to do it all over again, I would still go with the lapband as it has been 100% perfect for me. Were the lapband not availabl for me, I'd probably go with the sleeve. I've learned a lot and knowledge is always a good thing. I don't have to defend my decision as I am secure enough in my choice that this will never fail me. I've come too far. BUT, I DO agree with the anti-lapband people for those considering surgery to explore ALL the options and make the decision that is best for you (although it would be nice if people just told their stories without imposing their beliefs the lapband is a crapband and will fail no matter what). I think in the end, we should certainly share OUR experiences without generalizing. I enjoy reading all experiences, negative and positive - and yes, there ARE negative and positive on ALL the message boards abut ALL the surgeries.
When I get the energy, I will try to update my profile.
But I DID want to take the time and tell people that there ARE very, very successful lapbanders who have no problems, who have quickly lost weight, look great and feel great, and have kept it off (even after they watch multple RNY friends regain their weight - not that all RYN's do, but I've seen too many in real life get past the honeymoon period and start packing on the pounds). Not everything works for everyone. But don't tell me my lapband is going to fail at some point. I'm not a perfect bandster, but I treat it well. And since it was a high quality band installed by a center of excellence surgeon who provides free after care, I don't believe I will ever lose my band. HOWEVER, should the unthinkable happen, thanks to all the negative bandsters/revisionists, I know where to start looking should i need a revision (and yes, my health plan pays for it regardless if I was self pay the first time around).
I will say the new terms have made this rather boring, but I still keep coming back. At least now I am official.
Are you overall Happy with your Band and want a postive environment to stay on track? Join us and become a member of our Happy Lap Band Group Keep it bookmarked! http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/Happy_Successful_Banders/
Herman
on 3/11/12 10:26 am
on 3/11/12 10:26 am
On March 11, 2012 at 4:53 PM Pacific Time, twoxover wrote:
On March 11, 2012 at 4:29 PM Pacific Time, Hislady wrote:
Nope she hides behind her cartoon to spew her lies! Hislady gives real support.
The other one, not so much. She is off in band lala land.
NanaB.
on 3/12/12 11:03 pm
on 3/12/12 11:03 pm
On March 11, 2012 at 5:26 PM Pacific Time, Herman wrote:
On March 11, 2012 at 4:53 PM Pacific Time, twoxover wrote:
On March 11, 2012 at 4:29 PM Pacific Time, Hislady wrote:
Nope she hides behind her cartoon to spew her lies! Hislady gives real support.
The other one, not so much. She is off in band lala land.
Are you overall Happy with your Band and want a postive environment to stay on track? Join us and become a member of our Happy Lap Band Group Keep it bookmarked! http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/Happy_Successful_Banders/
NanaB.
on 3/12/12 10:58 pm
on 3/12/12 10:58 pm
On March 11, 2012 at 4:29 PM Pacific Time, Hislady wrote:
Nope she hides behind her cartoon to spew her lies!You have NEVER worked your band, or showed ANY pictures of your progress or HELPED any lap bander, the only thing you do is point those that are interested in the band to other surgeries types because YOU YOURSELF is a failure and you come here to spew your own poison.
And bully those that have had success or even remotely like their lap band.
Get a life and study how to be a REAL Christan.
Are you overall Happy with your Band and want a postive environment to stay on track? Join us and become a member of our Happy Lap Band Group Keep it bookmarked! http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/Happy_Successful_Banders/
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