if you don't like the lapband then why stay on lapband boards??

Just wondering thought this board was for sucessful lapbanders who love there band and are working it and was for support?? I used to be a daily obesityhelp user why all the band bashing if you didn't have sucess or went to a different surgery  or hate the band why bash the band and not be helpful to the ones *****ally are happy with there band and are trying to be supportive to other banders?  Geez

 Just wondering thought this board was for sucessful lapbanders who love there band and are working it and was for support?? 

Misty: it's not, actually. It's not called "Lapband Support" or "Happy Band Land" or "Lapband Success Stories."

The board is for anyone at ANY stage of lapband consideration: those in the "just thinking about it" stage, preops, and post ops - whether successful and happy or not. Everyone deserves their chance to tell their experience. If all someone ever gets to hear is "sunshine and unicorns" stories about the band, there will be a LOT of unhappy people on the other end, people who did NOT have success, who have had terrible problems with their bands and feel lied to because they were never exposed to the negative side of the story. Every procedure has pros and cons, and we - all of us who have had WLS - owe it to the newcomers to ensure that they hear the good, the bad and the ugly BEFORE they make their decision.

If I had gone into my surgery with high hopes for the future and ended up with ****ty results or, worse, horrendous medical problems because of it, I know I would be warning people as well. As it is, when people ask me about the band, I will tell that that it does not work for everyone (for any number of reasons) and that they need to weigh all their WLS options prior to making a decision.

 ok just with people were more supportive but i hear what your saying

 I use to come here daily, now I rarely do. Just too much negatvety.

I can answer for myself only. My lapband experience was so incredibly atrocious and life threatening that it scarred me.  I've witnessed friends go through horrible complications from the lapband over the past 9 years.  It never changes. People THINK they're going to be one of the "lucky ones," but it never changes. And the threads about how people who don't like the band shouldn't post here... that never changes, either.

Morally speaking, I couldn't live with myself if I didn't try to at least help someone avoid this. If I saw someone walking through the woods and they were about to step off a cliff, I'd surely try to stop them, right? It's the same thing. My version of support is honesty, not placating and platitudes. I don't lie.

The advertisers of the lapband promise that their product is "less invasive" and "effective"... when, in reality, it's harmful and damaging. And they're aware of this fact. And they still choose to market it.  I find it offensive that they're taking advantage of unsuspecting people, personally.

I can't understand WHY people would WANT a forum that is nothing but "happy" stories. People need to know of what it's like to go through horrible complications. How alone you feel as you're sitting in pain...  and no one else can relate? It really makes you feel like you're the only one in the world going through it... when, in reality, it's happening all over. But if you have a forum where only "happy" is "allowed," you'll be ignorant to it. 

I'm speaking from experience. When I got the band 9 years ago, I was the only one on my support board having horrible left shoulder pain. Ann Wilson had just gotten the band and I had a chance to ask her if she was experiencing the same thing. Her answer was, "What? Why would you have THAT?"  I asked a number of doctors... all the same answer, "Huh? Why would that be the band's fault?"  If I asked about the left shoulder pain NOW, there would be many, many people who could relate. Unless they aren't welcome to post here on the LAPBAND FORUM, of course. Then they could just sit, all alone, and suffer silently.

There's plenty of support here.  It just seems like a lot of people would rather not call it that.

This post is great!!   You explained in a manner that was not attacking which made this post very important to me.

I appreciate your saying that, sfnativewm.  I always try to post calmly and rationally... I don't always succeed.    Can I blame menopause?

When I see people on here bashing the band...it's out of pain and frustration.  They are not trying to hurt people.  I just let them vent and I'm here when they need a shoulder to cry on.  Who knows I might be one that needs it some day.  Plus support usually comes when the person isn't doing so well....not when they are doing well.  The good posts are nice for inspiration but the other posts are what we are here for....to help and listen (even if we don't want to hear it).  If we ban them from complaining or venting then what is this board here for??? 

Edit...the other poster has a good point.  Also education.  The newbies NEED to hear the good, the and the ugly.  As much as some want to think it's not all sunshine and teddy bears after surgery and people need to know that.  Sometimes people need a good dose of reality.  I struggled with weight loss in the beginning.  I like to warn people if they are looking for an easy answer then don't get the Band.  I still have to diet and exercise. 

I understand what you are saying, but one bad (or attack) isn't fixed with another. One can get their point across without the attack. Don't let them get you down.

I too believe that all information is good for us to hear and discuss, but it can be done in a better way.

Keep the information coming, it would be nicer if everyone would just treat people the way you would want to be treated.

Very good point Sue. Thanks!