APPROVED!

You might notice that the people who are gung ho about the band are either less than 2 years out or a small percentage of the population who haven't experienced complications. (Or just choose to be less than honest about it.)

Anyone 5 years out or longer will have a whole different story to tell. I'm talking to people who are DESPERATE to have the bands removed from their bodies. Seriously, they are completely and fully fed up with the pain and the horror of living with one. I've watched this same thing over NINE years. It makes me feel like I must be reading different sets of statistics than others or something. I can't understand why anyone would willingly at this point choose a surgery that is so statistically bad and notoriously harmful.

And then there is the Revisions forum. I'm not sure how anyone can argue with how bad of a choice the band is for most people after giving it a perfunctory glance, nevermind reading it thoroughly.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/revision/a,messageboard/

Anyway, that's all I'll say about it. Good luck.

Congrats on your surgery! I'll be 2 years out in August. Never had a stuck episode, never slimed or coughed anything up, never been too tight. There are no foods I cannot eat. Yes my weight loss has been slow BUUUUUUUUUT...I also got pregnant last year and delivered twin boys. So that was almost a whole year I wasn't trying to lose weight. I've become an avid runner and feeling pretty good! If/when something does go wrong with the Band, I'll switch to sleeve, but for now, me and my Band get along just fine.

You sound well informed and you know what you're getting yourself into, that's the most important thing. You'll find horror stories with any WLS.

Good luck, keep us posted!

Congratulations on your approval!  I wish you the best. I just posted about my journey at almost 21 months out.  Even though my experience has had minor bumps, I am reluctant to encourage any newbies toward the band because of the higher risks.   If you would like the sleeve, you *can* appeal.  Im sure there are several people here that could help you with an example of an appeal.

That being said, i just want to stress to never hesitate to contact your doctor about ANY issues and check out his background. 

and...welcome aboard :)  I will save a seat for you on the loser's bench.

Congrats on your journey. I am over 4 years out. Never had a problem. Never thrown up. Never had pain. As a matter of fact I have an appt with my surgeon on the 7th for a fill, and im excited about it !

CONGRATS!! And I can't wait to see you on the Loser's Bench in our Winners Circle.