snark

 I haven't been here very long, but it's obvious from reading several weeks' worth of posts that there is a LOT of drama re: pro- and anti-band.  I understand and appreciate how important it is to read different opinions and experiences with the band, especially since I'm so new (3.5 weeks post-op) and I know I have a lot to learn.  But I have to say, the snarkiness just kind of puts me off...and it makes me sad, because I was hoping to find a community where I felt comfortable asking questions and expressing opinions.....

You can always ask questions here........but you will get a variety of answers depending on the experience of the particular bandster or former bandster..........or the non experience of the non-banded that freely give opinions of what the band is really like.

You will never find a forum where you agree with everyone. Although I would say that there is more drama on the Lap-Band forum than any of the other WLS's forums on OH b/c bandsters can get very ..............well we'll just leave it at that, lol. Regardless, OH is an awesome resource. Take the best and leave the rest.

Hi Sabina,
Yes, I'm glad it wasn't like this when I was first banded. But there are still a lot of good people on here, that will support you. So please feel free to ask and try and ignore the snarkiness!! Good luck on your W L journey!!

Sabina,

Please stick around and give this board a chance. True we don't all agree, but the one thing we are all trying to do is help. Even if it means discussing issues that have occurred.

Just remember, NONE OF THESE operations are 100% successful. There will be pro and cons with each. As long as we RESPECT each other, there is nothing wrong in having a "healthy debate".

Know we're here for you!!

I'm so sorry your experience hasn't been everything you were hoping for. Maybe as a newbie you could help us to make this forum more about support, than snark.

How can we help you ?

 If you want a positive experience to stay on track without losing focus, you are welcomed to join our group, we encourage all newbies that need to stay on track to join us. 

http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/Happy_Successful_Banders/we lcome/ 

Agree with these veterans! I stay on OH to learn all that I can. The good and bad. If something goes wrong at least I will have heard about it and be alert to issues that could arise.

Everyone here has been very supportive and always answers our questions.

So don't be shy, they will help!

Welcome, from one newbie to another!

 I am trying to join your group.  I had to have my old band removed and the doc is giving me a choice of revision - another band or the sleeve.  I don't know what I want.  I was very succesful with the band and lost almost all my weight.  Six years of good results then suddenly...problems.  I think the new bands may be better for me, but don't know. 

Regars,
SR

First of all Welcome, I am sorry you have to experience this.  When I was new there were more positive people who only wanted to help you:)  I have just come back to this forum about 2 weeks now and I was ready to leave again!  Instead what I did was ignore the people who want nothing to do with people who are doing well.  And use my positive feedback to the ones who need it.  I would say come over to the happy bandster forum, it is new so there won't be that many posts yet.  I will never give medical advice, I will give helpful tips of what help me.  I am not a 100 percent successful bandster yet, because I am only 70 percent to goal. Because I did not exercise and stay 100 percent on eating protein and keep with the serving size.  I am very happy with the 80 lbs lost and kept off in the last 3 1/2 years.  I am now back on track to reach my goal hopefully sometime this year. 

The major problem with this board is that there are two vocal, warring factions:

- those who believe that, because THEIR band failed, EVERYONE'S band will fail (black clouds) and

- those who believe that bands only fail because the patient was non-compliant, that bands do not and cannot EVER fail on their own 

Both of these groups are, thankfully, in the minority but as I said, they are the most vocal. Fortunately, most everyone else (the vast majority) falls somewhere in the middle.

Speaking strictly for myself, and speaking from 9 years on the board and almost 9 years banded, BOTH sides are both right and wrong. There are people who have band issues because they DON'T obey the basic band rules and don't do what their bodies, their bands and their doctor(s) tell them, and then run into issues.

There are people who obey the rules TO THE LETTER and still cannot find band success. Their surgeries were improperly done by less-than-stellar surgeons, their bands malfunction (as can any manufactured product) or, plain and simply, their physiology will not tolerate the band.

If you want sunshine and rainbows and smoke blown up your butt, by all means check out the Happy Band group. But know that a) they have blocked a LARGE number of long-term, VERY successful bandsters because they DON'T like those people and/or their opinions and b) they are the faction that believes EVERY band issue is caused by the person and NEVER by the surgeon or the band. If you DO run into an issue and look for help there, you may be **** out of luck when it comes to support and actual, truthful ways to address your problem.

If you want a more balanced look at band life - positive AND negative - and can ignore the people and the "snark" you don't like, hang around here. If you pay attention, you will learn a LOT from the people who will not hold your hand and buy you a sparkly unicorn, but will cheer your successes AND will give you a kick in the ass when you need one. If you want to be a success, THAT is what you need.