week from surgery ..... scared and unsure

Hi, is there any way that I can talk you out of banding?  I had lapband surgery back in 2003 and it was a nightmare. I've witnessed failed band after failed band and I so wish I could talk you out of this.

Before making your final decision (and you have time right up to the point of being anesthetized!) please Google--- "lapband + referred left shoulder pain." Or, "Lapband + Vagus nerves." The referred left shoulder pain is EXTREMELY common in lapband patients and ranges from mild to excruciatingly severe and debilitating. It's becoming a very prevalent complication due to the band's close proximity to the diaphragm (and the Vagus nerves run through it, into the stomach.) 

I don't tell you these things to be "negative" or to scare you, but only so you are armed with all the facts beforehand. I wish you the best.

I wish you all the luck and the luck in the world, whatever surgery you get. Stay positive and stay the course. You can do this.

 

I beg you to please consider another wls.  I had lap band in 08.  I lost a whopping total of 40 lbs, thru 2 years of constant vomiting.  After being completely unfilled, I had no control over what I could eat.  Some days I could eat a 6 inch sub, other days, I couldn't swallow water.  I was ashamed, full of guilt and embarassed that I made such a commitment to be healthy and lose weight and I had failed and blew back up to my pre op weight of 250. I lost my medical insurance and decided I was stuck with this lifestyle.  UNTIL, I found out that MANY lap band patients were experiencing what I was, some had way worse things happen to them.  Once I started to research the failure rates, etc.  I was so relieved.  It wasnt  ME! it was the BAND that was the failure. I saw how hundreds of failed bandsters had another wls surgery and had found success and a happy life!  So long story short, I pulled my retirement, flew to Mexico and SELF PAID for band removal and VSG surgery.  The band had done quite a bit of damage, (I had no clue) so my operation was 3 hrs longer than expected, but I am now 3 weeks post op and love that I CAN control how I eat (I lived on carbs and sugars for 3 years b/c other foods got stuck in my band) .   I SO wish I had people trying to convince me to research before my surgery.  I wish I would have had sleeve back in 08 instead of having to pay out of pocket for a surgery that does exactly what I was promised the band would do.  Best of luck!

Oh gosh, I couldn't imagine self paying for a band. I had really good insurance and my copay for the band was $2500 but the fills were what have killed me had I been self pay. My surgeon's office charged $600 per fill. I had 8 in the first year and 2 unfills. Then it is even more if you have to do a barium swallow, which I did. Got dilation had to have an EGD. They charged insurance $2300. Then had to have band removed after EGD showed my band slipped just over a year after having it. Fortunately my insurance covered removal and revision to VSG. Gosh, I wish you luck but hope you have deep pockets and no complications.

 Since you're self pay have you seriously considered the sleeve?  Especially at your BMI...I know I HATED when people said this to me AFTER I already had my band (and with vasculitis it was the only surgery at the time my doctors would allow).  If I could I think I would have gotten the sleeve.  The band requires many trips to the surgeon for fills and unfills.  Sometimes in the same week.  I personally get stuck all the time even with very little fluid.  I'm so thankful I could get WLS while so sick and the band helped me my first 8 months.  Now I'm pretty much on my own (and doing well again), but I feel the sleeve would have been more conducive to my body.

You will get your eating under control.  In fact you can still eat what you like once you have learned to eat the right way (moderation and low carb).  Then as a treat once a month have either a few wings or a sushi roll ya know?  LIfe isn't deprivation but rather moderation :)

We're all pulling for you!  You will make whatever surgery you have work for you :)  

Oh, and after you recover from surgery you will be encouraged to do all the activities you love :)

well ........ after hearing most of the replies i am seriously reconsidering my surgery .... i do have good insurance that covers bariatric surgeries but i had decided to go self pay route just because i thaught it might be easier since my bmi is less than 40.  during my intensive research the common theme that i had found was how less complications there were with LB surgery and quick recovery time compared to other baritric surgeries, but after reading the replies i am thinking maybe i had made a bad choice.  at this point i am only in it for $500 dollars w/ 13k due in 2 days.  additional surgeries out of pocket can be disastrous, so maybe i should bite the 500 and re-evaluate.

i do want to say thanks for the replies, and all comments are appreciated

 take ue time and reconsider . feel free to message me if u have any quesrions and i encourage u to read my blog
mindy 

 Every WLS will have complications. I was self pay for $9950.00 and it was the best choice I ever made! As you can see from my ticker, the Lapband saved my life and gave me a life!

Thank you for saying it gave you life. I feel the same way.  Congrats on your weightloss.

 Hi Buckeyes

Yes you will hear good and bad stories but as some people have stated, there is good and bad with all surgeries, not just WL ones. On any surgery, you sign forms and are told of (possible outcomes that are bad). I did when I had my gallbladder out and my breasts reduced etc.... I suggest you and your surgeron (and family) decide what is right for you. Because you are the one who will be dealing with it.

People have their opinions and that is fine. We are adults and have the right to think/feel what we wish. But it doesnt mean that it willl happen to you. What if it doesnt? What if it does?

 I see your BMI is not overly (high) though to you, its crazy right?? I cannot wait to be your BMI again.

Read some of the blogs on here from people who have succeeded with the band. Read some of the posts from people who have  had difficulties. But keep an open mind. Ask questions and do what is right in your heart. Do not be swayed. Again, this is not a quick decision or a get better fast type thing. You have to do what works FOR YOU.

I wish you all the luck on whatever you decide. Have a great day.