sticking my neck out - in praise of the band

I will probably regret posting this but here goes anyway.  

I do not deny band faults. Some, like Nic, have bad surgeons; others never get restriction; some poor people get internal damage. I truly feel for them. They have had awful experiences, not of their own making. This post is no way doubting their stories or belittling their experiences.  

On the other hand, some abuse their bands. They expect instant miracles, accept being too tight and constant PBs. They do not make the necessary life changes. By getting an unfill, following basic rules, these people could help themselves. This is not the same as the first group I described.  

But in real life,  this is MY personal experience:-

I have been banded for well over 6 years. i am happy and successful. I did have a leak repaired a couple of years ago but am not unhappy about that. I eat all foods, I very rarely PB,  I do not slime, get reflux etc. etc..  

In the US ( three years ago), I met Bette ( now 8 or 9 years post op) Mira (over 6), Debbie (5) - all today still banded, all still slim, all still happy. I also met poor Pepsi/Sue who has since died of unrelated causes. Kirsten and Nekton no longer post but when last heard of they were happy.  

In the informal support group I am part of in my local major town, I meet regularly with 20 people; they range from newbies to six years post-op. Everyone is happy!  

Of the four people I met when I was first banded, one had her band removed due to unrelated causes, one had it removed, as she freely admits, because she abused it. The other two are happy.  

Last time I went to my doc, there were three women in the waiting room with me and we got chatting. We were all happy; me at ( then) 5 1/2 years, the others at 6, 4 1/2 and 3 respectively. One was there for a defill, so it is possible there might have been an issue.  

My own doc reports a re-op rate of 20% which seems a lot but of those, the vast majority are minor - flipped port, leak, reposition. Still ops, I know!
 
I have ( for non/medical reasons) changed hospitals and the new hospital has a slip rate of slightly over 2% and under 5% removals.  

I asked my support group and they say that the experiences they hear in their own clinic waiting rooms reflect those I hear in my own.  

I have no idea why people posting on here have such different experiences. People who have several family members with problems; people who say they know IRL large numbers of seriously damaged people.   I am not in any way denying their problems. Just saying, it really is not all doom and gloom.  

I fully expect to get posts full of stats ( but please, not that wonderful survey about the 80 people ( started with 151, but they lost touch with half of them), who were banded using the now obsolete surgical method, with the old bands. Not wildly relevant!  

I know I am going to get flak for this! Comes with the territory. Curse the band, that's fine! Praise the band and you are an ignorant moron. Well, I'm not a moron. I' m not ignorant. I know I may not have my band for life. But I am grateful to it for enabling me to eat well for over six years, for changing me from a lethargic couch potato into a very fit, active person. I look good, I feel good. If problems start tomorrow I will deal!    

Kate  

Well (and kindly) said Kate.

 Can I just say, "ditto"? 

 Thank you for this post.

Great post Kate

Whaddya mean? I love my band. It's awesome.

 You are blessed to have your band, Kate and allowed to share your success...no one would begrudge you that.  Cheers!

Well said Kate, like you I have been banded 6 1/2 years. No major issues with the band except when I am the one making it go crazy because I like something and I want that last bite then the band reminds me that she is still there and in charge.  I could easily overeat if my band would let me, that was my problem I am a volume eater, I eat good foods but just to much of them so that is why the band has worked well for me.

I to understand and NEVER criticize someone when they have trouble with their band because I don't walk in that person's shoes and do not know what is going on with them but I DO HATE the blank statement that I WILL HAVE TROUBLE WITH MY BAND. Maybe and maybe not you do not know me and how my body reacts to things. That is like saying YOU WILL GET CANCER, no one knows that so please think about what you are saying when you lay down that blanket statement.

I have friends who have had trouble with the band and no fault of their own and I empathize with them because I know they have done all they can but it is like everything else and every other weight loss surgery nothing is 100% guaranteed not to mess up. If you have something that is 100% guaranteed please let me know because I want in on that action,

If you are thinking about the band be your own best advocate and do all the research and chose what fits you not someone on a message board.

That's all, I will get off my soap box for now.....lol

Kate ,
I think I actually remember when you got your band. I am happy that you are doing so well and I hope everyone that chooses the band has great success with it.
Believe me , I NEVER thought I would have to change to bypass especially after I was so upset when my twin daughter's chose bypass over having the band 6 years ago.
What you wrote was well said and respectful

I haven't been here in months!!!! What????? Did not know you had a revision! Good for you! How are you feeling?