why are you here??

First.. I am new to this forum.  I came to this site looking for support, motivation, sharing best practices...etc. as well as helping others.
What I keep finding here are people talking down the band, telling new people they should rethink before surgery and down right scare tatics.  Speaking for myself, I didn't jump right to surgery as I am sure most people did their homework before signing on the dotted line.

So my question is: Why are you here?  Why not be in a forum designed for your life style.. and how would you feel if people talked down your decision.

Just had to say what was on my mind. 

 This is what I've been saying since I joined OH a month ago.  Honestly, I think some people have had bad experiences and just want to share them so that others will be fully informed.  Unfortunately, a few very outspoken individuals seem to be on a mission to scare every newbie away from the band.  Of course there are risks...all surgery has risks.  Some band complications are truly dangerous and scary...but also extremely rare.  Personally, I knew the risks before I started coming here.  Like you, I did my homework and I feel that I was very well informed when I decided to go for surgery.  Everything carries risks, from having a baby to getting into an airplane.  You can't live life in bubble wrap, IMO, and simply not do anything.  The risks of being obese far outweigh the risks of serious band complications, IMO.

I came here to learn and make friends and share experiences with people who have also been banded.  So far so good.  As for those outspoken people with their scare tactics, I feel that they must be very traumatized by their horrible experiences, and I feel bad for them.  I hope they can find peace and move on with their lives.

So anyway....hi  :)

If I can help ONE person NEVER experience the sheer hell I experienced with the band, and mind you, it was ONLY in my body for 8 months, and caused permanent nerve damage, I nearly died during my revision because it destroyed my stomach tissue, I'll share my story freely and openly.

Are there are positive stories out here? YES, I will NEVER deny that. BUT, the failed bands are and have been on the rise for the last 3-5 years. Even with "new bands" new techniques, better surgeons, it still happens.

I've never used scare tactics, nor disputed the fact that there are some successes. Unfortunately, when the band screws a person's body up permanently, there is NO going back. There's no "fixing" it.

If there is a better option out there, not only based on personal experience, BUT statistical speaking, and through hoards of research, it's obvious there is a BETTER option out there, actually there's at least 2 better options (VSG and DS), I think it's ONLY fair to share that information. I'm not a fan of RNY for myself, but I wish the information that is out now about the band had been available back in 2007/2008 when I was researching and got my band. I truly wish those who are so crucified for sharing the absolute truth were around back when I was banded and researching. BUT, they weren't here and the band was so fabulous and while there was a "few" posts about issues, I never got the full scope of what could happen when the band craps out on a person.

 

 I was here long before my band surgery, got a lot of advice and being here is what led me to choose my band.  I have a band, whether it's working properly or not.  Why shouldn't I be here?  My experience, positive or negative is still valuable in helping those who are deciding which WLS to get, dealing with post-op questions or dealing with complications. Just because I'm having problems, doesn't mean I have nothing to offer here.

~I came to this site looking for support~

Is THIS thread supportive???

~So my question is: Why are you here?  Why not be in a forum designed for your life style...~

Hmmm. What is "my lifestyle"???

And why am I here? I am here b/c I have the band and this is the band forum. Where else do you suggest I go? No wait. Don't answer that! lol.

First off all..............it appears your definition of "support" is just having bandsters tell you the fairy tales.  Personally I think support is caring enough to tell ppl the TRUTH.

Second of all...........if by "support" you mean you only want to hear the few bandsters with  a positive band experience, well that is not really a very effective way to go through life. :-(



~and how would you feel if people talked down your decision~

If by that you mean how would I feel if people had told me THE TRUTH about the band.............I would have been thrilled to have someone be honest with me and tell me what the band was really like before I got it! Guess that's the difference between the 2 of us! :-)

I too came to this board looking for information and support. I was sent
here by the doc at the Phyc Eval so that I could learn from people who
had been there, done that. I am with band, 3.5 years. My first year or so
I had people ask for my advise and tell me they enjoyed my post.

If I had heard here what people are going thru with their bands I wouldn't have gotten mine. Everybody was posting sunshine and roses. I didn't
find out until I hit the Grad boards of the later problems.

I don't want to scare anyone. Just give facts. Do your research. I just
want people to hear all the facts good and bad so you can make an
informed decision. But, just putting out the one side-good, isn't fair
to the people coming here for honest answers either.

Take what you want or need and don't condemn any one that relates THEIR facts.

~. I didn't find out until I hit the Grad boards of the later problems.~

I find it so sad that rather than being honest and trying to help other bandsters/perspective bandsters, that some "vets" would rather hide on the grad group and tell what it's REALLY like for them there! :-( They do such a disservice to others when they do that!

 In fact, very few regular posters on the Grad board post about problems. And those who do, it is about slow loss or failure to get restriction. Not saying that the latter isn't a problem - it is. But I don't think anyone over there currently is discussing major complications.

I can think of a few who have temperamental bands, a few who wish they had gone for the sleeve.

But it is not packed with unappy people regretting the band! 

Most of them see the Grads board as a drama free refuge with like- minded friends.

Kate

 
We need to hear the bad as well as the good but I agree a few people are out  to scare not inform, so read for a few weeks and then use your block button. That eay you can exclude drama but still read all sides of the story.

Kate