Why so much negativity?

Thank you for the link, but you realize it is from a WLS center and is based on their doctors' opinions and experience and may contradict what other doctors recommend?


For instance, this is what my surgeon recommends:www.virginiamason.org/YourNewDietLap-Band

After discharge from the hospital, you will follow a liquid diet for one week, then advance to pureed or applesauce-consistency foods for the second week, and finally onto soft-textured foods the third week. By the fourth week, you will be eating a regular-texture, healthy, balanced diet including: fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, eggs, fish, meat, poultry and dairy products.

The idea behind this diet progression is to have you eating small portions of regular foods by the time your Lap-Band is tightened/adjusted for the first time, four weeks after it was first placed.

Like people who have had gastric bypass surgery, people who have had Lap-Band surgery will benefit from eating small portions (about one-half cup or four ounces) of healthy food, five to six times per day. This eating style provides energy and nutrition throughout the day.

After surgery, it is recommended that you take a chewable or liquid multivitamin/mineral supplement every day, along with calcium containing vitamin D.

Not to get into the minutiae of the details of the diet plan, she Should follow her surgeons post op diet, however, I've seen over and over again, many surgeons DO NOT warn patients about critical following a liquid/mushy diet post op and they don't put enough emphasis on the importance of the band healing before fills are given this sadly.

When I got my band 7 years ago many surgeons deviated from Allergan recommendations of the post op diet, many were told to eat soft mushy fish and soft foods at 2 weeks post op, hence now we are probably seeing the results of not following Allergan recommendations with so many complications.

Also we were sort of guinea pigs in the US back when I got my band there were no standard way of doing things -- Allergan made recommendations but many surgical practices DID NOT FOLLOW THEM, and the only PROS and CONS of the band when I got mine was slower weight loss and no long term clinical experience in the USA - the FDA approved the band based on European, Belgium and Australia stats....the same thing what is being told to those who are getting Sleeves now, no long term data to be able to really measure long term complications and whether or not they will keep the weight off.

This is ONLY a GUIDE and common sense document and I only put emphasis on HEALING AND HOW THE BAND WORKS rather than eating specific foods. Again this is a open message board and she can choose not to read it, but if most people are health conscious and want to learn every thing about the band they can take useful information from this guide and ignore the rest.

 During the first three weeks scar forms around your band.   This is from the link you provided.

 This is interesting to me since this is exactly what is causing my issues, scar tissue formed around and under my band causing narrowing of the stoma.  The other thing is that allergan doesn't recommend the liquid/soft diet for six weeks, only two weeks.  I get that we should all follow instructions to the letter, but with so much difference, that can be so confusing to new bandsters.  

With so many failing these days, it's very disheartening to hear that if we don't deviate from the manufacturers instructions, we'll be complication free, because it isn't true AND the manufacturers modify their current instructions to cover their asses because even those doing everything to plan are getting complications.  Very hard to swallow....

Scar tissue also helps hold the band in place along with WELL HEALED sutures. NOTHING is full proof, complications happen. If someone keeps their lap bands DANGEROUSLY TOO TIGHT FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME....NOTHING WILL PREVENT DAMAGE BEING DONE, whether instructions are followed to a T with following post op instructions.

If my band slips today, I won't come back daily to bring gloom and doom to those who are seeking bands, if they have NOT researched lap band complications and how to avoid them, they probably don't need to be banded.

There are horrific complications with every type of weight loss surgery many are too sick to post about them or they keep quiet fearing it may scare newbies since these surgeries are more permanent. This is why I am so confused about band bashing and why the band is singled out and picked on so much.

When I got my band, I was told that the band can slip, erode, or the esophagus could dilate, or there could be port problems, or the band could malfunction, those were the chances I took. Also I was going to get RNY, but I changed my mind, because I was healthy and not diabetic and the risks out weighed the benefits for me, and they had a list of potential complications that I was not willing to risk, that's why I changed to the lap band, it was a risk I was willing to take, and so far so good.

The lap band WILL KEEP ON FAILING as long as the band is restricted too tight for long periods of time, surgeons will still get paid money for putting bands in and removing them, it is up to the patient to report issues and listen to their bodies, we have to be our own advocate and that is with any weight loss surgery.

This is the very reason why many successful lap banders no longer post here, because they really don't have time to argue with strangers on the internet about lap band complications, I try to only pop in to warn newbies to let them KNOW that complications don't have to happen. I am NOT LUCKY, I just listen to my body and get to my surgeon when things don't feel right and I don't keep my band dangerously too tight.

 Scar tissue also helps hold the band in place along with WELL HEALED sutures. NOTHING is full proof, complications happen. If someone keeps their lap bands DANGEROUSLY TOO TIGHT FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME....NOTHING WILL PREVENT DAMAGE BEING DONE, whether instructions are followed to a T with following post op instructions.
This is exactly my point...many are having random tightening after 1,2 or more years who haven't kept their bands tight.  This phenomenon is continuing even after a complete unfill.  The way the band works appears to be the cause of excess scar tissue building up under the band.  I only had two fills, total 3.5cc in my 11 cc band and like others, had only drops of barium go through my stoma.  Also, my stomach tissue is gathered up inside the band, occuding it further.  This isn't misplacement, my being noncompliant or anything else...it is just an unforeseen consequence of the device.

If you have made up your mind the best to you!
Hopefully it is just made up and not closed.  There is so much
negativity because so many banders have experienced negativity
from the band.

For me, it took 2.5 year of medical negativity from the band to get it out. 
I even put in 1.5 years trying to do everything to save it after the PCP
wanted it out. 
I now have it out with no other hope in sight as the insurance went
to a once in a lifetime WLS.  I wish I had know all about this when I
chose my once in a Lifetime WLS.

I would just like to help other to not find themselves where I am.  That said,
I am willing to help anyone that has a band that wants my help to do the
best they can.

The reason it seams like more negitivite, is a lot banders got tiered of being treated like they did something wrong because it couldn't of been the band.

The band is a good tool. There are those who have had problems with it. I am sorry there are a lot of bad experiences posted here. I do think that many with problems come here and post. That's a good thing. We all need to be aware of what may happen, even those of us who are Vets.

I honestly, am very active within my Bariatric community here in Denver and I have not seen any problems besides, one woman who's surgeon placed her band in the wrong position. He is no longer allowed to practice here in the state. I was extremely successful with my Band. I followed the rules, although not always perfect, as given by my surgeon. Some things I never waivered on, like drinking with my meals and for an hour after eating. I also always ate my protein first. My hair and nails have never looked better. I am extremely pleased with my results. You are welcome to friend me and see where I started -

do what you feel is right for you. The Band is a tool that works for some - unfortunately, not for everyone. You have to be diligent, follow the rules, stay in close contact with your surgeon and listen to your body. IF you do have problems do not ignore them. Be your own advocate. Remember that not everyone who has followed the rules are always successful, but having a good and supportive surgeon, following the rules and being aware of your body can make a positive difference -- and will give you a higher chance of being successful.

Every WLS has problems. Don't let anyone tell you that one is worse than the others. There are exceptions to every procedure.

respond with this:
~I have looked at the "success rate" data. Mind you I am not referring to complication rates, only success rates.~

The "success rate" quoted by Allergan is NOT accurate. That is why they are under investigation after HHS noted a HUGE variation between Allergan stats and REAL stats!

In January, House Democratic lawmakers called for hearings on medical devices including Lap-Band, following a study in the medical journal Archives of Surgery, that found almost half of patients with a gastric band had no weight loss or needed the device removed after six years. More than 40 percent had long- term complications.

So if their failure rate is that high..........HOW CAN THEY POSSIBLY HAVE A GOOD "SUCCESS RATE"???

~As ar as complication rates go, I think it's more important to look at those rates with the particular center/surgeon you are working with. Since the vast majority of insurance companies will not cover WLS, I'm sure this forces people to use some less than stellar providers.~

It's been looked at. The top bariatric surgeons in the field have complication rates not much better than those less skilled. It is what it is. That's why the ASMBS no longer endorses the Lap-band!

~Let's not forget that the Lap-Band procedure is not an "instand fix" that does not require any effort on the part of the patient. Unlike gastric bypass, the Lap-Band is only a tool to HELP you lose weight, since there is no non-absorption going on. Patients need to work with that tool. ~

Tool? In some cases. Many that got the Lap-Band never got a "tool". Some of the lucky ones did. You can't work what's not there.........and if u never get restriction with it...........then you have NO "tool".

But let me point out something critical here. Bandsters are blamed all the time for "not working their tool"/"being non-compliant"/"not following band rules"/blah, blah, blah. Well then tell me why all those bandsters that "didn't follow band rules and work their tool" had no luck with the band............BUT YET WHEN THEY GOT VSG THEY AMAZINGLY DID WELL?! There is no malabsorption with VSG. So do you feel that for some very strange reason that all those former bandsters that didn't "work their tool and follow rules" miraculously started "working the tool and following rules" when they got VSG???? That makes NO sense at all!

Look me up in 6 years and tell me how well your band is working for ya!

It's OK to bash the band, but I think when you start making claims and flat out lies and I quote:

That's why the ASMBS no longer endorse the Lap-Band!

Can you please provide links, cited information and facts?

This Brand New article published mentions that the Lap Band was THE ONLY weight loss surgery that this surgeon uses for his LifeShape Advanced Bariatric Center of Florida which is endorsed by the ASMBS and Dr Mark Fusco is on the ASMBS Communication Committe.

Dr. Mark A. Fusco Named to American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS) Communication Committee

August 6, 2012 By Ashley

LifeShape Advanced Bariatric Center of Florida Dr. Mark A. Fusco identified by colleagues as an expert in utilizing technology and social media to assist in providing better aftercare for his patients

August 1, 2012
Melbourne, FL

Dr. Mark A. Fusco, medical director of LifeShape Advanced Bariatric Center of Florida has been named to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS) Communication Committee. The ASMBS is the largest obesity related society in the world. ASMBS supports patients and healthcare professionals in the fight against obesity and obesity related metabolic disorders.

The aim of the Communications Committee is to facilitate communication between the ASMBS and its members, potential members and the public. This includes making recommendations on new opportunities and technologies to enhance communications. In additions to traditional forms of communications, the Communications Committee is tasked with developing recommendations for expanded use of social media channels.

Dr. Fusco is a recognized expert in the area of utilizing technology for communication in the health care field. He is a managing partner of Bariatric Software Solutions, authors of the weight goal page software. The weight goal page is a personalized online motivational tool for patients undergoing weight loss surgery. Dr. Fusco has spoken to national groups on the use of social media in patient support after Lap-Band surgery. He serves as an expert in utilizing technology and social media to assist in providing better aftercare for his patients. Dr. Fusco blogs at www.LifeShape.net/blog, and presently also has an iphone and android app in development.

“I am honored that I have been picked to serve on this committee. I am hopeful we can continue to learn more about how we can utilize some of these new tools to foster better communication amongst patients and the healthcare team," stated Dr. Fusco.

LifeShape Advanced Bariatric Center of Florida is a full service multidisciplinary weight loss center offering physician supervised medical weight loss programs, personalized fitness training in private state-of-the-art gym, and surgical treatment. With a highly trained team of surgeons, internal medicine doctors, nurses, nutritionists, personal trainers, and psychologists, LifeShape is able to provide patients with a safe and effective weight-loss surgery, comprehensive pre- and post-operative education and ongoing aftercare. LifeShape is located at 1223 Gateway Drive, Suite 2B, Melbourne, FL 32901. 321-728-7553. www.lifeshape.net

I appreciate that you feel very passionate about your point of view but it is never helpful to make claims that support your position without citing where you found your information. It only makes you look bad and detracts from your message.
After reading what you have posted I can only conclude that you are either simply very unhappy and bitter and lashing out or you are being paid to write inflammatory and derogatory comments about the Lap Band by a competitor.

Now, if you care to back up your statements with reliable, relevant, recent sources I will be happy to review that information. If not, please refrain from replying to my post as it is not beneficial and a waste of my time and energy.