Why so much negativity?

 "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!"


It's amazing isn't it?

Steph,

I've gotten to the point where I can talk and tal****il I'm blue in the face. People believe what they want to believe... until they go through it themselves.  It's easier to blame the person than the device. It's pure desperation. I understand it. It doesn't make it any easier to deal with... but I get it. 

TEN years I've watched the same issues happen over and over and over. And I try to warn people out of caring and compassion. And the stock response is always, "It's a tool. You have to follow the rules... yada yada."  As long as we're humans, made of biological material, the gastric band is NOT going to be a good "tool."  If you're a cyborg, then knock yourself out and get a band. Heck, get two. But if you're a human and expect to have no adverse effects from banding, be prepared to be surprised.

What you say makes all the sense in the world. But if people don't want to believe it, they will simply find any excuse in the world to make it the way they want it to be. 

The band stinks. It's an atrocious "tool." WE know it. But the advertising still works, apparently. I don't get it... there is a TON of information right at our fingertips... and people are still choosing the least effective form of WLS. And believing that it's "less invasive" and "safer."  I wish I could have Allergan's advertising staff. I'd be filthy rich, too! Then I'd move to a remote island where I could do art, read and be fat all day.

 Sorry your post has gotten deluged :-)

The answer to your question is a lot of us long-term successful bandsters don't come here very often anymore.  As soon as anyone dares to say anything good about the band a bunch of people (always the same people) immediately jump in to say how bad the band is.

The truth is it is a tool, works for some and not for others.  There are great success stories out there and horrible, awful failure stories.  Both are valid and are something you need to consider.

As for your doctor not being listed, I assume you mean on OH?  They are increasing a for-profit group and your doctor may not have paid them to be listed is all.  More important are his medical license and board certifiications.  My advice is to find a doctor you trust (really trust!) and be honest with them about your concerns and make sure you get answers that make sense to you.  In my case, my PCP did research for me on the best doctor in the area (greater Boston) and then I had a very detailed discussion with my doctor about the different surgical options (including the DS) and what was or was not right for me.

Good Luck!