Biggest Mistake of the Lap band is discontinuing the 4cc/10cm VG bands

Yep, I said it -- and it will probably be the demise of the band. Allergan made a BIG MISTAKE of discontinuing the 4cc/10m and Vanguard (VG) bands, When I got my band Inamed was the manufacturer. I am wondering if their REAL reason for no longer making the older 4cc/10cm and VG bands was being more prone to erosion (as my PA mentioned).  I've known MANY that bands did not erode, even with my hernia and gastritis my  band has not eroded.

Even with pouch and esophageal dilations that many old timers use to have they use to HEAL more easily with the OLDER BANDS. My OWN band healed EASILY when it almost slipped over 7 years ago WITHOUT SURGERY.  I've known MANY that had the older bands that had REPEATED small slippages and they healed themselves WITHOUT SURGERY .

For me, going on 8 years, I've always been able to eat small amounts of solids regardless of how tight my band was, I've never had nausea. I rarely have reflux or heartburn, unless I get filled too tightly.

This is why when my burning started (due to a hernia) I could not take it because its NOT normal for me to be on a PPi constantly with my band.

Also I've been on the board a LONG TIME and it just occurred to me recently, GEE, band bashing ONLY STARTED AFTER the AP band was introduced. Also I noticed weight loss with the older bands was AS BETTER OR SIMILAR to Sleeve and Bypass especially within 2 years.

Please don't get me wrong, I am not saying that those who get the AP band will not lose all of their weight, or will not love them because many do. But OVERALL from what I've seen over the years regarding WEIGHT LOSS and patient satisfaction, the AP Band CANNOT TOUCH weight loss compared to 4cc/10cm band nor is the patient happy with them compared with the older bands.

As a matter of FACT, when I was on the boards from 2005 up to 2007, which was the height of HAPPY lap banders ON THIS BOARD, there were as MANY REPORTING QUICK WEIGHT LOSS JUST LIKE THE SLEEVE BOARD IS NOW, people losing 100 pounds in 4-6 months with the 4cc/10m and VG BANDS....

That DID NOT HAPPEN WITH THE NEW AP BANDS......on AVERAGE....But this does not say you can't lose quickly with the AP BAND....

For the last 6 years I have NOT DIETED ONE DAY with my band, NOR have I followed any type of Weigh****chers program, however, in my first few years, I drank proteins shakes,( sometimes), and ate tuna, egg salad, THAT WAS THE CLOSEST THING to a DIET that I've EATEN WITH MY BAND OVER 8 YEARS AND I STILL lost weight quickly (even eating sweets and carbs on occasion) and KEPT my weight off over the years, I NEVER WORKED OUT HEAVILY in the gym, but I WALKED about 1 mile 4-5 days a week during weight loss.

The biggest thing my 4cc band does for me is KEEP MY MEALS SMALL AND HUNGER AT BAY....WHEN FILLED PROPERLY...and YES THERE IS A BRICK WALL TO STOP ME, where I can't eat another bite without slimming....

Do I think the Sleeve is MUCH BETTER than the new AP BAND? YES...based on the complaints/complications and little to slow weight loss due to harder to find the GREEN zone of optimal restriction.

Do I think the Sleeve is MUCH BETTER than the OLDER BANDS 4cc/10cm or VG bands? Absolutely NOT....The older 4cc/10cm banders don't have many problems or GERD or dumping, the 4cc bands REALLY WORKS like it is suppose to for  many old timers and it's REALLY adjustable long term, unlike the newer AP band for many.

Do I think the Bypass is MUCH BETTER than the AP BAND? SHORT TERM, YES, the bypass on average has quicker weight loss than all bands and can heal diabetes..LONG TERM, not sure since there is a high complication rate with the AP bands.

Do I think the Bypass is MUCH BETTER than the OLDER BANDS 4cc/10cm VG band? Short term, it depends, some people use to lose as quicker with their 4cc bands than the bypass, but the bypass on average has quicker weight loss than all bands and can heal diabetes...but LONG TERM - NO.

Do I think the Sleeve is better than the Bypass...that I can't comment on....

If I was FORCED to revise to another weight loss surgery TODAY --- It would be the bypass, why? Because, I've experienced the great effectiveness of the 4cc band and I am sure the AP Band nor the Sleeve would offer me the same effectiveness in order to MOVE weight loss quickly ESPECIALLY since I would be a revision patient.  Also the risk of GERD is too high with the Sleeve. I HONESTLY don't believe Band to Sleeve is that effective (for MOST) not saying that all Band to Sleeve will not have great weight loss because a few do, but MOST don't.  I believe VIRGIN Sleevers tend to lose more weight and have less problems than Band to Sleeve.

But if I revised to the bypass, I am SURE I would be dealing with more HERNIA related surgeries in my near future and risk anemia and vitamin deficiencies based on my OWN health history and I SURE DO NOT WANT TO GIVE UP CARBS/SUGAR forever and long term I will probably have to diet much harder and exercise more than I would long term with my current 4cc band...so I doubt I would get the bypass if I was not forced.

But if I have to get my band removed due to my hernia, I probably will not revise to nothing and just go back to weigh****chers.

Now...can you understand WHY I want to KEEP MY 4CC/10CM BAND as long as I can?

Sorry I just woke up from a hard scary night from remnants of hurricane Sandy....and boy it was scary...