I see nothing has changed

I haven't been here in some time and I see that things haven't changed a bit since I was here last.  People are still arguing and talking down to people and getting in to everybody's business and just really showing the unpleasant side of themselves.

When I was a support group leader, my people were always told that there were two things you could NEVER talk about......the wls you chose and the surgeon you chose.  Both of those are important, life long decisions.  Everybody needs to do their homework and decide what's best for them.  Your decision could be different from mine.  And the choice of surgeon is the same.  I chose the one I went to but if that's not the "cream" that came to the top during your research, so be it. 

Now, I can talk down my own surgeon if I want to and I can talk down the surgery that I chose if it didn't work for me but those were personal choices and those are the only two things I can complain about. 

I was banded (WAS.....not now) and I researched for 2 years before I made that choice. At the time (2005) banding and RNY were my only options.  I thought RNY was too much for me and I didn't want anything rerouted and I KNEW I wasn't going to be disciplined enough to take the vitamines and supplements I'd need.  I could used the dumping syndrome but that was the only thing I found good in the RNY....FOR ME.

At the time of my surgery, there were only two surgeons in my area who did the band.  One surgeon had done 4 procedures and the other had done 40.  I chose the more experienced doctor.  I'm not sure that's the same choice I'd make today but it was the right thing to do at the time.

You may not agree with my choice or my surgeon but that was a personal decision and one that could only be made by me.  If you have a sleeve or RNY and you went to Mexico or Brazil to have either of them done and you're doing well, I'm so happy for you.  If you aren't doing so good and can't find a local surgeon to see, I'm not going to say "I told you so" because you should have done your homework before you signed up and found that surgeon (locally) before you went under the knife. 

So, please, folks....don't bash each other and talk down to each other and leave people to their own choices and you live with yours.  Don't criticize a particular surgeon if they weren't your choice and don't talk bad about people who chose a different surgical procedure than you did. 

If there was only one good wls, there wouldn't be choices.  If there was only one perfect surgeon to do this surgery, he'd have a waiting list 10 years long.  That's not the case.

Grow up.  Act your age.  Post about your personal experience for pre ops to read thru when they're doing their homework.  I wanted to know all the good and bad.  Not much bad stuff to read about banding in 2005 and the sleeve didn't exist.  Were I going to have the surgery today, I wouldn't do the band but that's just me.  I'm not sure I'd do anything.  I've learned its a life changing mind set and the surgery is just a crutch.  You still gotta watch everything you eat.  The surgery helps with the portion control.....not with what you eat.....only how much!!

Maybe they'll listen to you. This hasn't worked for anyone else.

Nice to see you again, BTW!

I can't really read this as small handwriting style script just isn't legible on ipads! But I get the gist. This board is actually virtually dead. Those who enjoy arguments or are messianic about the band (for or against) post, a few vets like Bette, Jean and I try to hold the middle ground.

But to be honest, you would probably do best to try a different board.

I appreciate your thoughts and you are right. Some people just have to be right and there is nothing going to change. Kate expressed the problem well, too. We have tried and tried. Most of us stick around to be available for someone coming back after being gone for a while and needing support. It depends upon who answers whether they get pontificating, I told you so"s, If you had only made my choice or other such garbage. I started out as a seeker and nearly turned into something not so nice. Thank God I learned better, not perfect but better. The best of what is left have been great examples for me and that is the other reason I have not given up. They were here when I needed (still are) and they are dear to me. The "other ones" I attempt to ignore.

Thanks again for trying to be a good example but by tomorrow things will be back to normal.

Well said Abandster, I agree

Is there stuff going on here that I can't see...the board is pretty quiet...

Don't think so.. Think just someone who hasn't posted for a long time coming back and reading a few pages of threads. Don't think many people needing or offering much support come here these days so it is easy to read back over a week!  

AMEN! I don't know why this board has always been *****ly....I left OH for a while because I just couldn't take the drama. It seems as if some folks are always looking for a fight.

And, frankly, I loved my band for almost 5 years and would still have it today if not for the life-threatening complications that developed. I share my experiences in hopes to help someone else who may be in my shoes. Back in 2007, I would have loved to hear from people who had 2 surgeries and could share their first hand experience with both.