Considering Lapband. Thoughts?

http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01581801

Donna the study is on going to see IF it happens to sleeve patients.  It hasn't shown that there is anything to scare you to death yet.

I guess I will find out first hand.  

You couldn't pay me enough money to EVER get a band. Not only did mine never work  it also started tightening up without any fills until I finally just had it emptied 2 years ago. If my insurance covered bariatrics I would have had it out long ago, all I can do now is pray it isn't doing continued damage while I wait until I can afford to get it out. I've been on this forum for over 6 yrs and on the sleeve forum for over a year and I haven't read of one person with RHG. Besides if you are eating correctly it isn't going to be an issue because we shouldn't be eating sweets anyway! I plan to get a sleeve and I'm not the least bit worried about RHG. Even people with normal stomachs can sometime suffer from RHG so surgery types other than RNY  shouldn't have a big problem with it. I'd sure rather have that once in awhile than the pain and sliming from this stupid band. I wouldn't wish a band on my worst enemy!

Karen... 

RHG... NBM claims this?  Am I right?  She has everyone blocked who has ever disagreed with her.

It's true, VSG folks do get RHG but if you actually look at the stats non ops get it too and thus far, VSG folks do not have RHG anymore than your standard issue person.  The only surgery type that is proven thus far to CAUSE RHG, is bypass.  Band folks have RHG as well, doesn't mean it is from the band.

This is merely more exaggeration and downing the sleeve in a last ditch effort to make the band look like something it is not, safe.

Now, there have been a couple of studies that show sleeves might cause RHG but guess what?  The studies were bought and paid for by none other than ...(drum roll)... ALLERAN!  They failed to demonstrate this is fact, just that it might.  Yet non Allergan studies do not show this.

Funny how that works. ;o)

Ditto on all the above.  (Including being blocked, even when trying to handle her with kid gloves.)  I think some sleeve people think they have what RNYers have but, not always the same.  Yes this can happen in non WLS people so of course some with sleeves and bands can have it.  Also over eating itself can cause the symptoms, so yes with the sleeve and band it is easier to "over eat".

Reacting badly to sugar was the only reason I had even thought of getting the RNY over band.

I can't understand why someone beat up a surgery that three surgeons said were the best for them.  I know you can always find some one willing to take your money, but is that the best choice for you.

OP what surgeries does your surgeon do and what if anything have they said is best for you.  If they do the four major, I would think they would give you an honest answer.

I'm in my 7th year of being a bandster... the band saved my life.  It was the best thing I ever did for myself.

I have no regrets at all.  It's a great "tool".

Tom, Toronto

Banded, July 6 06

Wt. Loss:  156 lbs

I wish you good luck as you finalize your decision. The truth is that choosing any WLS is a major, life changing decision and it is great that you are searching for first-hand accounts.

I had a lapband for 5 years. I loved my band for 95% of that time.....I lost 99 pounds and maintained a weightloss of about 80-85 pounds for the majority of that 5-year period. Unfortunately, last summer I started having trouble breathing and I got to the point where I could not tolerate anything. My band had adhered to my organs and was causing lots of trouble. Slimming and vomiting was an annoyance at times - my restriction would flucuate all of the time depending on several factors - my stress level, time of day, and even my period. Getting fills became a huge gamble. After I healed from having my band removed (probably the most painful surgery that I have experienced due to all of the adhesions), my dr revised me to a sleeve. I am really enjoying my sleeve - the restriction is constant and I can eat more types of foods. With my band, I always had problems with eggs, fruits and veggies - also bread but I have not had any bread since I got my sleeve so I can not compare.

Please feel free to PM me with specific questions. Good luck on your journey!