Recent Posts

Kate -True Brit
on 4/10/15 5:11 am - UK
Topic: RE: Need advice.. Lap Band versus RNY

Please bear in mind that I am a very happy and very successful bandit now 9 years post-op. I do not regret my band, would do it all over again and if I ever have to have it removed, I would hope to have a replacement.

When I was banded in 2006, it was a miracle surgery. And for some people, who accept that they will still have to work hard, it is just that. It was and still is for me. But over the years it has become clear that serious complications necessitating further surgery are much more common than originally thought, some of these are avoidable by careful eating and by not keeping the band tight; unfortunately others are beyond our control.

We used to be warned about band slips, leaks and about ( very rare) erosion into the stomach tissue but it turns out that a build up of scar tissue round the band (causing it to tighten) is quite common. It can be very difficult to get the right level of restriction and some people are tempted to keep it tight enough to physically limit food, in fact it was once thought this was how it should be. But this causes food to back up into the oesophagus and that risks problems such as oesophageal dysmotility which may be irreversible. It can also damage the vagus nerve.

We still need lots of will power. The band makes it easier by dimming hunger, but it does nothing for head hunger and, contrary to popular opinion, it does not and should not physically stop us eating. If it does it is too tight! With RNY, you get the help of malabsorption. 

Having said all that, I love my band, I know many successful long term bandits in real life. On this board, you will find more people who will put forward the case against the band than in favour of it and I do not for one second question their experiences. But my own experience has been good and so has that of almost all those I actually know and have met.

 

 

Highest 290, Banded - 248   Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.

Happily banded since May 2006.  Regain of 28lbs 2013-14.  ALL GONE!

But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,

   

Kristina247
on 4/10/15 4:34 am
Topic: RE: Need advice.. Lap Band versus RNY

Thanks for the reply. I on the fight with them, they first because of policy, but when i called was told that they do bend the rules if my doctor pushes for it. They just want to make things difficult, but i have no intentions of backing down.

ladygodiva1228
on 4/10/15 4:09 am - Putnam, CT
Revision on 02/04/15
Topic: RE: Need advice.. Lap Band versus RNY

Though there are some who have had success with the band.  I personally would not recommend it. 

After 11 years mine had to come out.  Between the 24/7 heartburn and port pain I couldn't take it anymore.  I recently revised to the bypass and no more pain, no more heartburn.  My surgeon had to chisel the band out as scar tissue grew around the band, down the tube and around the port.  Took an hour just to get the band from around my stomach. 

I would fight the insurance and want to know why they denied you the bypass.

 

Dr. Sanchez Lapband 9/12/2003
hw305/revision w280/cw197/gw150

Revision from Lap Band to Bypass on 2/4/2015 by Dr. Pohl

    

Kristina247
on 4/10/15 4:03 am
Topic: Need advice.. Lap Band versus RNY

Hello to all.. I have been on this site for a couple of months.. Going thru the steps of getting RNY done, after being cleared from all Doctors and tests ready set to go, The Bump in the road wa**** when My insurance has denied my surgery. 

I have been left with the option of i can get Lap Band since it' a one day process. I'm upset had set my mind for RNY.

Is Lap Band a good tool to lose weight?? Need insight.. 

Vivian Prouty
on 4/10/15 2:16 am - Fort Worth, TX
Topic: MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE FOR TODAY

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE FOR TODAY....."If you must begin then go all the way, because if you begin and quit, the unfinished business you have left behind begins to haunt you all the time."

GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CAN NOT CHANGE;   COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS THAT I CAN;  AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE !!!!    THIS IS MY DAILY PRAYER.
Vivian Prouty      Obesity Help Support Group Coach  "LOSE IT 4 LIFE"


 

Kate -True Brit
on 4/9/15 4:09 pm, edited 4/9/15 7:26 pm - UK
Topic: Xpost life expectancy of the band

Getting fed up with the repeated assertion as fact that Allergsn state "on their website" that the life expectancy of the band is ten years, and being unable to find this statement, I wrote to Allergan. I was not asking for statistics about complications, simply whether they had ever actually quoted a figure of ten years. The "fact" that they say is is quoted regularly on OH. 

i have today received a response from the medical director saying that they have never said this. This is her reply.

 

The truth, however, is there is no data indicating the Band only had a life span of 10 years. There have been some celebrities who have made statements in the media about this, but it simply is not based in fact. The Lap Band is made of medical grade silicone and is a long term device which may need maintenance meaning removal or replacement at any given time, however, there is no documented life expectancy nor suggested end of device expectancy.

Highest 290, Banded - 248   Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.

Happily banded since May 2006.  Regain of 28lbs 2013-14.  ALL GONE!

But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,

   

Hislady
on 4/9/15 2:49 pm - Vancouver, WA
Topic: RE: lap band removal scheduled for next Wed 4/15/15

Hey Denise I recognized the big fuzzy vest right off the bat!!! Are we in some of the same FG pages I don't recognize you from the ones I'm on but I'm gettin' so senile I'm lucky if I remember who I am! I'm the only one I know who didn't have the left shoulder pain until I got it removed, then I started getting it!! Only if I eat too fast or too much so that reminds me to slow down. I've read where there are 2 methods of removing the band, in one they just unclip the band and slip it out in the other they take it out and then remove as much scar tissues as they can. I think my scar tissue was left in because it still feels like there is a band in there but now it works better than my band ever did! It stops me after 1/2 dozen bites, slows me down and like I said gives me the left shoulder pain if I go over board. But none of the pain from that killer band. I'm just so glad it is gone!

Cathy Page
on 4/9/15 2:45 pm - Langley, Canada
Topic: Dr Leong in Surrey

If anyone found somewhere to get a fill can you please let me know? Or did you have anything else done? I could use some advice. I got my band in 2008 and have gained everything back and more.

 

Thank you!

 

Cathy



The secret of a good life is to have the right loyalties and hold them in the right scale of values.

Hislady
on 4/9/15 2:33 pm - Vancouver, WA
Topic: RE: Trouble help me please

I agree with both of these ladies even tho I'm basically anti band because it really screwed me up, even a year after having it removed I still have problems. However as far as how to eat, Kate hit the nail on the head, protein first, then veggies and healthy carbs IF they don't bother you. I'm extremely carb sensitive and they will throw my blood sugar off big time, to where I just fall asleep sitting up.

And yeah Herbalife is a scam. My grand daughter uses it but she only ever has 10-20 lbs to lose. She's just naturally skinny, little brat!!! She even sells it but I told sorry I don't buy that sort of thing. So yeah save your money. Besides liquids aren't going to help you feel full like dense protein will.

You aren't a failure the band has been a failure for many of us. So it may not be all you. Like Kate said tho try leaving it looser and you just have to have the same determination and will power everyone else does when they diet. The band just makes it a little easier but not alot. Try to get rid of as many fast foods and pre packaged food as you can. That will help alot.

You might even want to check out other surgeries that would be more helpful. Then you can see about a revision to a different surgery that is more successful. Use vacation time to get it done. Good luck, there are alot of us left here but we're always glad to try to help!

Bette B.
on 4/9/15 11:28 am
Topic: RE: Trouble help me please

PS: Herbalife is a crap pyramid scheme. It doesn't work. Save your money. 

    

Banded 10 years & maintaining my weight loss!! Any questions, message me.

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