It's the LONG TERM part that is disappointing.  The band can work for a year or two... and then the problems start up. I've watched this for over 9 years now and have gone through horrible complications, myself.

It has little to do with "compliance" unless you're able to will your body to not experience pain and damage. The Vagus nerves run from the base of the skull down through the diaphragm and into the stomach. The band affects these nerves adversely in a LOT of people. The incidence of referred left shoulder pain is just starting to be acknowledged as a serious side effect with bands. It's extremely common.

All WLS do have risks... however, the band fails most often.  And the advertising leads people to believe that it's somehow "safer" and "less invasive." In reality, most bands will need to be removed at some point, there will be damage done from them, and subsequent surgeries will most likely be required.

Hopefully you and your husband will be 2 of the lucky ones. I wish you both the best.

I am only answering because you asked.   I know that it sounds "negative." Over a computer screen it might come off as such. But it's not my intention to sound like I'm saying you will fail, please know this. I'm just sharing my own experience.

  Good Morning Everyone,

Hope that you've had a good week and are ready for the weekend.    As I think of what all today that I am grateful for in my life.   I think about Obesity Help.    We are so LUCKY to have such a amazing website to go to for support.    No matter what time of the night or day there is almost ALWAYS someone on here to lend support and encouragement to others in need.   I know when I was newly post op from my WLS there were times when I needed answers to issues that I was experiencing and there was always someone willing to give me some much needed advice.    So today I am grateful for all the people here on OH willing to give advice to others and for all the amazing people *****ad my posts and respond to them.   I have met some amazing people on here....some will be lifelong friends  ( some I have met and some I have only met online ).    Thank you all *****spond to these posts.    It makes you feel good to let others know that there is always something in life to be grateful for.     Have a blessed and wonderful weekend.

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

I am 6 months out and still weigh daily. I write it down every Sunday so I can see my weekly status. I think weighing daily is a bit much but I like to think I do better when I don't see the scale moving...not sure that is the case.

 “Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful." ~Mark Victor Hansen

  Good Morning Everyone,

Happy 4th of July !!!!  Today I am grateful for our Independance !!!   Both for our country and from our obesity through WLS.    PLEASE share what you are grateful for today and have a Happy and safe 4th.

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian