Question:
what are strictures,pb,and does lap band hurt is it realy uncomfortable

i need to know all about these things to make an informed decision.please give it to me straight.is it really hard.i appreciate all answers.thanks    — CHULABABY (posted on February 15, 2006)

February 15, 2006
Okay I have the lap band and I would say there are better tools out there. I only lost about 65 pounds and 30 of that was from vomiting. I also am now currently the same weight I was before banding. That is all very upsetting and is something I am taking care of by getting it removed. I am dealing with a slippage which also is reason for the vomiting. Pbing does hurt and it doesnt stop hurting unless you vomit most of the time. You should chew your food well and avoid some foods if you dont want that to occur. It feels very painful and it hurts in the chest until it goes down or you vomit. I dont like the lap band bc I went through alot of issues with it. I couldnt reccomend it to anyone. You cant feel the lap band but it will sure let you know its there. I also have had much more issues with reflux. Alot of my issues come from the band not being in the proper position and a slippage but those are things that can and do happen. It is reversible thank goodness. Everyone is different and this is truly your decision, think about it all and do lots of research.
   — spykitty

February 15, 2006
I can't speak on a stricture, but I know that a PB is what Band patients call a "productive burp" .. which is what happens when food won't go through the Band and comes back up. It's like a deep hiccup, and up comes the food. Gross, sometimes painful, and to be avoided, but not dangerous as long as it doesn't happen too often. The Band does not hurt. You are aware of it for the first day or two (because things feel slightly different after you swallow) but you quickly get used to it and don't even know it's there. You can't feel the port either, and getting fills is, at worst, uncomfortable but not painful. Keep doing your research! Hope this helps.
   — Jeanie

February 15, 2006
Leticia, I'm glad you asked this question because I'm seriously considering the Lap Band. During my research, I've found slippage used to be an issue but has been greatly reduced as surgeons get more experience and the bands are improved. I've spent over two years researching both procedures and have found the lap band has a history of fewer complications. Until I read Kitty's response, I'd never heard of anyone complaining about the band being painful. I'm leaning toward the band but that's just me. There are a lot of good resources on this and other websites to get the information you need. I'd strongly recommend you read everything you can find on the subject as well.
   — tazdiva

February 15, 2006
the surgery was a breeze. no pain, just discomfort--i felt like i had done a thousand situps. also, not everyone throws up--i am over a year out and have still yet to pb. the success of this surgery, and any other, is compliance. if you follow the rules--no drinking while eating, protein first, chew chew chew..you will do great. honestly for me, this was the magic pill everyone wants. i eat what i want, just less of it and i consistently lose weight. i was banded in november '04 and am 2 lbs from goal. have gone from a tight 14 to size 2/4. i love my band!!
   — jessicamegan

February 16, 2006
Strictures, productive burping, slipppage, expensive refills, losing only 30 pounds, chewing food to liquid mush, 'pouch rules' -- and the ugly, almost inevitable regain. Oh yea, all reasons to keep doing your research. There is a 3rd choice. And the WLS 'best kept secret' the duodenal switch. No strictures, fully functioning stomach, maximum weight loss, little regain even at 10 years out... I could go on. It's not the surgery for everyone, but you should know the choice is there. Check out www.duodenalswitch.com and visit the duodenal forum. Best of luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]