labwalker

Good luck with whatever surgery you decide on. It is between you and your doctor.
Regardless, lap band or sleeve, you have to eat right and follow the doctor's advice.
Let us know how things are going after surgery.

I was banded several years ago and don't regret it. I'd probably opt for a sleeve today, only because the band requires a commitment to keep regular follow up visits with the doctor's office for the rest of your life. That is important, and with less doctors actively promoting the band, that could be a problem for a younger person who may have to live with a band for 50, 60 or more years.
The band is only a tool. I found I could lose fifty pounds without much work during the honeymoon phase... but now that I am a few years out I find I have to track calories, Protein and carb intake on a daily log to keep losing weight. The band works, but it takes some commitment and a change in lifestyle. I just gave up sugar and starting limiting carbs to under 100 mg a day on the advice my APRN, and that is allowing me to lose a 1/4 to 1/2 lb. a week. It adds up. Every so often I slip off the path, but even so the band does limit how much weight I can regain. Without the band I would have been still be losing only to regain it all.

Thanks so much for the information, Labwalker. I really enjoy and appreciate hearing everyone’s experience and stories. My doctor suggested the sleeve over the band; however, I decided to go with the band first. He really stressed the band was a tool and did take work and commitment. I really hope i can stay committed and be successful. One day I might have to get the sleeve, but I decided to go with the less invasive option first and hope it works😄

Well, if you have a lap band, you can always have revision surgery in the future, IF needed.
80% of the failed lap bands are due to folks not following correct eating habits, or not doing follow up visits. I personally know two folks who had revisions because they were not losing weight, and they are still failing after having a sleeve. I work hard to ensure my band works like the tool it was intended to be.
At my age, the doctor felt the band was the best solution for me. And, they have be go back for follow ups at least once every six months to make sure there are no problems. If you don't have insurance, that can be costly. Few doctors want to deal with past patients, and that is another reason they avoid the band. I'd opt for a sleeve today, but I am happy with the band.

Not everybody is good for the band. I love my band and would not change anything. It is my "little" reminder to eat less, smaller bites and eat slower. I also know several people who have had nightmare experiences with the sleeve, RNY and all the other outrageous surgeries offered for something that is mostly suppose to change your eating habits. I also know of the various infections and yes deaths from other surgeries. You need to search and decide what is best for you but any surgery done to change your body can cause serious illness or even death.

I had my band for 6 years lost 30kg approx 60lbs. Started to put on weight slowly again, my fill was too tight and got terrible reflux and was eating “slider foods”. Eventually slipped and got it taken out.

What did I learn?

I didn’t not follow the rules at all!!

1. Did not follow up with surgeon
2. Did not get to sweet spot
3. Did not eat healthy food
4. Got too much fill - band was too tight vomiting and reflux became daily

After having the band out for a year I’m scheduled to have it back in 4 weeks. I will do everything differently!! Number one is keeping on track with my appointments.

Good luck, hopefully you find something that works for you [emoji4]

Thank you Kathy
Life just goes on and we all try our best
It is so nice to see a cheerful note.
Yes I poke my head up to say lap band works for some .....
so many long term WLS people move on. Not us. Still hangin around...

The reset I tried when I had band unfilled and stood on liquids for 9 days and mushy for 5 . The food pouch had fixed its led up. I recently had band filled on the 7th to 2 cc but I felt I had no restriction and even tho I was on mushy mainly I hadn't lost any weight. On the 23 I filled my band .75 and I feel more full between meals and I haven't had any pain. But I plan on doing periodic band resets every 6-8weeks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Today I ate solid food w/o pain so I think the m back in business. And I lost about 4 lbs😀121 here I come.... Maybe even 118😉

In my Drs office we get year esophograms. We drink a barium dye looks like e yucky milk. We drink it and a X-rays type image is taken. They can see if you have a food pouch forming above the band that can cause a slip, it can show a hernia of the esophogus, a band slip, and I'm not sure if it can show possible band erosions.
a test like this showed I had a food pouch forming

This line alone could burn down the forums with the fires it starts.
MY opinion - people didnt work out a system that worked with their lives everyday
so when they got tired of doing the WL thing just like the diet thing they slowly added in tiny little reasons why they could just eat this once or a little and slowly over many many months followed by years the weight came back on.
The Sleeve restriction will decrease with time
You must develop habits that will take the place of the restriction when that time comes
They must be fit your life and be easy to continue and not feel like a punishment
You get 18-24 months to figure it out -if your lucky

Welcome and congratulations on your surgery for next Thursday.
It is important to note that no matter what choice of surgery you have you need to have a strong commitment to follow the doctors instructions and work with the tool.

I just joined today and want to thank everyone for sharing your stories! I’m having the lap band surgery next Thursday, 6/28. I’m excited but nervous as well due to some of the stories I’ve read. I know lap band is not as in demand as it was previously; however, I thought it was the best option for me. It seems much less invasive than the other surgeries. Im so glad to hear you do not regret your decision. If you have any tips please let me know.

I was also banded in 2007 and have had a wonderful love hate relationship with my band. I love it as a tool for meal restriction and keeping hunger in check. Hate it because it’s very difficult to overeat without doing harm.
I love It for having to take small bites and am almost always the last to finish. I hate it because if I try to eat big bites or fast then I suffer needlessly.
I have 1cc in a 4cc band. Any problems have come when I had more than 1cc.
I May or may not ever reach my goal but keeping off over 100 lb most of my journey has been entirely worth it.

I'm so glad too see another person who has had success with the band. I read about so many ppl who removed it and say it was a mistake. Even with the problems I have had , I can't see myself ever wanting to remove it.

I love my band as well. I have had it for many years and I can not imagine life without it. I am so healthy & much happier now and I am able to be apart of my children's life on a daily basis. I have had some ups and downs with my band over the years, but nothing that would cause me to have it removed. It has been a life saving tool for me.

I've been banded since 2007 and I only recently started visiting this site... Stupid on my part. I learned quite a few things here. I wish I had been on here when I first started out. While reading different posts to help me with my pouch dialation problems 2 weeks ago I noticed many people who have had their bands removed.
In the past I had port infection due to a Tummy Tuck, esophogeal hernia( which they originally thought was a band erosion) it was only when I was under anethstisia did my doctor see the problem and when I woke up I was totally ecstatic because I thought I would be waking up to having my band removed.it wasn't and I was grateful.
I read so many people saying how it was the worst mistake by getting banded, but I feel so lucky. It's worked so well and the problems I had were my likely self induced, you know not chewing properly, the dumb tummy tuck which wasn't necessary. Those problems could have been avoided. The thought of being without my band it frightening. This last problem of pouch dialation was a strong reality check. I have to remember how to eat and chew properly. Just because so many years have past I must not become complacent .
I was lucky to find so much info on these post at bariatric pal. I grateful for the posts I read and for future knowledge I can obtain just by reading other people's stories. I just wish I read more stories of people who have had great success with their band. I know I did and I love my band and can't image myself without it.

The reasons for avoidance are:
1. Because alcohol is laden with empty (useless) calories.
2. Because the carbonated drinks can dislodge the band.
3. Even if it does not dislodge the band it expands the stomach making it hold more (hence why restaurants serve all you can drink soft drink refills), so you can eat more.


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I'm very happy with my band, and my surgeon did all procedures, but based on my age and other factors he strongly suggested having the band, My insurance would have any of the weight loss procedures. There are three surgeons, and several APRNs handle the follow up visits. My wife had the sleeve, same surgeon,and she is expected to have follow visits and yearly blood work. My surgeon still does lap bands, based on the needs of that patient. If you go for low price, you may get what you pay for. There are Bariatric Centers of Excellence for a reason.
I seldom bother checking in or posting is because the forum has largely turned into a band bashing melee, and I suspect most other long time regulars have left for the reason. This was a great place when it catered only to lap banders. Now anyone with a lap band issue is assailed by VSG cultists.

I too will die with the band. Never had a fill and have no problems unless I eat too fast or too big of a bite when extremely hungry. If I did not have this band I would be back to day one. I did gain some weight when I retired but am working on getting it off. I have to get my mind back to what to eat and not eat. It's not easy and I know just as many people with problems from the other surgeries so you need to pick your poison and do your own thing.

I'm very happy with my band, and my surgeon did all procedures, but based on my age and other factors he strongly suggested having the band, My insurance would have any of the weight loss procedures. There are three surgeons, and several APRNs handle the follow up visits. My wife had the sleeve, same surgeon,and she is expected to have follow visits and yearly blood work. My surgeon still does lap bands, based on the needs of that patient. If you go for low price, you may get what you pay for. There are Bariatric Centers of Excellence for a reason.
I seldom bother checking in or posting is because the forum has largely turned into a band bashing melee, and I suspect most other long time regulars have left for the reason. This was a great place when it catered only to lap banders. Now anyone with a lap band issue is assailed by VSG cultists.

Let me start with some simple statements.

No, I don’t know the length of my comment channel, I used to, but that doesn’t define my surgery and therefore takes up ZERO brain capacity.

Yes, if given the choice to have the surgery or not have the surgery, I would do it again.

Yes, working out at a lower weight is easier, but it still sucks, and I still hate working out. 🏋️‍♀️

One day you’ll forget about your surgery until after you’ve eaten too much movie theatre popcorn. 🍿You will pay for this mistake for at least 24 hours and swear to never do it again, until the next time you go to the movies and do it again.

Men only: NO, this surgery does not make your penis bigger. It makes the perception of the size of your penis bigger because you can see more of it when your belly disappears. Don’t be fooled into thinking you are suddenly a porn star, you are still the same guy.

Yes, I love Kale… As a garnish. Kale was never meant to be eaten as a food, whoever decided this leafy weed should be consumed by people should be banished from civilization.

16-years post-op and not a day goes by where my surgery doesn’t impact my life in some way, shape, or form.

If I eat too much of the wrong foods one day, I pay for it the next. I always carry a can of Ozium with me. It’s better than killing the human in the stall next to me.

I have learned that no matter how many Vitamins, supplements, and shakes I consume, since my surgery I am prone to anemia. Around 10 years ago I started receiving Iron infusions. I initially had to go in for a fill up once every six months, now, I go in around once every 13 to 14 months. Why has this changed, you ask? Great question! Because as you get further and further away from your surgery, your body’s ability to absorb nutrients increases and therefore you have the ability to absorb more calories increases as well, that is why people can easily start gaining weight several years down the road. Though I am not a doctor, I do believe this is accurate information.

Only once since my surgery have I **** in my pants, I don’t remember it happening, I just know that I woke up and had this issue to deal with. It has not happened since that time, I think mostly because I try to eat what I’m supposed to eat and I avoid foods that lubricate my intestines to the point of them becoming a slip and slide.

No, I do not tell every person I meet that I’ve had surgery. In the beginning, it’s a little difficult because you can’t eat normal amounts of food and it’s apparent that you want to. Immediately after surgery, I avoided going out for dinner with friends, instead, I would meet them for a drink. Today I can go out for business meetings, dinners with friends and no one knows or can tell that I’ve had surgery. I can order a normal size meal and always do. Typically, when I go to dinner, I eat my Protein first, then I have a few carbs and a few vegetables. I eat what is considered by most Americans to be a normal portion, not a restaurant-sized portion.

Now let’s talk about Protein Shakes. I am sick and f**king tired of all of the Internet chatter about which shake is the best tasting, has the most Protein, is convenient, comes in rainbow colors. It’s a f**king Protein Shake. Almost all of them have some shitty aftertaste component to them. I have tried dozens over the years and thanks to my son, a football player, I have found the one Protein Powder that truly destroys all others. It is called Pro7ein: http://www.vitasport.net/vitasport/products/protein/pro7ein-synthesis

I prefer to mix one scoop to 8 ounces of unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Many mornings I will do two scoops to 12 ounces of unsweetened almond milk. I end my day with another two scoop Protein Shake before bed.

I will tell you that if you add this one thing to your daily regimen, you will not be pooping yellow sticky liquid. I’ve read a lot of comments in these forums about yellow smelly poops. The reason you have yellow smelly poop because you’re not eating the right stuff, if you start focusing on your protein first, your ass issues will clear up.

Final note for you post-op, surgical newbies. You’ve had weight-loss surgery, you don’t have cancer. Stop treating this like you have something terrible f**king disease when you are around your friends. They are really tired of hearing about it. Trust me. Eat what you need to, do your thing, don’t make a big deal about it.

In all, I’d say I am very happy 16 years post-op. Is having a duodenal switch right for everyone? No. Like any surgery of this type, it has life-changing implications. Some are good, summer bad, but ultimately it is to help those of us who struggle with losing weight.

***I originally placed this in Post-Op Q&A and relaized it belongs here.

Damn it’s hard going back to 800 calories a day.

I'm very happy with my band, and my surgeon did all procedures, but based on my age and other factors he strongly suggested having the band, My insurance would have any of the weight loss procedures. There are three surgeons, and several APRNs handle the follow up visits. My wife had the sleeve, same surgeon,and she is expected to have follow visits and yearly blood work. My surgeon still does lap bands, based on the needs of that patient. If you go for low price, you may get what you pay for. There are Bariatric Centers of Excellence for a reason.
I seldom bother checking in or posting is because the forum has largely turned into a band bashing melee, and I suspect most other long time regulars have left for the reason. This was a great place when it catered only to lap banders. Now anyone with a lap band issue is assailed by VSG cultists.

Will be 10 yrs St. Pat's Day. Lost 90 lbs. Never had a complication. Never abused it. Went to a teaching hospital w/very experienced surgeons. Have read all the studies over the last 10 yrs. Has the worst outcomes and the most complications for all the WL surg but the complications are more minor than the others and band is only 1 that is reversible. I had to learn a lot and be very persistent. Took me longer to lose. There's no guarantee that you won't need/want a revision with any of the WL surgeries - see the other forums and read about them. I have friends who have had bands, sleeves, and by-passes who have all regained everything and given up. But I have friends who have bands, sleeves, and by-passes who are doing fine. My best advice is to pick the one that sounds best you and then work that program. It's not easy - but I'll tell you this: 1 don't have high blood pressure anymore. My cholesterol is great. No pills. No medical problems anymore. Joints don't hurt anymore. Climb stairs. Had several cosmetic surgeries and love buying great vintage clothes. Love having so many people tell me how good I look. Walking on the edge of the ocean at 66 yrs. Just pick a WL surg and then dedicate yourself to it body and soul. Best wishes.

Anyone who claims to be living a band nightmare for nine years either picked the surgeon based on price or never did the requisite follow up visits. I see my doctor every four months and I can assure you no reputable bariatric surgeon would allow a patient to suffer for nine years. 90% of the band haters had a procedure under insurance that wouldn't cover follow up visits, adjustments or in rare instances medically necessary removals....or lived with a maladjusted band until their health was affected. If you have the band chose the best doctor and heed their advice. Bands are not place and forget procedures. I know people who are having problems with sleeve and bypass surgery. It happens. My band works, and all I know is it controls my appetite with zero side effects.