I initially went to the surgeon for lap band. I had no interest in the other options. After more research and after speaking with the surgeon - I decided to go with the sleeve. The band has a 50-60% chance of requiring a second surgery (band slips, erosion, etc) and the lowest % of weight loss. I'm sure there are many success stories but I decided my best option was the sleeve.
I'm 5 years plus with the Lap band....
I don't have any experience with other procedures...but I can say the Lap Band does have a high rate of unsuccessful results....
Question is, is it the band's fault? (there are possible complications with all the procedures)
My feeling is that the patient has too much control over how the band works.
If you don't like something, you can change it.
If you wish to eat any foods you wish, you can change it. If you want to eat more than you should, you can change that also. You can control what you think is the correct comfort level....
Staff at my Surgeon's office, would tell me stories about people asking for adjustments to the band for all sorts of reasons...
They are going on vacation and want to enjoy eating more....their son's/daughter's wedding is coming up and they want their band loosened....the holidays are approaching..they miss pizza, etc, etc.
Having a band that is adjustable can be a blessing as well as a curse....from what little I know, other procedures are what they are...you go in, it's done. Now learn to live with it. It is what it is.
The lap band is, in many cases, what you feel it should be.
Myself, personally, I could not control my hunger, could not control my eating. Tried every diet known and failed.
It took surgery..something other than myself, to accomplish where I am today. I needed that thing wrapped around my stomach. Keep in mind, I can go in and get it adjusted if I so choose....
Could other procedures accomplish the same thing? I suppose...others will give their experiences.
I had actually read into that as well but I figured eventually it would work you know? But it feels like if you're overweight you not only have to work twice as hard to get it off, but also to keep it off forever! It's crazy, and the repeated failures are not helping!
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