dvons
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Posts posted by dvons
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This is an abstract and only reflects a small sample set. It does not go into the causation of the failures such as non compliance with food, follow up appt., taking medications that can cause issues. Without having the full study and understanding the study criteria, rigorous of the analysis, etc this abstract is not scientifically interesting.I read a lot of success stories from people who have the band and are successful.
I choose to focus on encouraging everyone to reach their goals.
Had lapband surgery 10/12/16
I believe in encouraging people as well but I also believe I gotta be straight up with people who are trying to make a decision like the original post in this. I used to push the lap band back in the day, and I've seen a lot of people (my family members) suffer. Guilt makes you think to do research a bit more. If they already got the band, then I try to encourage people of course.
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I had the band for 7 years, successful as well, lost over a hundred pounds, kept it off by eating right and exercising. No serious complications but did get an esophageal dilation a few times for being too tight. User error? No, I don't believe that. Perhaps in some but the band, overall, is more fussy. It depends on many things, like how your body adjusts to the band after adjustments, and it depends on the precision on who does your fills, their knowledge, their experience... Etc. For example, my first surgeon was excellent, found my green zone fast... But after moving, and my body changing due to weight loss, finding a competent surgeon/nurse was not as easy as some may think, especially since the surgeons tends to favor the sleeve over the band these days.... And unfortunately, for me, it not only required technician skill, but it costs $$ and time for each adjustment to find that green zone. Would I recommend it? Sure. I loved my band when I had it, but I think it's good to know all the aspects, the good, the bad and ugly. ^^
I think by "user error" my surgeon meant compliance, that in his experience band people were less likely to follow the rules. But with any procedure we have to follow the rules to be successful. We all know that.
I wonder why of all WLS the band people are less likely to follow the rules? My doctor said the same thing. Now the balloon or whatever it is they got going on now seems to be less problematic compared to the lap band.
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This is an abstract and only reflects a small sample set. It does not go into the causation of the failures such as non compliance with food, follow up appt., taking medications that can cause issues. Without having the full study and understanding the study criteria, rigorous of the analysis, etc this abstract is not scientifically interesting.
I read a lot of success stories from people who have the band and are successful.
I choose to focus on encouraging everyone to reach their goals.
Had lapband surgery 10/12/16
Well, by all means... discount research as 'not scientifically interesting', whatever that means, and focus on anecdotal evidence! What a GREAT way to make life-altering decisions!
@@dvons Thanks for trying, but academic rigor around here falls short quite often. I enjoyed the abstract and poking around in PubMed for a little while
I noticed.
I didn't get the "not scientifically interesting" part either, and I really don't get the abstract comment. If they want to see the methods, it's right there. If they want fine details, they could get a subscription. Don't matter, I suppose, as long as others get it. Good to do research on your surgery and not just go by opinions before one goes under the knife. Some sound just like the lap band ads in 2005. smh -
I disagree with your percentages, but respect your right to your opinion. I just don't agree with it, but wish you success in reaching your goals.In five years 40% of lap bands fail and only 43% have lost 50% of excess weight after seven years. That's a fact. The band may be able to get adjusted and you can't put the stomach back in with the sleeve BUT many people get lifelong problems because of the band and issues with the sleeve are rare.
I have had the band for 9 years and luckily I have had minor issues but others who I told to go for it have had serious issues. I come from a family full of heavy people and the ones that chose the sleeve other than myself have hit goal with no issues.
Be Real lol.
Had lapband surgery 10/12/16
Here's the study where I got "In five years 40% of lap bands fail and only 43% have lost 50% of excess weight after seven years. ". Many go by opinions, I prefer facts.:
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I've had the lap band for a long time. It's good but I feel lucky because most I know in real life are coming down with some serious complications. From that stand point, I'd go sleeve.
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Took me several fills before I started filling restriction.
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Out of the 100 or so friends I know that were banded I would say between 50-80% had complications, gained weight back, etc. I can think of VERY few that are still happy with their bands after 6+ years.
I agree. Everyone I know who got banded after me has had all kinds of serious complications. I'm one of the few how have not.
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In five years 40% of lap bands fail and only 43% have lost 50% of excess weight after seven years. That's a fact. The band may be able to get adjusted and you can't put the stomach back in with the sleeve BUT many people get lifelong problems because of the band and issues with the sleeve are rare.
I have had the band for 9 years and luckily I have had minor issues but others who I told to go for it have had serious issues. I come from a family full of heavy people and the ones that chose the sleeve other than myself have hit goal with no issues.
Be Real lol.
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@@bayougirlmrsc Even the sleeve will fail if you aren't committed. I just saw my surgeon, and he said I'm doing good so no reason to change. I was actually relieved. I just have to keep on with the check ups since the Fluid in my band changes with time. Complacency is the root of all evil lol.
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I've had the lapband since 2008. If you opt for a lap band my best advice is do NOT do it unless you are committed to follow ups with your doctor. If you want a maintenance free surgery, prolly go sleeve. Every time I get too busy and not follow up every 6 months, I get in to trouble. I'm currently going through the process of getting the revision to sleeve but haven't made up my mind. Glad I found this forum.
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Was out and about, ran into an old friend. He asked for me to come over for dinner, meet his current family. When I got there, it was nothing but unhealthy foods. Foods I was addicted to before the band. Still am but I stay away from it. Cakes, Cookies, loads of fried breaded fish, chips with dips. I didn't leave but I did remove the breading from the fish, and did what I can. He asked why I was doing that. I told him it all looked delicious, he had become quite a cook but my doctor told me to stay on a strict diet or my health will deteriorate. I am not a strict dieter, I am a moderation person with almost every food, but not with anything sweet because of my past addiction to them.
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I think it's a personal choice with the doctor's suggestions, of course. You can't "lose" anything if you take that step, you have everything to "gain". I wish I could've done it in high school. No matter what surgery, it'll work if you stay on program and follow your doctor.
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Freed me from being self-conscious. Nobody wants to walk in every room, at every party, every meeting being the "fat guy" or the most heavy.
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Very true and ouch! To the staples >.< hopefully your surgeon removes them soon. This is something I'll ask my surgeon when I see her (about the staples) and when you were banded, did you have acid reflux or heart burn ? And if you did, is it better now with the sleeve?
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Only one night, otherwise nope. I was too tight once, and every time I fell asleep the acid and food would rush up my throat. I went to the doctor the next morning and got some liquid taken out asap.
I get heartburn a lot through the years. Tums are my friend. I wish it was one time.
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One other thing that I should mention is if they are removing liquid for a medical reason and not for regular adjustments to assist with appetite control then that would make me choose the sleeve. I think that overtime all of the bands will fail and need replacing and having it removed is a relief. No more port in your stomach area and no feeling of restriction when you swallow food. You won't feel that plugged feeling when you eat. With the sleeve your stomach is soo small that you can't eat very much. The restriction comes from a full stomach feeling that can be very painful. But, after a few months of heeling post surgery, you will be able to eat whatever you want, just a small amount of it.
To never get that plugged feeling again and saliva running out of nose and mouth in public is almost enough for me to switch asap. Thank you!
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I'm in between the two other responses hehe. Both are solid advice. To me, IF you get unfilled again (sounds like you have to. I've been there a couple of times /cry) and you put on say 30-40 lbs, go for revision cause you have to let your esophagus and stomach take a 4-6 month break anyway before they do the revision. They won't do a revision when your stomach is abnormal. Once you get your revision, you'll take those 30-40 lbs off and keep it off since you already know how to work with your current WLS.
However, I do understand the worry of going underweight. One thing more scary than being overweight is being underweight. I've seen a few that keeps losing, way past their goal. Frightening to me....
Didn't know that, @Sai. I thought they'd just do the revision. I would probably gain half back in 6 months without any fill. SMDH. Thank you for the heads up.
I am with your DR on this one. You will go under weight. Depends on how long you have the Fluid out and how much you gain. If you have 50 or more pounds to lose I would recommend sleeve revision. But not if you are at goal. I had revision because I gained a lot of weight back with my band after a car accident, but I also never got to goal with my band. Best of Luck!
I hope you are doing better after the car accident. Thank you for you input. Big decision for me.
I haven't had the sleeve surgery yet (next month). However, I do recommend you get the sleeve done. It will permanently reduce your stomach size and remove the ghrelin hormone that triggers hunger. When I went to my support group, there were several people there going for lap band revision to sleeve. I wish you the best of luck! I think it's very promising that you know your weaknesses and what works for you.
Thank you, I'm leaning that way after all of your input.
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Wow that is a dilemma. Congrats on hitting your goal weight! Great job!!! Its good that you have not developed a false sense of security and know your Achilles tendon. You are right to be concerned and considering your options to maintain at goal... and I understand not wanting to go under goal. I say trust yourself for now give yourself a weight range to maintain on your own and if you're struggling (you'll know if you are) just know that options for revision are on the table if you should decide to go that route.
Thank you! I definitely know my weaknesses. I guess you're right there is no rush, patience has never been one of my virtues.
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That's a difficult decision. Having the band removed and the fill port gone was a wonderful feeling of relief. I had a band for 10 years and used it successfully until it failed. I gained weight back. Got very disgusted with myself. My options were to replace the band or convert to sleeve. I chose the sleeve but I wasn't at goal weight. Personally, I think that if you are strong enough to get to goal with the band then you are strong enough to stay at goal. I think that your band will fail someday. That would be a better time to decide. The sleeve surgery is a tough decision. There is no going back.
I wish I was strong enough on my own but without the liquid in my band. I could eat a horse. I need some restriction to keep me sane. During my unfill times, I gain a lot in a short period of time. Thanks for good feedback!
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Thank you all for your input!
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I have been around goal weight plus minus 5-10 lbs for some time. I got my band in 2008. Had issues with dilated pouch/esophagus. They remove my fill liquid for 4 months, I gain weight. They put it back in and it's twice as hard to get back down the 20, 30 lbs. I do it but without some liquid in my band, I'm like an alcoholic but with food. I know this. Food is my weak point, my comforter, my vice. I try not to gain weight during that phase but so far I have lost the battle. I'm at goal weight and now I hear I might have to have liquid removed yet again. I have the opportunity to change to the sleeve. One doctor says do the revision, another says I may go underweight.
What would you do if the band served you so well for many many years?
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I had bulimia for years.. I think I'm scared to because I want another baby and im worried how much this is all taking a toll on my body with my first son I had gestational diabetes and other things so I wanted to be healthy
Neon was because my stupid autocorrect, which is never correct lol. I edited it... Hehe
Neon anorexia?? Yea they say at 2 yrs a person with a sleeve should be able to get enough Vitamins through there food. Yea I try really hard with Vitamins .. I even take extra Biotin for my hair 20,000 mcg a day plus B12 plus zinc.. zinc is a hair vitamin... but u have to be careful if u get to much u could get sick. I even bought nioxion shampoos to help with the loss. I am blonde and don't have tons of hair so who knows how much I will have.. they say it starts at 3 to 4 months. I myself am already shedding a little more than normal..
No problem at all. Anytime.
I have only loss 15 pounds in six weeks so my weightloss is not to drastic but they said it would happen because of the stomach hormones loss. Yea I cry alot and I don't know what to do to make it better. How far was the girl in the group post op? I don't know why this is so hard. Thanks for listening
No, I haven't but I have seen and talked to a lot of people who has gone through it. When I went to my check up at my bariatric center, I spoke to one girl who said she cried every day since her revision, poor thingDid u go through this? How do u feel. Are you able to eat? I'm so scared of hairloss too...
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. Yeah, I'm worried about hairloss too. I didn't go through it with my band because the weightloss wasn't as drastic, a normal 2-3 lbs a week or slower... So I'm a little worried this time around because our calories are sooo much lower.Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App
I didn't know about the hormones and hair, I only knew about the Vitamin deficiency and too fast weight loss by being anorexic when I was young.
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I'm on Biotin too and you're right, too much is often not a good thing.
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I met a lot of bulemics at OA meetings back in the day. After my anorexia, I swapped seats on the titanic and gained 100 lbs. So I still value OA meetings online from time to time since I have a tendency to switch back and forth.
Well, I think you did the right thing. Being overweight is just too risky for us. I'm happy that at least you don't have any serious issues with your sleeve. The risk factors are so low now since it's become a common surgery, thank goodness.
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Where do you find the Overeaters Anonymous online meetings?
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My best piece of advice is to make as many changes as you can as soon as you can, and work to get new habits and thought processes into place right away. Do NOT wait until your surgery to be 'reborn'.
As I've seen stated over and over in these forums, it's stomach surgery, not brain surgery. Changing your brain takes time, and the time to do it is NOT immediately post-op when you're fragile and healing. If head hunger and long formed habits are going to lead you to make poor choices (as they very often do...it happens), you want to learn to navigate them pre-op when you can afford to make mistakes, not post-op when you can really do some damage.
Great advice. It goes with all WLS. Head hunger is the little red devil whispering in my ear.
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I like their mini Cookies. Yeah, I'm evil lol.
I mainly go for the fruits and vegetables if it's a good Trader Joes. Depends on the neighborhood sometimes. The one in Garden City, NY is a good one and close to me. Others are not so good.
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I heard, and I may be wrong, sleeve is almost as effective as the bypass and far more safe which is why sleeve is the preferred surgery. If I give up my band, which I'm still attached to in more ways than one lol, I'd go sleeve.
First fill
in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Posted
One can eat before a fill. After they always tell me to rest my band and drink liquids for my next meal. More so in the beginning when they were adding a lot of cc vs 0.1. Congratulations on your weight loss.