Hello, I'm new to this site but have done lots of research. I had an appointment for a consultation for lap-banding with Dr. Noel Williams of Penn University but had to cancel. My Father's lung cancer reappeared and I decided without regret to help him with his treatment. Sadly he lost his battle a month ago. I hope now I am ready to take care of me.

I would like to know where I can view all of your 'stats' if you will. I want to know who your doctors were, when you had the surgery, if there were complications, any complaints, trouble receiving meds, staff problems and before, current and goal weights. I think if we post honestly we'll be able to more easily help each other. What concerns me is that I fear lap-band might not be enough. The RNY's are losing at a rate of 10 lbs. per month! That's incredible. Are any of you eating around the bands? Snacking is my worst problem.

Thank you in advance for answering.

Suzukimom

I can't tell you which surgery you ought to pursue, only that I am very satisfied with my band. For me, knowing that the band is reversable and adjustable has brought much comfort. I have lost a lot of weight (about 50lbs since May). Most of the weight fell off quickly after my operation. By late summer I stopped losing weight. My surgeon explained that after a fill, the stomach becomes irratated and swells just a tiny bit. As the swelling reduces, restriction is lessened. After each fill, I lost significant weight quickly and then leveled off just a bit. Eventually, the band will be filled to my desired restriction (I think I am there now, but I will know better in a few weeks).

Also, I was not excited about having my stomach or intesting cut and feared what whould happen in my old age if my intestins failed to accept nutrition readily.

I'm extremely happy w/ my band to date.

I've gone from a BMI of 41 to a BMI of 29.4. I've went from 262 lbs to 187.8 lbs. I have heaps more energy and self confidence. I even managed to wear a pvc outfit to a party this weekend (after much encouragement lol) and looked fantastic *g*

I have had no complications, apart from an overfill and a few PBs, but that's to be expected.

I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I had my surgery on August 17, 2005...so that's 2.5 months ago.....lost 20 pounds pre-op and 22 pounds post-op....total of 42 pounds gone forever!!! I had no complications with surgery, recovery time is quick, little to no pain, have only .5 cc in band, but going tomorrow for another fill. I started at 350 and currently weight 308....the NSV's are too numerous to list, but I can tell you that yesterday I spent 3.5 hours cleaning my daughter's bedroom without sweating to death, hurting or stopping every 10 minutes.

Would I do it again.....in a heart beat!!! Good luck with your decision.....