With all the complications that are being posted regarding Lapband, I am having second thoughts about going through with the surgery. I have actually contemplated Gastric Bypass but I am more afraid of it with all the horror stories that I here about it........does anyone have a piece of advice for a confused and scared fat person who truly wants and has got to loose at least 150 pounds or will die within the next ten years if not sooner............:help:

Listen Buck...everyone on here is different. Everyones bodies are different, and you have no idea how your body will react. Not everyone has problems or complications. The only reason you see alot of them on here is because this is a place for mental support, fellow bandsters come here to dish out their problems and their positives. You can't fully read into everything you see. Try reading the good and positive posts, then in the end, make the decision that is best for YOU and your body!

Hey Buck!

I have been reading the same information as you - but I am not scared... Please remember - you always get an exaggerated amount of complication postings - because that is when people need the most support - when problems arise.

The rest of the time, the folks without problems are just out living life - or lurking occassionally. I read TONS of abstracts on LapBand researching to battle the insurance companies. The research - both Pro-Band AND pro-ByPass - ALL agree that the complications with AGB are WAY less - and less severe - than with the other bariatric surgeries.

I was desperate enough to consider the more drastic surgical options when I started, too. But, I discovered the Band and I am so glad I did. I have heard way too many scary stories about the other stuff.

EVEN IF we get bands - and find that we are included in the few that erode or have other issues, we will still be down some pounds - and have other options in our future. Even the erosion stories have fairly happy endings. And our eroded friends can decide on other surgery options - or even get re-banded later, if they want.

So far, all the stories have only made me re-think the concept that I can take ALL the time in the world. Now I know that it MAY not last - and I should work the Band for as long as I can.

That's how I feel... but keep re-searching until YOU feel comfortable. Don't let anyone else make this decision for you. Only you can decide, because only you can make the band (or any other option) work for you.

We'll be here to help, if you have questions or concerns.

Hugs.

What Casinocat and ReneBean have said is so true. Also, there was a great thread on this very subject that you might want to read: http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=12356

And, keep in mind that the complications you see reported here are fixable. Take note that you dont see leakage, extreme illness and even death listed in the complications of lapbands. You might consider finding a group for those with bypass surgery. Compare their concerns and complications to those of the banders. The stats I have seen are showing that, of those who live through bypass surgery, most of them begin to gain the weight back after a few years. And once you have had the bypass surgery, all future chances of getting the lapband are close to nill.

Fact is, either surgery can have its drawbacks. I wish you all the best in your decision making.

*hugs*

I was scared as hell when I first got a surgery date. My surgery was initially for the Roux en Y procedure. But with all the looming thoughts of doom and plenty of nudging from my family, I explored other options. I found out about the Lap-Band. I'll be banded in 2 weeks.

I chose the band for several reasons. I already have an absorption problem as far as Vitamins and minerals go. With the RNY, the additional malabsorption could kill me. I was so drawn to the band because it is so adjustable, even reversable. It doesn't cause absorption problems. The RNY completely re-routs your guts. It's not the way God made me. The complications of the band I've read about are surmountable, things I think I could conquer.

But it's such a personal choice. Make sure you are well informed and you have a good support system in place. If you are religous or even just spiritual, seek support from a church, say a prayer, or meditate on the subject. Get your most trusted friend to help you make the decision. Above all, don't go into anything blindly.

And remember, we're here for you.

Buck I say this from the bottom of my heart..... GO FOR THE BAND!!!! I reasearched this alot for a long time and at least if need be the band can be reversed... gastric by pass is so drastic!!!! This band will help you!!! I wish you lots of luck desiding what is right for you!! You are the only one who can make this desicion and you must feel comfortable with it!! Good luck!!

Buck,

There is not much I can say that hasn't already been said. Please remember that these complications are minor by comparison of other types of WLS. And some aren't technically complications but bumps in the road that we work through as life with band goes. I have to say that I had heaps more bumps in the road without my band! GO FOR IT! The band will save your life.

I haven't been on this site for months....because I haven't had any problems with my band,got on with life and it is no longer all consuming as it once was.Hence why you don't hear from us that don't have any problems.

Once you speek to your Dr and find out what problems he has come against with the band it will put you r mind to rest...My Dr has only had two and has had done this very procedure for years.

Everytime you eat the wrong thing you are taking a risk....so this is no different.Just listen to your body it will tell you if anything is wrong and when to see a Dr

Good Luck from one of those whom has only but lost weight yippy

Buck, Yeah there can be complications but you know what everyone that has one on here.. has had it fixed or just had the band out... No deaths... Yeah its hard to see what other have to go thourgh but it reversable.. and everything will be okay... You Dr will always be there for you, we will be there for you, The Band is the way to go!!!!

Jodie, congratulations!

Annette, how much is "lost weight yippy"?

Go, Trish, Go, Trish, Go, go, Go Trish!!!!!!!

Buck,

I can only reiterate the same things that have been said here already. I have been very successful in my journey with the lab band. Just over 100# lost in 15 months. I have had my bad days and have posted here for support and advice and I too have been scared by some of the complications that I have seen discussed here. But in the end, this is personal decision, one that you have to be comfortable with in order to be successful at. And remember that this is a medical procedure, no matter how simple and there is always the possibility of complications. But I would rather weigh the odds of such a complication, which are low, to the odds that I would have even greater complications and health problems in the future had I not taken this course. And if you read the posts of those that have had such complications, many will state that they do not regret the choice they made and may even do it all over again if given the chance.

Just my 2 cents!

I'm With you I need HELP!