Hey All,

I've recently come over here from SleeveTalk because I'm thinking maybe the Lap-band is a better choice for me. I need to lose 50-60lbs max and like the idea that if something goes wrong or I just don't tolerate the band for any reason, it can be removed. Whereas if I had Sleeve or Plication, it's basically irreversible.

Anyhoo, I'm hoping some of you will respond with some answers to my various questions/concerns.

1) Does your port show thru your skin a lot?

2) Does it hurt to get the fills?

3) Do you feel the band will continue to give you restriction for life as long as you eat healthy & exercise and get your fills?

4) How many fills do you usually need a year?

5) Did most of you lose your hair? Did it come back?

6) What are the worst side effects, things getting stuck, gas, etc????

Thank you so very much for any and all responses. I'm planning to go get a consult in Scottsdale, AZ right after the holidays. I spend the winters there and it would be an ideal time to do the band and spend the next 4-5 months being close to the doctor's office. So, if anyone has used Dr. John Barros in the Phoenix area, I'd love to hear from you.

Thank you!!

Congratulations on starting the steps to a healthier you. It sounds like you are putting a lot of thought into this decision which will help you as you move into your new life. I had Lapband 8 months ago and I haven't regretted it yet. I am down over a hundred pounds and feel so much better.

1) Does your port show thru your skin a lot? No. I have the low-profile port and although I can feel it, it doesn't show through at this point in my weight loss journey.

2) Does it hurt to get the fills? No. Just a small stick. The same as getting a vaccination.

3) Do you feel the band will continue to give you restriction for life as long as you eat healthy & exercise and get your fills? I think so. As long as you stay away from slippery foods your band will stop you from overeating.

4) How many fills do you usually need a year? I have only had 1 fill so far. I have 4 ccs in a 14cc band and have been in the green zone for 4 months.

5) Did most of you lose your hair? Did it come back? I didn't lose any hair, but I did pay careful attention to my Protein intake.

6) What are the worst side effects, things getting stuck, gas, etc???? I have only been stuck once and it was really not a good feeling. Immediately after surgery the worst side effect was watching others eat my favorite fatty and or slippery foods. Now that I am used to my new diet, it doesn't bother me to see others eat things that I used to crave.

Good luck to you as you make your decision. I too looked at other surgery options and decided lapband would be the best for me. I have several friends that had by-pass or sleeve and I saw the number of complications they had and decided for the least invasive option.

Thanks for the thoughtful response, 316, that's a lot of helpful info.

I'm going to take the next year and try ONE MORE TIME on my own, as my husband really wants me to. But if I'm still where I'm at a year from now, I have his support and my dr.'s support to go forward with surgery.

Thanks again!

No my port does not show through my skin. I can feel it but I think you would have to become rail thin to even have it stick out that much.

None of my fills ever hurt. More pressure then anything.

Yes I think it will help for a lifetime

I have only had two fills in three years

Yes I lost some hair and still do three years post op but its nothing you can physically see.

The only issue I have had is not being able to eat or tolerate meat. I have become a vegan but its all good I dont mind being a vegan

and good luck on your decision