Dr Keshishian is a well respected bariatric surgeon who is well practiced in all types of WLS. In his own words :

Adjustable Gastric Banding

The adjustable gastric banding was approved and became widely used in the United States starting in 2002-2004. The early resulting data was acceptable in regards to the excess weight loss and the complications rate associated with it.

As more and more scientific data was published, it became clear adjustable gastric banding was not as benign or effective as initially thought. The associated weight loss was significantly less for the majority of patients. This information was even present in the literature provided to the patient by the manufacturer. Additional patients started developing Delay complications associated with the band, which includes esophageal dysmotility, a worsening of reflux, and continuous nausea and vomiting, in addition to inadequate weight loss.

In my opinion, the adjustable gastric banding procedures are inferior to the alternatives available. The specifics of different surgical outcomes are outlined on the poster available on our website. Adjustable gastric banding should be considered as a last resort, if at all, as a surgical procedure for treatment of morbid obesity and its associated comorbidities. Other complications that continue to plague adjustable gastric banding include slipped band, erosion, esophageal dilatation, and the required need for frequent adjustments.

The LAP-BAND AP® System

http://www.dssurgery.com/procedures/adjustable-gastric-banding.php?subnav=2

http://www.dssurgery.com/images/weight-loss-surgery-poster-large.jpg

We all have to keep an open mind about "medical breakthroughs". Most fizzle, don't work out and do damage in the process. I sort of feel like a lab rat right now. As long as this device is available, it will sell. It SEEMS like a less invasive option, but after all the problems and tests, I feel pretty invaded right now. I've had worse tests, but not many, and I've had a lot. The manometry was like swallowing a zipper :-p

Since I posted this on the complications forum' date=' my intended audience is those having complications and perhaps looking into revision. The links I posted have some very relevant information for people like myself who are contemplating which surgery to revise to. This was in no way intended for those of you who are currently banded and having no problems.

I think the absolute intolerance of this sort of post is ridiculously immature.

Dr Keshishian is one of, if not the most respected revision surgeon in the country.

Context is important here...I posted on the COMPLICATIONS forum.[/quote']

Dear MsMaui,

Just because you posted in the COMPLICATIONS forum still does not make it right. You are entailed to your own opinion because everybody has one. People read the Complication forum because they want to know the good and the bad. Your post sounded very anit-band and not very supportive or encouraging to someone that's having complications. But that is just my opinion. You can't expect to post such anti-band negativety (does not matter if it's on the COMPLICATIONS forum)and not received some feedback. I was fully aware of the risk of having WLS. All of my doctors agreed that the benefits of me having WLS OUTWEIGHED the risks. That was a risk that I was willing to take. I am truly sorry for all of your problems and I pray you have no permanent damages.

Best Regards

We all have to keep an open mind about "medical breakthroughs". Most fizzle' date=' don't work out and do damage in the process. I sort of feel like a lab rat right now. As long as this device is available, it will sell. It SEEMS like a less invasive option, but after all the problems and tests, I feel pretty invaded right now. I've had worse tests, but not many, and I've had a lot. The manometry was like swallowing a zipper :-p[/quote']

I'm so sorry that the point is being missed. Maybe the delivery wasn't as sensitive as some people would prefer but stop dwelling on it and see the point.

Yes, this site has a lot of people who like to dwell on the delivery style, rather than reading the actual information, lol. I've not encountered this elsewhere. I guess if you're not in the situation of needing to have your band removed, in constant distress (physical and emotional) it doesn't seem relevant. If you have the misfortune to be in need of the info, it makes a lot of sense.

It's like the difference between empathy and sympathy. You can feel empathy for someone if you have experienced what is causing them distress or pain. If not, and you're a kind person, you can sympathize with them.

My biggest wish right now is that all of us that have suffered the hardships of obesity prevent this from happening to future generations.

I spoke to someone today and it reminded me of this thread, and it was about 'delivery' of a message.

I told them that the way that you choose to deliver a msg can influence someone or alienate someone. It doesn't change the quality of the information contained in it but it may be the deciding factor on whether people take in the information or not. As someone who's job it is to influence people, I think that's sad when information gets ignored because of the delivery.

I think you've posted some very interesting threads in the last few days, MsMaui but I do think this particular thread was derailed because it alienated rather than influenced, irregardless of the information contained within it. And that's not just true of this post but a lot of posts, and a lot of instances in every day life too. If it was intentional (and in my case, it sometimes is) then the backlash would have to be expected. If it wasn't intentional, then take it as that's what the whole kerfuffle was about, really.

But I do have to thank you for the information you have posted. Because I do think making risks known assists people to make an informed decision.