So, I continue to research issues with the band, and I'm sure a lot of you have come across references to the European and Canadian move away from banding. Europe claims to be years ahead in long term studies of lap bands, and that doctors in the US are not listening to them. There is concern that there are more complications as time goes on, and of course efficacy. Have you had a discussion with your surgeons on this, and what do they say?

I base my opinions on facts, and current long term studies prove the band not only has a low 5% complication rate but that's it's an effective tool for weight loss.

http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/

i think while also researching (issues/complications) you should also research success stories...and people whose lives were saved by this tool to help aid a person...the risk i took to extend my life by better health FAR outweighs the risk factor.

OH my Labwalker, I thought it was ok to ask any question on this forum, he was asking a question and deserves answers without being told to get a life. I think you owe that person an apology.

I inquired at the facility where I intend to get the procedure about why it is that some hospitals are moving away from Lapband. Answer was cost. They will be seeing me 11 times in the first year after surgery and that makes administrators and insurers bristle. Perhaps this is what is going on in Europe. Thank you for posing this -- like you I want to talk about all aspects of LB surgery. That's why we are here!

I'm inclined to agree with Bandista's comment, it wasn't until recently that Europe began bashing the band, they also have socialized medicine, and they are in worse economic shape than we are. It may very well be a public cost issue. As far as looking at success stories, that's plentiful enough on the web, I even know a couple of people who have been successful with lap band surgery, but to make an educated decision I want all the facts now, before it's too late. Oh, and Labwalker, I think your band is a little too tight.

Oh, and Labwalker, I think your band is a little too tight.

Ha Ha Ha, I agree. Much as we like seeing positive stories on the forum, all questions and experiences are welcome. Positive or negative, these discussions do keep us informed. I personally am more discouraged by people who come down hard on the negative stories/comments than the comments themselves.

Life is no utopia and I am done pretending that it is...

...That is one of the reasons I got the band.

Thanks pgkpjs, it's cool, it's easy to be aggressive when you have the benefit of anonymity, but in general I have found most lap banders helpful and compassionate. BTW- good job, looks like you're doing well and it sounds like a decision you don't regret. I hope to be there myself someday.

Thanks Mis73, your answers are always enlightening, and what you have accomplished is impressive. I did see the Australian study and is factoring into my decision. Although it may be a negative perception, I still think it's prudent to look at other viewpoints and research based facts. I am beginning to believe the European study may have ulterior motives and flaws. But the main beauty of the lap band is still intact, even in their studies, if there's a problem years later, it's reversible. Can't say that about the other WLS's.

I would say Europe is usually way behind us in any medical issue.. that is why most affluent Europeans come to the U.S. for good medical care.. and yes they are mostly socialized medicine which will be our fate if Obamacare stays the law of the land..(praying it is repealed) but in the meantime I will stick to my U.S. doctors and 5% failure rate is pretty good...

okay according to the profile on vinceor whatever their name is they have lost 316 lbs.. ??? very suspicious... I don't mind open discussions and opinions however I want to make sure we are getting a real persons opinion not some made up character... spammer? who knows... I just get tired of the constant negative stuff..

I would say Europe is usually way behind us in any medical issue.. that is why most affluent Europeans come to the U.S. for good medical care.. and yes they are mostly socialized medicine which will be our fate if Obamacare stays the law of the land..(praying it is repealed) but in the meantime I will stick to my U.S. doctors and 5% failure rate is pretty good...

Bands were developed, implanted and studied in Europe long before they were approved here. Europe isn't a backwards place, just different than here. I have lots of family there and the medical care in most countries is excellent.

If they receive such excellent care why do the rich ones come here? I have customers in Canada who hate their medical system.. just different strokes for different folks.. I think the U.S. has educated way more European Dr.'s than any country so gotta figure we have something they want...It's like people who come here because they want to improve their lives then spend the rest of the time bashing the U.S... all of them need to go back to their own Country if they dislike it here.

In an ideal world, we would have been able to get our weight issues under control without surgery. It is important to me to think about what these studies consider complications. A complication can range from pain at the port to vomiting to complete catastrophic slippage. The vast majority of the complications reported were things I determined to be minor compared with the risks of being obese. There is no perfect answer, but for me knowing that if there was a problem or if something better comes along, they could take the band out. I have no regrets, but I was just banded on Monday???Š. Nothing wrong with dissent though..,I have lost 30 plus pounds since preop and still have my stomach intact, so I feel good. Every person has to ultimately decided the risk/benefit analysis for themselves though. I have friends who went the sleeve route and they are happy too. I just personally couldn't wrap my brain around that.

If they receive such excellent care why do the rich ones come here? I have customers in Canada who hate their medical system.. just different strokes for different folks.. I think the U.S. has educated way more European Dr.'s than any country so gotta figure we have something they want...It's like people who come here because they want to improve their lives then spend the rest of the time bashing the U.S... all of them need to go back to their own Country if they dislike it here.

I'm a bit offended by your comments, to be honest. The fact remains that Lapband and Realize Band were developed in Europe. As for everyone going back where they came from, if you're not 100% Native American, see ya later...

I would say Europe is usually way behind us in any medical issue.. that is why most affluent Europeans come to the U.S. for good medical care.. and yes they are mostly socialized medicine which will be our fate if Obamacare stays the law of the land..(praying it is repealed) but in the meantime I will stick to my U.S. doctors and 5% failure rate is pretty good...

Sharpie - I'm with you on ALL counts!