Getting the lap band was the worst decision of my life. You should only do it if you have chronic illnesses that you know will kill you -- not because "every obese person gets...."

I have had chronic pain, many many surgeries. Even with lap band removed - likely permanent abdominal wall injury. Couldn't lay down for 4 years. Now I can lay down just on right side.

I had one problem after another in that area, even after the lap-band was removed 6 months after it was put it. I was obese, sleep apnea - but had worked out 7-10 hours per week, had hiked, biked, active sex life. ALL OF THAT IS NOW GONE BECAUSE OF CONSEQUENCES OF LAP-BAND.

I now am on chronic pain meds, trying accomodations to have some type of life. Income dropped dramatically because now can only manage part-time work at best.

I NEVER should have gotten a lap-band. One should only get it when you are at the part that loss of life & income already happening - not just likely to happen,

Congrats on the great stories. Sorry for the unsuccessful stories. No one solution works for everyone. This one changed the course of my life and I would truly do it again