i am researching wls my uncle is really for the band (he is paying) i was originally for the bypass but i have started looking at the band more closely. there seem to be alot of complications with the band i am in the houston area could someone please help me by giving me any information that you may have personally ... would you reccommend it...would you do it again....what about all these port problems. PLEASE HELP ME

Obesity surgery specialist in Houston did mine.Dr Thomas Best choice I have ever made.I feel great and I have had no problems.

You think there are complications with the band? You need to do more research into the bypass.

Yes, there are complications with the band, but, in general, they are fewer and less dangerous than with the bypass.

Good luck in your research.

think that there are alot of risk from the band but I am not sire that there are very many if any that are life threatning it is surgery, I know people personally that had bypass and died. If you are looking for a WLS I think that band surgery is the most minimually invasion and lowest risk of complications.. You are close to MExico so you could save alot of money and I am sure that DR. KURI in Mexico is one of the best in the world he did not do mine becuase of cost but,, I really think that you should look really hard into banding,,I also know people that have strached there pouch with bypass and have regained the weight. There is also vitamin deficiancy and massive other risks with the BYPASS..

I see that you have a thing that says mom and daughter banded?? my mom and I got banded on the same day! along with my aunt and cousin.

My mom and I were banded one month apart. We have not had any complications. I love my band and feel better then I have in years. I also researched the by the by pass and found to many risky complications for me. A friend of mine had the by pass a few years ago and I have watched her go in and out of the hospital for a long time. Im not saying which one is best for you but I know the band was the best choice for me. Good luck on your decision.

Welcome, JSewell.

If you are willing to do some research - there is lots of great information here and on other websites, about your Weight Loss Surgery options. Definitely read profiles and stories here for detailed information on the good, bad, and ugly of Weight Loss Surgery - especially LapBand.

i am in the houston area could someone please help me by giving me any information that you may have personally

Well...

OK please remember that you live in a major metropolitan area that is literally exploding with coverage about Weight Loss Surgery. There are tons of TV commercials, local newspaper ads, local news articles, billboards and more...all about LapBands and other surgeries.

There are TONS of free seminars, meetings, and support groups in Houston.

It's the home of one of the world's largest Medical Centers and there are more bariatric surgeons in Houston than there are in some whole countries.

The city has literally tens of thousands of Weight Loss Surgery patients. Ask friends, neighbours, co-workers, family - they will probably know someone who has had it. Or you can attend any free seminar or support group; you'll meet many patients there.

No one can help you finally make this decision but you - but definitely there are many resources for you where you can talk to people in depth about this life-changing journey.

Good Luck!

Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

jsewell, I'm in the Houston area too. Welcome. I have to say that after 5 weeks, I would do it again. I've know others who have had the by-pass and 3 out 4 have gained it all back! Not to mention the 6-7% mortality rate that by-pass has for younger and older patients. My sister in-law just got it done. I wish I would have known she was going to do it. If so, I would have talked her out of it. Like any surgical procedure, there is the chance of complications and like any weight loss tool, it takes a change in life style. If you are like me and at my last thread of hope, the band was the logical choice and worth the changes that have taken place since then (no sodas, no bread, and weird grumbling in the tummy every once in a while). My prayers are with you as you make your choice.

I had mine done in Houston by Dr Naaman, on 9/9/06,don't regret getting it done no complications, he works out of Memorial City.