Okay... I have been 100%... no....1000% sure about getting banded. I know several people who either have been banded, had gastric bypass or know someone who had either one done. I have not heard any of the horror stories from them that I have read in these threads. So here is my question.......and I know its surgery, and there are aches and pains that go with it.............but:

Is there anyone who really regrets having the banding done? Was it so bad that you wished you hadn't done it? :cry

Or does the good outweigh the bad? (I know healthy is way better than unhealthy-i just mean the banding part) Do you think the awful things are short lived and worth the banding?

Maybe I shoud direct this to the ones who are a year out on their banding.....was it worth it? Would you do it again?:clap2:

Rachele makes a good point about not all the surgeries being for everyone. I also agree completely that the band will "hold your hand" while you do the work.

In my case, I have to diet to lose weight. BUT, when I am not dieting, I don't gain the weight back. It's like... climbing a mountain, and when you get tired, there's something behind you to rest your back on. I can pick back up right where I left off when I've got the wind back in my sails, you know?

I am about a year out and have had a few problems. Nothing major, but problems. I would do it again in a second. I am very happy with my weight loss so far. I am continuing to stay on track. If I hadn't done this I can only imagine where I would be.

I am 3+ months post op and it has definately been the best thing I could have done. I had some pretty significant pain right after surgery---but it's surgery. My only other issues have been with PB ing. But the weight I have lost and the way I feel and will continue to feel outweigh anything negative.

Good Luck!

The only other thing I would add is...it's a tool not a miracle...I still excercise 5 or more days a week and eat small portions and track my calories........it has been a great tool...but it's me too

3 years here. Rebanded due to slippage after one year. My only disappointment is that after 3 years, my esophagus no longer gives me the signals it once did, which leaves my esophagus in the position to become stretched and atrophied. I struggle to maintain and it is pretty much up to me to manage my intake. So far, I'm managing that, but I suspect I'll eventually have to remove the band (surgery #3). If I thought I could do it again with better results, I would.

I have lost 6 lbs in the last week and a half. My husband thinks this will convince me that I can do this without the band....I told him if approved I am still being banded. I don't have eating issues per se, what I have is a husband whose mercy I am at who cookes like a gourmet...lol.

The band for me will be my internal diet pill...in no way is this a cure...its my crutch. Once banded, I will have the ammo i need to flatly turn down the homemade goodies he makes. The scars will be my constant reminders of why I allowed myself to be scarred. I too am the type that when I lose the weight, I keep it off. (and I am talking a serious attempt at losing weight such as when i took phen-phen) (which ---I looked pretty good apparently because 9 months after losing the weight I got Rachel -now 9.) I will have the excuse to tell my boss "excuse me, I cannot be chained to my desk as I had WLS and I am required to get up-its my right". It will be my excuse to make time for me for a change--I will be able to take a guilt free walk even if I have to lift my shirt to show the scars..and say "ahem...remember why I did this?"...lol Its time for me for a change. In the past I have taken diet pills...somethimes will ill effects...I am no longer willing to injest drugs into my system that I am not certain will not do harm. Yesterday I found out about my sleep apnea...now more than ever I want the band. With that, and all the supportive and honest feedback from this forum,...I have no second thoughts about being banded.

I am so glad I found out about LBT...(ha ha I found out from reading someone's MySpace profile...go figure!)

Thanks again! Best Wishes to everyone!!!

I am fortunate because I have not had the complications others have experienced. But my band is weird - one bite too much and I pb it up.

I don't believe I would have had the confidence to quit my job, become a contractor, move to Africa, etc if I hadn't lost the weight and learned that food didn't control me anymore. The band has given me an opportunity to experience more in life than food.

And I worry alot about it. I don't have medical care available in this country. And right now, there is a jet fuel shortage to even fly to a dr. Can you tell I am a compulsive worrier? Yet, I am glad I have the band and I have a decent body and am in good health.

Good luck in making your decision. Celeste

I am only 3 months out. I had some trouble at the start....my stomach was so swollen that nothing would go through, not even water, which led to exhaustion and dehydration. The dehydration led to a trip to the ER with kidney stones (all within a month). But now, I feel really good. I was definately the exception with my complications. I have gotten to know my band and how my body reacts to it. I am 42 pounds down and am amazed and excited everytime the scale drops. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone that is considering it. And let them know that it is work, but the rewards are fantastic.

Even though my band is such a pain in the *** I would still have it done. After all I am over 50 kilos lighter. Thank God!!!

I am almost a year out. I have only had one major problem where I had to be unfilled in an emergency. I have a very picky band, some days I can eat normal, other days, everything makes me get what I like to call "locked up." Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY. There are days that eating makes me feel sick, other days that are completely normal. I can't eat out very often, which saves money! I just know if I am going to be around a lot of people, like at a party, I don't eat, or if I do, it's a few bites here and there. That way I do not have to experience being "locked up" or anything of the sort in front of people. I tend to be very private about my banding, so this is why I avoid confrontation whenever possible. Whatever the decision, I think you will find, it is different for everyone. Good luck with your decision!

I'd do it again too. I've lost about 60 lbs and the only complications are 2 overfills. I am sort of "stuck" now but also realize I should excersize.

hello, i have not been banded yet but i do see the surgeon next week. i have been thinking about doing this for a long time. i want to feel good again. so although I'm scared (kinda) the things i read on here everyday definitely help me

I had my surgery yesterday. THe gas pain is awful! How long does it take to go away? No pain from incisions.

Just had my banding on 7/18, glad to hear everyone feels it is worthwhile.

Can someone tell me how to insert a ticker on my messages?