So, a few years back I had a fleeting thought about getting the band. But it passed quickly. So did not research it the way I have the sleeve. However, I have a friend that is thinking about the band. I told her I wasn't quite sure about it and that I had read some negative things about it. I was wondering if you could give me the fast and dirty info re: lapband the pros and cons. My friend is still trying to decide if this something she wants to do.

I don't think the band is that bad. It worked for me until I had an incident. I lost about 130 lbs with the band in the first two years. However' date=' I kept up with my monthly fills and followed very closely with my surgeons. Unfortunately, about 2.5 years into being banded, I had a terrible stomach virus or food poisoning episode (I still don't know). I was never the same with the band again. I kept going back and forth to the surgeon for fills and unfills. I just never felt comfort again. Now I have managed to gain back 115 lbs.

I think the band works, but you have to be committed to going for fills. Also, it isn't always pleasent either, but we must ask ourselves, what kind of WLS is perfect. I am sure the VSG has its issues also.

One other thing to consider, I believe the rate of revision from Band to another WLS rate is much higher than the other WLS surgeries. (Don't quote me on that, but it just seems that way.)

My tentative surgery date for a revision is September 17th. I choose this revision because I know that restriction works for me and I wanted to avoid the hassle of fills, etc.[/quote']

Hi,

Your story sounds much like mines . I lost 120lbs in first 1 1/2 years and kept it off for 4years after being band but then I became ill and for next 3yrs we have done fills , unfills , just to gain back 130lbs known in 6months I will have conversion to the sleeve. My Dr 's said this will work best with my illness & MEDS. Good luck