Is the lap band healthy?

ozzy greene · September 19, 2007

I am awaiting approval and have been on this site continuously looking for the good and bad. This particular thread caught my eye as most of you do not appear thrilled with the band. I myself am quite afraid of any WLS, but I am also afraid of the complications that may occur with my health if I don't do something. But am I trading one unhealthy lifestyle( obesity) for another unhealthy lifestyle (PBing, slimming, reflux, etc...) Gosh, this is so depressing, I know, seek the advice of the medical profession, but often it will be you guys that will tell the truth about living it and that is equally important. I don't even know if this warrants a response, just posting my thoughts....

I was banded Aug 7 2007 I am happy with my band. I am 42 and was 353 pounds in June as of Sept 19 I am 284 pounds. The band helps me make better choices at the store. I am an emotional eater and extreme overeater. I know I will not be able to eat the sheer volume of food I did before. Hopefully when I lose all the weight this will help keep it off.

Good luck,

Bob

res883 · September 19, 2007

I'm with you Ozzy Greene! I love my band. I was banded 5-29-07 and just recently had the "sliming" for the first time. That occured after my 2nd fill and lasted for about a week. Fills are REALITY checks for us!! I found that food changed for me. chicken and beef were not a problem, until the 2nd fill, then everything was difficult, but only for a short time. I love my band. I rethink what I buy for groceries and I rethink what I am going to eat and how I eat. Slow down. That will help you to not take that one more mouth full that you don't need. This device is a great tool for weight loss.

Res883 :ranger:

Scout · November 6, 2007

Hi All...

I thought I'd do a short update on my successful band removal yesterday. Everything went well and I was able to come home late in the afternoon. I'm feeling so much better now that the band is gone. Here is something to keep an eye on. The surgeon who removed it found that it had been causing scar tissue to build up on my liver. This would not have been caught had I not made the wise decision to have it removed. Apparently, the band had been rubbing against my liver, thus causing the scar tissue. I have no idea how much damage was done but will certainly be following up on this with my doctor. So...after 1.5 years of PBing and vomiting, I now have liver damage. Boy, I am so glad to be free of this thing. If I could share one bit of advice, it would be to encourage those of you, whether successful or unsuccessful with the band, to please have yourself checked out for possible complications that you may not even be aware of, which could be doing significant physical damage. As in my previous reply, I plan to remain on my organic, whole foods regime, continue to increase my exercise at a reasonable rate, and enjoy the steady weight loss I am experiencing without the nasty side effects of the band. I wish you all health and success. God bless.