I'm just wondering if we can get an idea of how the numbers stack up since the complications information once gathered by another bandster never made it to completion.

I'm eroded, band removed, no new band for me.

I dont understand why you said you wouldnt do it again, if you havent eroded why do you feel like a time bomb, is the band not working for you?

I didn't know you could have erosion without any symptoms. That's scary.

My dr. also never said a word about needing an endoscope yearly. I am going to talk to him about all of this, for sure. And this procedure costs $1,500.?

Ted: I was just reading this thread for the first time. If you have virtually no ability to eat solid food, and you are hungry all the time, then it's time to talk with a doctor about it or get a second opinion. It stands to reason that you are hungry if you can't eat, and if you are having to basically drink your calories, then it would be tempting to drink higher calorie drinks than you night need. I would guess either the band itself is too small or you have some inflammation causing you to be too restricted.

The problem with polls here is that the site is heavily populated by band problems. Those who are cruising along are less likely to need the support and post here, especially after the first year or two.

I recently went to a support group that was all people who had lost most or all of their weight and had been banded for 2-7 years. I had such a different perspective, seeing everybody relaxed and at peace, going on with their lives.

thank you thank you thankyou I am being banded in 2 weeks and it is so disheartening reading about the problems, its scarry, I will never have my hands on 9k again so this is a one time shot, I want to keep positive, I just keep thinking well its a small possibility that I wont do well but its a for sure probability that is I dont do this where my life is going to be and it will be full of health problems and a lack of quality of life so I am going for it and have decided not to look at anymore negative threads!

Linda C

It's always good to be aware of what can happen, and then you're wise to focus your time on learning all the great info that's on this site about how to be a successful bandster. If I remember right, the incidence of complications with the band is 3%, and most of those complications are fixable with minimal hassle, like my pouch dilation was. Just get a surgeon who is very experienced with the lap band, and celebrate the rest of your life.

I have been out 1 1/2 years. I love my band. I always wished for something or someone to help me. I found that help. And that is just what the band is help . Nothing is magic by itself. My band has helped me live again . I have lost 87 lbs and still losing. I can breath again. I can walk again without pain. My only wish is that I wish I could have had the band years ago when I was younger. But I have it now and baby I've only just begun...................to live ! woooo hoooo!

what is this other board called I am considering getting banded.

Two years in two weeks. No problems so far. I've lost 103 pounds so far, most of it the first year. I'd like to lose 15 more to get to 160 and STAY THERE FOREVER!

I read so many of these and it is a lil bit scary..BUT...I have to say..it has been 4 1/2 yrs since banded and I am fine...Thank you Lord!! I pray it continues. I am very sorry for everyones problems..makes me sad and makes me wonder, but I do not dwell on what might be. My health is so much better...my energy level is high..I am 55 and feel better than felt in many years when so heavy. God led me to this place..I will make the best of it..what may or may not happen can be scary, but I refuse to dwell on it! God bless you all in your endevors to be healthy...go get em!!!

I have had my band now for almost 4 years (August 2003) and I have not had any complications with mine...other than the occassional food got stuck situation.

My husband who got the band the same day had to redo his surgery a year later do to slippage. Last week he was in the hospital in ICU due to a bleeding ulcer near the band area. We don't know yet if it is band related but, the doctor doesn't believe so since all the Fluid was taken out of his band around January.

Denise:

I was wondering how your husband new his band had slipped? did he have any pain or symptoms?

Sherri

Hi Denise...I am wondering why you are moving back closer to startign weight???

deb

my band slipped and had it removed 8/13/07; scared to death of wgt regain; immediately was hungry; had a procedure done for the reflux-couldn't get band back on; very disappointed I lost the band;

I'm having an endoscopy done on 8/17, my doctor suspects erosion. I've been having discomfort, not really pain in the upper left abdominal area and back. This has been going on for about 2 months. I should have gone earlier to see the doc, but thought maybe it would go away on it's own. If erosion is found, the band will be removed. If no erosion is found, the doc says it can stay in. The doc did a complete unfill and the discomfort is still there, so I suspect erosion is more than likely the culprit. Along with the discomfort, I also had reflux starting about 2 weeks ago.