Ok, on my brief break from LBT as it was updated, I meandered onto some other WLS "support" sites and was kind of shocked to see a LOT of people talking horribly about the band and being venomous to bandsters who were being positive about their bands. I didn't notice any wide spread hate for any other surgery method. What is up with that? I read things like everyone who gets the band will have to have multiple surgeries leading up to removal after 7 years and some bad complications. Has anyone noticed this before? Are there any plus 7 year bandsters out there who don't hate life? I kinda got freaked out and it made me worried about my own future with the band. Thoughts?

I think the band is the closest weight loss surgery to a real diet! We still have stomachs that absorb calories! We have to have more control and when we are successfully.. It drives them crazy! They hear the horror stories and when someone challenges their beliefs they attack! I love my band... Yes I still struggle and I always will! But if I fail ... I fail.. Not the band!

I've read some real doozies of attacks on the band and at first it made me nervous about the choice I made then I started thinking 1. I have God on my side who is with me every step of the way and I believe lead me to my decision. 2. He lead me to a wonderful surgeon who has performed this surgery on at least 2000 people and with an extremely high success rate (yes I did my research) 3. It's up to me to be successful with WLS I need to follow the rules for it and I'm actually happy that I've the risked I do with this as to me it's a lessor evil. But that's me. 4. and finally Im newly banbed and I don't have time for hater drama I'm too busy concentrating on my own success.

I think the band is the closest weight loss surgery to a real diet! We still have stomachs that absorb calories! We have to have more control and when we are successfully.. It drives them crazy! They hear the horror stories and when someone challenges their beliefs they attack! I love my band... Yes I still struggle and I always will! But if I fail ... I fail.. Not the band!

So glad you are finding success with your band!

FYI, stomachs don't absorb calories, intestines do, stomachs break down food, and add acid, and some other chemicals to it (including the hunger hormone) to prep it for absorption in the intestines. The WLS's that shorten the intestinal transit by bypass are the ones that prevent some of the absorption of nutrition (RNY,DS- Not the Sleeve). that is all, carry on.

FYI.. I am NOT a doctor nor do I pretend to be one either.. Excuse me for having an opinion! I may not be correct but at least I am not MEAN about it! Have a blessed day!

I get so tired of all the bandbashing that is going on. I am happy with my choice with the band. Every surgery has its benefits and risks. You have to decide which surgery is best for you. I am a proud bandster and will defend my decision. There are programs that don't have proper followup after surgery. That is what gives the band a bad name. I wish everyone the best of luck in their journey. Mona