Band, Bypass or Sleeve in 2014: Which one?

[aloudwhisper 176]

So only pro-band members can post biased opinions??? We all post based on our own experience...who says one person's experience is more valid, accurate or reflective of the efficacy of a particular procedure?

Posting a contrary opinion isn't "bashing". The newbies of which you speak, are able to read posts on both sides of the argument and, as you noted, are able to make up their minds.

By all means speak up! But understand, you also can expect a response.

I am a banders, and I still appreciate your insight.

Thanks

[2muchfun 8,928]

Welcome to the forum oh curiousone. I'm honored that one of your first posts targets me. 2nd one in the last 2 days. I'm popular like Justin Bieber I think?

"the lapband IS going out of favor, around the world. That's not the OPs doing; that's the data presented and well known by many people who do these procedures and talk to us, though it is still being done, just not as much because of complications"

Judging by your partisan comments I can see why you agree with DP. Unfortunately your conclusions(like DPs) are inaccurate. imo I really don't want to air it out here in public. I'd be glad to forward(message you)_other studies that refute DPs assertions and yours. But, I really don't think you can go wrong if you decide to go with the sleeve.

The sleeve is one of the primary reasons the band sales have declined. And, it's also true that due to so much aftercare many doctors have opted to go with a surgery such as the sleeve to avoid costly office visits, band failures and patient compliance problems. Who can blame them? I highly recommend it.

There's also the fiscal issue. Surgeons here in the states earn more for gastric sleeve surgery vs lapband surgery. The band has been around long enough that many surgical centers are offering the entire package for under $10K.

Too bad we had to meet under these circumstances? You've certainly made an impression on me with your "reasoned response" to a thread that was pretty much dead by now. Good luck with what ever choice you select.

tmf

BTW-Most veteran WLS and especially bandsters would have understood the slide show DP chose not to include. Now please let this thread die a natural death.

[aloudwhisper 176]

I don't want it to die. There is some good info on this slide. I am a bander. I did 85% of everything I was suppose to, and I still didn't loose the weight. I have tried not to be discouraged. I've given up many times, but now I am trying again. I hate that I have to pay out of love for maintenance, but it is what it is at this point. Im very open to having the sleeve, but at this point I want to wait until after I have children. So until then I am going to try to stay positive.

I know I didn't do the detailed reservation that I should have pre surgery, and that wasn't smart at all. But I'm happy to say that I haven't had all the issues that most people have had, but it still hasn't worked as well. I have had a lot of Fluid taken out because I couldn't keep the food down. But things aren't was bad this go round with the fills. I guess time has taught me how to better handle my band.

I wouldn't recommend the band, but that's just me.

[7 Bites_Jen 479]

I do think this information is important to anyone who is researching each procedure. I do NOT believe it was anyone's intention to disparage the band at all - in fact, one of the articles was PRO lap-band.

We all chose our surgeries for a purpose - and I think we all have a bit of a bias toward our own surgeries.

This was good information - don't turn something like this into something it wasn't.

ALL surgeries have their benefits, and ALL surgeries have their downfalls.

[aloudwhisper 176]

I think there are some that see the positive spirit in the post, while other want to take everything as an attack.

[Georgia 2,911]

Okay, as my Mom used to say, "play nice!" Lol We able all in the same "boat" so to speak since we are all (or WERE) overweight, unhealthy and most had WLS. I've continued to use BP and before that VST for my "community" since I didn't have a local support group. I have never, ever come away not being encouraged and inspired and challenged if I needed to be! Don't always agree with all I read but I'm human, as are we all, with a wide range of personalities, struggles, temperaments etc. At 3 months shy of 4 years post op with VSG, I KNOW it takes us All pulling together to get there! To each his own. We will never convince everyone Our Opinion is right. Because it's OUR OPINION! Keep pushing forward. Research your choice thoroughly, talk to as many as you can who are Vets (3 plus years that's where the rubber meets the road) and give it all you've got!!!! Here's to success!!!

Edited March 19, 2014 by Georgia