I made it into the Daily News!

[Alex Brecher 10,485]

It really stinks that the media is always out to crucify the Lap-Band. There are an equal # of WLS "failures" with the Sleeve or Bypass. There isn't a "perfect" weight loss surgery, yet. It's easy to blame a medical device, not so easy to blame staples or sutures.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

Check out this article on Governor Christie and the Lap-Band. Feeling a little famous at the moment

and to think i know you.......... you are a lucky dude to know me LOL

proud of you my friend..

and thank you for letting the world know the lap band does work.....

(as you said, if the patient helps it)

[labwalker 1,177]

It really stinks that the media is always out to crucify the Lap-Band. There are an equal # of WLS "failures" with the Sleeve or Bypass. There isn't a "perfect" weight loss surgery, yet. It's easy to blame a medical device, not so easy to blame staples or sutures.

Maybe we should have one of their reporters do an informed report on the benefits and risks of all WLS procedures? But I guess that doesn't sell newspapers. . And everyone's needs for WLS is different.

[Debbie3sons 1,936]

Alex You need to put a new pic up, because you look different than your profile pic but still keep the one of you fishing & the other one , congratulations on the article , they really should ask you to have us , show some of our before ,during & even some after pictures if they really want to know that it is not a fast cure all to weight loss ,but if we do our part then it works & yes sometimes there is complications , not to be foreseen, but many of us are succeeding at our weight loss surgeries which ever one that may be.

[Bandista 7,466]

This so great, Alex, way to go! You have done so much to help SO many people. It's exponential. Happy to see my hero in the press but I have to admit I was checking out the running shoes. For me that's what's happened -- could never have figured this 50+ WLS patient for an exercise fiend. This lapband has changed my life. Bye, bye appetite monster, hello ME. I was there all along but so busy with the food chatter I could not find myself. The band took care of that for me and I am so grateful. Here I am!

[Bandista 7,466]

This so great, Alex, way to go! You have done so much to help SO many people. It's exponential. Happy to see my hero in the press but I have to admit I was checking out the running shoes. For me that's what's happened -- could never have figured this 50+ WLS patient for an exercise fiend. This lapband has changed my life. Bye, bye appetite monster, hello ME. I was there all along but so busy with the food chatter I could not find myself. The band took care of that for me and I am so grateful. Here I am!

[tomdelo 120]

I was very surprised to see them say 1in 1000 people die in the first 30 days? Is that true ? Seems like a lot.so much so that FDA would ban this wsl.

[Rovobay 920]

you da man!!!

[parisshel 1,892]

Represent, Alex, represent!

[swimbikerun 1,038]

Congratulations!

[labwalker 1,177]

I was very surprised to see them say 1in 1000 people die in the first 30 days? Is that true ? Seems like a lot.so much so that FDA would ban this wsl.

The band is supposedly the safest for mortality, but I've read similar stats for other surgeries. You have to take into account that surgical techniques have improved since 1993, and that where and who does the surgery also makes a world of difference. Surgical prescreening is very important. You also have to remember that many folks who really need WLS are already in dire physical condition and maybe suffering from a severe co-morbidity. They may have died from any serious surgical procedure, gall bladder, appendix or other emergency.

There were a few clinics in California that were pushing the surgery, with little regard for patient safety. There were deaths. That is why is always best to shop carefully for a good surgeon.

Edited September 26, 2014 by labwalker

[swimbikerun 1,038]

I have preached constantly my example of not knowing about your surgeon (or in my case, I got told this is who I had to take) and really knowing about it. Nothing like having a list of 'its all in your head' (amazing how only I can be told I need to be "discplined" over gastroparesis, IBS, multiple food intolerances and GERD/reflux when I did a marathon at 100 lbs overweight), told there is no global weakness after bariatric surgery (there is in the research, several studies), and a list of other items.

Investigate your surgeon every way. Talk to people who are not their fans and find out why.

[jfc193 718]

Congratulations Alex

Had my band for 7 years and any problems with the band have been my fault, but there would of been no way that I would of kept off over a hundred lbs without the band. Sure I could stand to lose 40 more lbs but you just can't beat the quality of life that I now enjoy.

[Alex Brecher 10,485]

I was very surprised to see them say 1in 1000 people die in the first 30 days? Is that true ? Seems like a lot.so much so that FDA would ban this wsl.

It's BS. I had them remove it.

[mrsto 2,925]

Wow, Alex - this is great! Congrats! Notoriety well deserved