:paranoid I'm not sure what to think. There were about 20 people in the support group. Every last one of them was gastric bypass. There was one bander in there, who hated it so much he had it taken out and had the bypass. Everyone was trying to talk me into bypass. I was kind of getting mad. Even the therapist was pro bypass. It really made me doubt myself, and I didn't feel accepted. Then when we went around the room, there were about 4 people there who originally wanted a lap band, but was talked out of it, and claim to be glad they changed their mind. I thought it was a little strange, and I didn't feel I had the support I needed. I was very discouraged and disappointed.:cry Why did all of you choose the band over the bypass?????????:help:

Is there a band support group in Texas? I'm getting banded in Monterrey on Dec 7th.

I chose banding because the thought of having a major organ sliced and reconnected freaked me out.

Hi, My mom had the gastric bypass, and wishes she had the band. She lost a dangerous amount of bone density, 60%, now she is on daily injections she does herself to stimulate bone growth. Also, nutrition is a huge problem for gastric bypass. I like the band, I view it just as permanent, but without many of the irreversable issues.

Hi, I am new to this forum and I think you should go the Obesity Control Center forum and register! I am being banded on Feb. 18 and I have found so much support for my choice and I am going to Tijuana to have mine! don't despair---find another group!!!

I am in Austin! I am going on Feb. 18 to Tijuana! Where are you?

Did you get your band? I am in Austin! I go Feb. 18

You all are so wonderful. I wish I could have Scotty beam you all to the same place and we could meet once a month. Sometimes I need the hugs and a pat on the back. I KNOW I will need that once I have the band. thus the support group. (My surgeon requires it) It's just not a good fit for me though. I felt like such an odd ball, and didn't like having to defend my decision.

Aubrie,

You surgeon can require you to attend support group meetings but you can also require him to provide one if that is the case. What you endured was psychological abuse, not support!

Have you had your psychological exam yet? Ask the psychologist how healthy he/she thinks that environment is for you. Can we place bets on the answer? Also, your doc probably has or is seeking the endorsement of the Centers for Excellence. Visit their website and contact them if you do not get anywhere with your doc because they specifically require a LAP-BAND support group to give their certification if I am not mistaken. You can also ask you doctor if he will consider this as participating in a support group until he can get one going just for bandsters.

Good luck!