I am trying do decide whether to get banded and there are mixed reviews (just been reading a thread re: failed bands) thought I'd do a poll!

So I am wondering if you had the chance to do it over and choose whether you would get a L/B what would you do? and why or why not?

:thumbup:

These are all such awesome replies - so honest and open. Thank you. I was feeling really keen on it and excited when I was having a general read on here the other day and then I read the "having my band removed" forum and saw some old studies and I really started to freak out about if it doesnt work, or I have horrible problems, or it slips - and started to deliberate a bit more. I am seeing the surgeon for the second time (i went about 18mths ago) on the 2nd Feb, and will have heaps of questions to ask him. Any thing you wish you'd asked? I am definitely going to ask about what kind of fill he puts in to start with, how much it costs to get fills (didn't think it would cost but it looks like it costs you guys!) if I can still take medication, what the risks of surgery are (in terms of chance of death), how long I need off work etc...

Thanks guys x

Ask your surgeon what HIS statistics are regarding slippage and erosion. Some complications are due to improper placement or how they stitch to hold it in place.

Yes, I would do it over again.

1. I am losing weight slowly
   
2. Quick recovery time
   
3. Less evasive
   
4. No issues mal-absorption
   
5. My health issues are resolving as the weight decreases
   
6. I am in control
   
7. I eat what the same food as before, but a whole lot less of it
   

Today I am happy with my band. Other days when I have problems, I might answer differently. I had a rough few weeks when I was overfilled and certain times of the month, I get too tight and I don't like the consequences. My band is very "moody" if that's what you wanna call it lol! Some days I can eat fine with small bites and chewing properly but other days, sipping water is all I can do. I'm an emotional person and my band reflects that. High stress and hormonal changes influences the restriction of the band. All these things need to be considered. But I have lost 50lbs and hope to lose 80lbs by my bandaversary. Just know that it is not easy and good after-care is essential!

I only pay $30 for my fills...............that is my BCBS co-pay

The only thing I regret is not being able to get it done sooner than now. I had my surgery Jan of 08, it has been over a year. YES.... I would do it again in a heartbeat. Yes.. I would self pay again... twice the amount if I had to...Why......

My blood pressure is down, My chances of diabites is down, I can breath, I am more moble.. I can move more easily. I feel so much better, I can sit on the floor, I can cross my legs. I am not hot all of the time. I have so much more energy.... Did I say I feel 100% better. I FEEL ALIVE. Oh,, and no more yoyo dieting, THIS IS IT.

Plus, I went from a size 26 jean to now wearing a 12P.

Bottom line..... My health is worth it.

Do your research!!!!

Best of Luck in your Decision.

Lois

Had my six month physical from my PCP the other day, and he is totally thrilled with my progress. My Blood pressure is normal, my Cholesterol was 130. My Blood sugars are perfect. My mammogram was normal. Now just waiting for my pap smear. He said that he knew I was the "perfect" candidate for LapBand Surgery. He's the best. He's now head of Lahey Clinic Northshore in Peabody MA. But he has kept a few of his patients like me and my husband. Just overall a very very nice guy. And a good doctor also.

Jeez bloom, just how much did your surgeon put in your band when he did your surgery? You have had almost as much taken out as put in and you still had 7 in you? No wonder you are having problems. I am so sorry. I hope things are getting better. Don't give up. When it is filled to the right spot, the issues go away.

But....52 lbs since September is AMAZING!!!

I'm not sure how much was put in when I had the surgery. I may be a bit off on my fills and unfills. My 1st fill, he put in 3cc and I couldn't even swallow my spit. So I had to go back the next day.

Today I am happy with my band. Other days when I have problems, I might answer differently. I had a rough few weeks when I was overfilled and certain times of the month, I get too tight and I don't like the consequences. My band is very "moody" if that's what you wanna call it lol! Some days I can eat fine with small bites and chewing properly but other days, sipping water is all I can do. I'm an emotional person and my band reflects that. High stress and hormonal changes influences the restriction of the band. All these things need to be considered. But I have lost 50lbs and hope to lose 80lbs by my bandaversary. Just know that it is not easy and good after-care is essential!

I am in COMPLETE agreement with Kat. I love my band and would rather live it, rather than without it. I have been highly successful with my band and am thankful for it. But, my band is super moody and it can be overwhelming and emotionally draining when I am having an 'episode.' If I would have known of the sleeve when I was considering my options, I would have given the sleeve more attention. But, what is done is done, and I still love my Band.

I am very thankful for my band. I originally got the band because I wanted to lose weight because of the difficulty that my mom was having.

I had developed diabetes, sleep apnea, was always tired, could barely get off the coach. I had developed severe allergy and was wheezing. Just walking up a single flight of stairs was challenging.

I no longer take medicine for diabetes, I longer us a machine for the sleep apnea, I no longer snore, I can out-walk my grandchildren.

I have lost 100 pounds and gained my life back. I feel like a different person than I did eleven months ago before banding. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have had virtually no complications. It's been great.

like some of the rest of the posters, i wish i would have done this sooner. so far 8months out, no regrets!!!

I would do it all over again, this time sooner. I feel 100 times better. I plan on going to Arizona for my Birthday this year and do some hiking. I would have nver done that before the surgery.

Not ONE SINGLE regret. I love my band!