Hi everyone,

I just recently got approved and have started telling friends and family what I'm doing. Unfortunately, my family members have only given me negative stories of banding problems they've heard of. I know they are just concerned, but I also wonder if there are more complications that I'm not aware of.

I thought the percentage of complications were pretty minimal.

On another thought, I have 3 young children ages 7 and 5...how much should I tell them?

Ill effects DO happen (they do with any surgery...they do if you stay obese, too!) but they are rare. Slips are about 3%, erosions about 1%, 1 in 2000 die on the table (odds of slipping and dying in shower or bathtub are similar)

I think the odds of bad outcome with the band are way less than the odds of developing heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, etc if you do nothing.

To the family members that are against it maybe just explain that you don't want to let it get any further and if you do then there probably won't be any turning back at that point, you want to take control of your life now and this is how you can do it. As for when they say they've heard of complications occuring and stuff like that just ask them who the person was that it happened to and where they even heard that information? Most of them will be quiet once you say that because they can't back themselves up.

My almost 6 year old is very versed in the band and knows all of the rules and watched the manufacturer and YouTube videos with me many times. She has a need to understand and know more so it all worked out well.

As for negative family input, do remember that they are not looking at it through your eyes. They are probably not the extra large ones always hiding from the camera. They haven't had diet after diet fail them or suffer any shame because of it. They are not you.

Best of luck

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm glad to get those percentages as well restlessmonkey! I know I read them somewhere, but could'nt find them again. It will be nice to tell them and let them know I've done my research as well.

Unfortunately, most of them could use the lapband as well and maybe they will reconsider after I have mine done.:laugh:

I'm soooooo bummed!!!

Well it looks like the surgery might not work after all. Last week my surgeons office called and told me I was approved but this morning I decided to call my insurance to double check everything and apparantly they haven't recieved anything! I'm not sure what all the mix up was, but I'm super bummed now expecially since my mom just booked tickets for her to come stay with me afterwards for a few days.

It makes me wonder if the office did that on purpose expecting that I wouldn't research it and have to pay out of pocket after the fact.