labwalker

Good luck with whatever surgery you decide on. It is between you and your doctor. Regardless, lap band or sleeve, you have to eat right and follow the doctor's advice. Let us know how things are going after surgery.

Well, if you have a lap band, you can always have revision surgery in the future, IF needed. 80% of the failed lap bands are due to folks not following correct eating habits, or not doing follow up visits. I personally know two folks who had revisions because they were not losing weight, and they are still failing after having a sleeve. I work hard to ensure my band works like the tool it was intended to be. At my age, the doctor felt the band was the best solution for me. And, they have be go back for follow ups at least once every six months to make sure there are no problems. If you don't have insurance, that can be costly. Few doctors want to deal with past patients, and that is another reason they avoid the band. I'd opt for a sleeve today, but I am happy with the band.

I was banded several years ago and don't regret it. I'd probably opt for a sleeve today, only because the band requires a commitment to keep regular follow up visits with the doctor's office for the rest of your life. That is important, and with less doctors actively promoting the band, that could be a problem for a younger person who may have to live with a band for 50, 60 or more years. The band is only a tool. I found I could lose fifty pounds without much work during the honeymoon phase... but now that I am a few years out I find I have to track calories, protein and carb intake on a daily log to keep losing weight. The band works, but it takes some commitment and a change in lifestyle. I just gave up sugar and starting limiting carbs to under 100 mg a day on the advice my APRN, and that is allowing me to lose a 1/4 to 1/2 lb. a week. It adds up. Every so often I slip off the path, but even so the band does limit how much weight I can regain. Without the band I would have been still be losing only to regain it all.

If you want to lose on the band, you have to count carbs, protein, etc. Adding carbs and the calories from alcohol is not good. 14 grams carbs, maybe 150 cals? Adds up fast. I had to give up sugar and all forms of bread to keep losing after five years on the band.. My diet is now 1200 cals max, 80 grams protein and under 100 grams carbs in order to lose about 1/2 pound a week. After the first round of dropping pounds you have to work for each additional pound. You can easily drink around the band, there is no restriction from the band. And, it will flush foods from the pouch, causing you to be hungry sooner, and maybe eat more than you need,

I'm very happy with my band, and my surgeon did all procedures, but based on my age and other factors he strongly suggested having the band, My insurance would have any of the weight loss procedures. There are three surgeons, and several APRNs handle the follow up visits. My wife had the sleeve, same surgeon,and she is expected to have follow visits and yearly blood work. My surgeon still does lap bands, based on the needs of that patient. If you go for low price, you may get what you pay for. There are Bariatric Centers of Excellence for a reason. I seldom bother checking in or posting is because the forum has largely turned into a band bashing melee, and I suspect most other long time regulars have left for the reason. This was a great place when it catered only to lap banders. Now anyone with a lap band issue is assailed by VSG cultists.

Have you seen your doctor for follow up adjustments or to find our why you are having problems? Why would you continue to eat a food that gave you problems?

Anyone who claims to be living a band nightmare for nine years either picked the surgeon based on price or never did the requisite follow up visits. I see my doctor every four months and I can assure you no reputable bariatric surgeon would allow a patient to suffer for nine years. 90% of the band haters had a procedure under insurance that wouldn't cover follow up visits, adjustments or in rare instances medically necessary removals....or lived with a maladjusted band until their health was affected. If you have the band chose the best doctor and heed their advice. Bands are not place and forget procedures. I know people who are having problems with sleeve and bypass surgery. It happens. My band works, and all I know is it controls my appetite with zero side effects.

They should have a department that handles these cases. Your condition could turn into something life threatening. It isn't voluntary elective surgery. If you end up in an emergency, requiring immediate surgery to remove the band, with they cover that??? I'd also ask about filing a written appeal, there should be a process to appeal first level rejections.

I would appeal it immediately.

That can be controlled with fiber in your diet, Pills, or liquid. If you can tolerate fruits, some are rich in fiber content. Ask your doctor. Besides the fistulas, you can be at risk for diverticulosis.

False statement? I hate to sound mean, but you have a reading comprehension problem. I never said there weren't other causes, I just mentioned that a lack of protein can cause problems. Instead of calling me a liar, you might do some web searches on the subject of hair loss and protein. How your body reacts to surgery relates to your case, but their are others who would have done better had they followed the recommended diet plans.

hair loss is often caused by a lack of adequate protein! It is hard to keep Protein above 70 grams a day on low calorie diets unless one eats a lot of turkey, chicken or fish.

Mr. doctor had me tested for Vitamin D, and advised that I needed supplements. I took them, as prescribed. This was based on my bi annual blood work. Personally, non peer reviewed information as presented above is pure BS! I listen to my doctor, not a wanna be internet specialist with no credentials. Sorry, but that is the bare truth. What the hell is a Nrd??? Goodgle searches bring up nothing! Is that a recognized medical degree??

I've never seen a reason to insult anyone who has commented on my weight loss and how I look. (For the ladies, I can understand how catty remarks from jealous "friends" might deserve some sterner responses!) If someone comments on my weight loss, I thank them for noticing. Beyond that, I let it be known that I try to follow a diet, and that I try to get to the gym at least five times a week for an hour each visit. I don't see the need to share that I had WLS for several reasons! One, it was a personal decision, that affects my life. Two, I don't want my success or failure to be judged! We don't need to hear we could have "done it on our own," or that WLS is the "easy way out." One thing in my favor is that I have been able to lose weight in the past by dieting and exercising in the summer. WLS carries me through the long winters, and joining a gym did the rest. I have told folks that I joined a gym, and I've let it be known that I go almost everyday. Even when on a recent cruise I hit the gym each morning. I'm guessing most of them figure I am making a stronger effort this time around, since the weight is not coming back on, at least for the last two years!

Sounds like he feels that he is loosing control over you, since your weight loss only makes you more independent and self secure; and less reliant on his being there. I am not a shrink, but marriage counseling might be in order?

Besides the doctor's requirements, you also need to be aware of what your insurance requires for presurgical care! I was not required to lose any amount of weight, but they did want to see that I was able to modify my eating habits. My nut wanted to see good amounts of Protein at each meal, small portion sizes, and wise food choices. If I had Peanut Butter and toast for Breakfast, she'd have a fit....low fat Greek yogurt and blueberries were a winner. A lot of these requirements are to show that you will be able to follow a nutritious diet plan after surgery. And, that you understand how to make those determinations and follow through. WLS is one half of the equation, your ability to eat properly is equally important.

Keep it up.... there are a lot band haters on this forum, don't let them discourage you! The band has worked for me, and many others! I managed to put on few pounds in the past month (my fault!!) but I will get back on track!

Fat is not evil. But, Protein intake is critical!!! Your body needs some fat. I'd be more worried about carbohydrates (sugars, etc.) than my fat intake.

This sounds terrible to me! They may have "poked the band???" That is scary. The port is usually located beneath the skin, attached to the abdominal muscles. I can't imagine being jabbed that deep with a needle. They owe you some answers, in my opinion.

OMG!!!!! I hope you are feeling better! That must have terrifying! So glad you went to the ER had this taken care of.

OMG! We live near Newtown, CT... the things that happen so close to our homes these days is frightening. Life was a lot simpler when I was growing up. We never heard of these things in the fifties or sixties.

Duplicate, servers are running slowwwww.... Alex must be starving them.

People LOST weight after being banded?? Honest injun???. I held my own for three or four months. I took a few fills before the band even started to work... and it took subsequent fills every several months to ensure that the weight loss continued. The band is not a fast track; think tortoise and hare. If you have the band, you are the tortoise, but you will win in the end!

If life with a band gets to point where I can not eat red meat, I will consider a revision surgery. I can eat most meats, except for chicken breast that has not been pounded and tenderized before cooking. Steak has never been a problem, provided it is chewed, chewed,,,, and chewed.

Tuna fish is loaded with Protein. It might be the most bang for the buck.