Greenshelly

Initially I went into my surgeon's office wanting a RNY. After, a brief overview of my history he said that wasn't something he would do. He recommended gastric banding with plication( folding my stomach much like a VSG) to me. I heard band and froze. I have heard so many horror stories about bands that I walked out of that appointment discouraged and unhappy. I have relaxed a bit and continued researching and it seems people love them or hate them, with little wiggle room. I guess the questions I have are these: 1 How long does a band last before having to be replaced? 2. Did you lose the weight faster with the plication ( more than an ave. bander)? 3. How uncomfortable are refills? 4. What side effects, if any, are commonly experienced? I know these questions probely sound rudimentary but I feel like I'm starting all over again, research wise. Thanks for any help!!!

Congrats NaNa on your success! May I ask about your second band? How did your insurance (if any) react to that? I only ask bc we are a military family and my insurance is very definitive about paying for only one bariatric type surgery. When I inquired they said complications would be covered but I didn't think to ask about revisions or replacements.....