Not banded, but looking for someone to talk to

[shanae42 1]

This is the only place I thought what I want would fit. I'm not banded, but I've been thinking, about it a lot. I'm 400 pounds. I've tried diet and exercise only to lose a little then gain it all back. So after becoming frustrated, I started looking into this. I've been doing a lot of research about lap bands. Good, and bad. I would just like this person to tell me what there experience has been like, and what they've been through. I also have some things that are confusing me. I just want to know before I take the plunge.....

[farmgirl04 231]

What are your questions?

[Kime-lou 648]

Many people have different experiences. Mine was great. I am in NC, and close to Duke Hospital so I choose to go there. I found a great doctor who I had full confidence in. I went to his seminar and decided at that point I was going for it.

I think attending seminars are the best thing you can do. At most of them they discuss the different options. It gives you some good information. Some of the info you find online isn't exactly true. The seminar was able to answer a lot of mine and my husbands questions and then my 1st consult with the surgeon further answer my questions.

Just be sure that before you go into this you are committed to doing what you must do to keep your band healthy and get you healthy. If you are not committed to making a life change then don't do it.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

This is the only place I thought what I want would fit. I'm not banded, but I've been thinking, about it a lot. I'm 400 pounds. I've tried diet and exercise only to lose a little then gain it all back. So after becoming frustrated, I started looking into this. I've been doing a lot of research about lap bands. Good, and bad. I would just like this person to tell me what there experience has been like, and what they've been through. I also have some things that are confusing me. I just want to know before I take the plunge.....

ok, as farm, said, what is confusing you?

and as kime said, you gotta want this (to make it work).

any WLS is not a cure all and you wont wake up to being 50 pounds lighter.

[goal_will_be_met 18]

Hi there, I'll be happy to help. I can tell you that I too did much research and talked to people that had it before I did the surgery. It has been the best thing that has happened to me. Anyway please reach out to me and I'll be happy to help!

[Rojasanoll 920]

Ask all your questions here? We have people here who have lived most of ther questions and can answer truthfully with their own experiences. Don't be shy, we are all in this, together!

Banded on Aug 6, 2012 and the best thing I've ever done, except loving my ten years ago departed wife.

Best wishes

[line-dancer 810]

go to the chat room anytime and ask away.

[cheryl2586 3,053]

I have been banded for three years. I am a success. We need to know what you are confused about and any questions you have. Ask away we will all help you.

[shanae42 1]

I don't want to sound dumb, and I guess I shouldn't have put confusing.... I guess scared about. The big thing, and kind of the only thing that makes me a little apprehensive, and oddly enough I didn't try to find any statistics, is erosion of bands, does this happen a lot? Has this happened to you? I've read something's that say you may need to get your band replaced every couple of years, but I've read some success stories that say your band will last forever. Is this individualized too.... or is it just one if the parts of having a band, every couple of years you just go get a new one?

[cheryl2586 3,053]

Erosion mostly happens to people who over eat with their bands. It's actually only 4% which is a small number of erosion or complications from the band. If you are too tight and continually over eat yes you can cause erosion but its very unlikely if you follow the program like you are supposed to. Yes some people do have to get their bands removed but most failures are fromt he patient not the band.

[shanae42 1]

Oh, we'll that makes me feel a lot better. I was just thinking at some point it was just gonna start eroding, no matter what.

[cheryl2586 3,053]

No it wont. It does happen but if you look up band erosion it will tell you that most erosion comes from being too tight and over eating. Some people like their bands tight but they also have to know they cant eat a lot with a tight band or this will happen. I dont want my band tight because I want to be able to eat without issues.

[destynee1 417]

Hey there shanae! You definitely came to the right place! Ask away anything that concerns you and I am sure many here and answer your questions. Shoot me a PM anytime!

I am a pretty new bandster. I was banded Oct 22nd 12. I could have not made a better choice for myself. There has been up's and downs, nothing physical, but emotionally. For me that has been the hardest thing to conquer, to accept, I need to do this to free myself from my prison of being an obese girl. It has been actually pretty easy, it is just hard when my mind wants this and that, but that is the key point we have to change. It is a lifestyle change for sure and you have to really WANT to cure yourself. Anything else you'd like to talk about, I'm here.. Good luck with your decision and I hope you find all the answers you need. Do it for you. **hugs*!

[Baba Wawa 543]

It isn't known what causes erosion, it can happen to anyone with a band, compliant or not. If you're unable to comply and overeat, purge, etc, yes, you are more likely to cause complications, but they do occur, even in compliant patients fairly frequently. At your BMI and age (you look fairly young) you need to determine which surgery would work best. If Portion Control is your problem (3 big meals a day), then restrictive surgery (band or VSG) will most likely work for you. If you are constantly eating throughout the day, you might benefit from a malabsorptive procedure (RNY or DS). If I were young, I would opt for the VSG or DS. The reason I say this is that it isn't a "lifetime" device...the manufacturer even states it. Generally it is thought that it will last about 10 years max. I know of one person who has one at 11 years out, 3 or four that are 7-8 years out and literally hundreds who have had theirs removed due to complications.

Do your research, beware of doctors who push one type of surgery and bear in mind that Lapband requires not just a lifestyle change, but a tremendous amount of follow up care. It's a commitment for as long as you have your band. Join other WLS forums, vertical sleeve talk, etc. Read up on complications of all surgery types. PM me if you have questions or need help.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Hi Shanae! Welcome!

First, don't let all the band horror stories scare you. Unfortunately the majority of so-called studies out there stating high band failure rate should actually be called high patient failure. What I mean by that is, the majority of complications and slips are caused by the patient not following the rules. They chronically over eat, walk around with a band too tight for months, eating around their bands, drinking carbonation, or even simply don't get the proper after care. The truth is, it's a very small percentage of Lap Band patients that have serious complications by no fault of their own.

I actually started off close to your size- I weighed over 400 pounds the day of my surgery. I heard a lot of people try to talk me out of the band and into something more drastic like the Sleeve or Gastric Bypass.

I can't tell you how glad I am I didn't listen to them. I've lost over 175 pounds since I was banded a year ago. My life has changed so drastically it's hard to even put into words. I still have weight to lose but I know I'll get there. Honestly, I am happier and healthier than I've ever been in my adult life. Getting the Lap Band was the best decision I've ever made for myself.

Best wishes to you!