Reading a lot of negative feedback, any regrets?

[AMLP 4]

I'm been reading a lot about lap band surgery and especially about the fills that seem to be a pain in the rear and how people are not losing weight very fast, especially compared to gastric bypass which I am also researching.

So I was wondering does anyone have any regrets about having the lap band done?

Amy

[snuffy65 1]

Yep, those are the downsides of the Lap Band. But there are upsides too.

Also, the not losing fast enough claim are mostly bogus since most of those complainers are only losing 1-2lbs a week which is how it was intended. If doctors could regulate weight loss for otheer WLS surgeries they would try for 1-2 lbs a week also.

After my 6 monts of research I found that most complaints about the Lap Band are the same with other sugeries.

People can gain weight back and/or plateau with any other surgeries. People have to be on a specific diet with all surgeries. All other complaints are minor. Except maybe fills. Fills will be a pain if you don;t have a good surgeon and/or you live far away from where you get the fills.

[Cowboy 0]

I am only 2 months and 1 fill post-op, and the only regret I have is that I did not do this several years ago when I first heard about it. I researched both by pass and lap band and for me lap band was the best choice. My wife has gone to every meeting and appointment with me. She was against it (but supportive of my decision) at first, but after going through it with me and seeing what it has done for me, we are now saving for her to get the band also.

Good luck with whatever you decide is best for you.

db

[MerryHearted 20]

There will always be some people with regrets about getting this done. I don't have any.

I was at my PCP yesterday for my yearly physical. He was very happy with my weight loss so far, and told me that other patients he has who have had the band are doing great. He strongly warns his patients AGAINST getting the RNY, as every single patient he has had that has gotten one has ended up with complications -- severe ones that have landed them back in the hospital.

In some ways it's about trading one set of issues for another -- you have to chew carefully, you have to avoid overeating, you have to monitor your fill level so as to not get too tight, watch for reflux, etc. It hurts a bit sometimes, if you irritate your band.

But compared to being Morbidly Obese? I had several health issues that cleared up with losing weight, and at least one more I hope to get rid of (my sleep apnea). I'd much rather have the "problems" of caring for my band than the much more severe health problems that come with being far too overweight. And get to look and feel better too. :thumbup:

In the end, the decision is very personal. Good luck making yours!

[Sades 4]

I don't regret having the band done at all. We come on here to discuss issues we are having so it might sound to some like we are being negative. I have lost 30+ lbs and happy with that. Of course I see that others have lost more than me and I feel I am stuffing things up. I know I will lose heaps more once I am tight enough. It isn't a simple process nor is it a miracle band as you have to work at it for it to work. I'm still a work in progress.

[ConcettaHughes 1]

I was banded on 1/31/08. I have had my first fill on 4/7/08 and I must admit that I am very disappointed. At first, the weight poured off but since my fill I have only lost 2 lbs. This makes my grand total 45 lbs. with another 50 to go and I was looking for the fill to make me less hungry. I guess another fill is in order as I really don't feel any restriction right now. I don't want to get discouraged but am afraid that I am. I follow my diet to a t. Is anyone else having this experience?

[juliegeraci 7]

Yes, it can take a while for good restriction. It took me about 6 months before I felt good restriction. Yes fills are a pain in the butt but so worth it. Good luck with your decision.

[jst4kel 1]

I do have regrets from time to time, but they are stupid regrets. I regret not being able to eat a buffet. HELLO! That is part of the problem I had that made me and kept me fat. I am losing weight slowly, large numbers the first two weeks, but now it averages 1 to 2 lbs a week. I am most proud of keep the weight I have lost off. By now, before surgery, I would be packing it back on after 3 months. I am 100% satisfied with my decision to get Lap Band. As for fills, they are quick (10 min.) and painless with my Dr. because he does them at the hospital which is right across the street from his office.

[Wheetsin 714]

If fast weightloss is your goal, the band is probably not your best choice. Though there are exceptions - I lost faster than any of my friends with other types of WLS. And we're all equally creeping now.

Fills really aren't so big of a deal. I've had 6 total, including 1 unfill and 1 to top the fill back off. So if I hadn't pushed it I'd be at 3 and I'm over two years out. I don't think that's horrible. It's a much better schedule than any other maintenance-type activity in my entire life.

No real regrets. There are things I would have done differently, but I would still be banded.

And I love that I can eat whatever I want. Not an option with most other choices.

[IndioGirl55 32]

No regrets here !!!

As to losing fast or slow - it depends on the person and how much they chose to work their band - (meaning food choices & exercise)

I have lost 86 lbs in 9 months - that's pretty damn good for an old fart like me.

Good Luck ...

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

No regrets for me either.I haven't worn a size 10 in 25 years. If you don't feel restriction, get another fill.

You always have to remember there is a fat pad around the stomach. As we lose weight, that fat pad melts off and the band becomes looser.

Dealing with head hunger is another issue. I am never hungry, but I have these feelings that I want a snack. I buy the 100 calorie pack things and those work well for me. Evenings are the worse. I can go all day and never feel hungry, but in the evening, I get to thinking

"what can I eat." I usually end up with a sugar free fudgesicle.

[lapbandade 0]

It's been about 8 months since I was banded, and I have absolutely no regrets. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is SERIOUS about losing weight. I just had my first fill (yes, after 7 1/2 months), and it was a piece of cake. My loss has averaged 10 lbs. a month, thus far. For me, the band is more of a deterrent than anything. It is completely adjustable, removeable, and gives you and your doc total flexibility, things that gastric bypass can't easily offer. Remember though, it is a tool, not a cure all. If you don't play by the rules, you won't lose as planned, plus you'll probably PB, slime, and be miserable. My problem is like many here.......years and years of terrible eating habits and gorging myself. The band, for the most part, will not cure those cravings. They will, however, help you manage them. I still have the cravings, and expect to for a long time to come. Since my surgery I have NEVER felt hunger. The doc says I am lucky in that regard. As a result I could go without eating, but when I start eating, I don't want to quit. That is my biggest problem, and the band does help me manage that desire. Good luck to you, whatever you chose to do.

[Cowboy 0]

Denise;

Who makes those "sugar free fudgesicles"?

That sounds pretty good and I agree night time is the worst for me.

db

[Cleach 0]

If you really want to compare just go to a gastric bypass forum. These people have some big problems. Many of them continuously throw up no matter what they eat. Many also have to take all kinds of meds just to keep there digestive track open. Yes, they do lose weight faster, my friend has gastric bypass and within 2 months she looked terrible her skin was saggy on her face she looked a good 10 years older. With the band you should only lose 1-3 pounds a week. It gives you body and skin a better chance to recover from all the stretching. I can eat anything I want but only in moderation. She still has to eat some kind of protien bars and she still throws up and she is 2 years post op.. She is now in desperate need of plastic surgery. And also all her meds she has to get as a rectal suppository because she can't absorbs the required amount through her digestive track. So before you decide, do all you home work and see what works best for you.

Cleach

[Hastings 3]

What I regret is letting myself get so damned fat that I had to have my body surgically altered so that I can lose the weight.

I do not regret the having the lap band.:wink2: