Tell me the problems are worth it

bandofhope · July 2, 2008

Hi Everyone-

I want to say that I am ready to get banded and I have been researching this for about two years. But, lately I have read over and over about the problems, maybe I am noticing them more since I have seen my doctor and I am actually on the final stretch to surgery. At any rate, I am a person that fears surgery, has never had surgery, and foolishly believes that my changes of only having to have one surgery to place the band will be true. I am having my doubts as days go by and I read the stories extra surgeries from complications. So, my Lap Band Friends.. please say something good to calm my worried brow! :lol: And I almost forgot... today is my 45th birthday, y'all!!!

Edited July 2, 2008 by bandofhope
i forgot my birthday!

starrgirrl · July 2, 2008

Hi BandofHope-

You are wise to read about the possibility of complications with the band (or any other surgery). Only you will know if it is the right decision for you.

I was banded in 2/2004. Within the first year, I had two out-patient procedures to fix the port placement and leaky tubing. I also had a challenging time finding the sweet spot. Tomorrow I go in for surgery to fix a slipped band and it may need to come out.

All that said, it was and still is totally worth it. For the first time in my life, I felt freedom from the monster appetite that seemed to have held me hostage. I was able to work in partnership with my band to manage the food intake. As a result I released 60 lbs. I've regained approximately 30 pounds with the slip... but I would do it again. Actually, I'm praying that I get to continue with the journey.

The complication rates for long-time bandsters are higher than I was originally led to believe. This procedure was approved by the FDA in 2001 and the data is still being collected.

However, as you will no doubt hear from the Band community at large, the majority of us are grateful for the opportunity to give this option a try.

Know that you need to make the decision that is best for you regarding the band. There are plenty of anecdotal stories to read on this and other web sites. Each of us has a unique journey. May your path be blessed and may you connect with clear guidance~!

juliegeraci · July 2, 2008

Hi Bandofhope. I love my band but I have a very fickle band. I have been banded 2 years June 6th. I have had at least 20 fills and unfills over the course of the last 25 months. I get a sweet spot then lose it easily. I tighten without warning then I PB too much. So the maintainence can be really difficult. That being said, I am 20 lbs from goal so that is a good thing. The band works, you just need to work with it. Good luck.

bandofhope · July 6, 2008

Thanks so much for the great comments. It's scary to think about having the surgery and it's a plus to her personal stories from people!

WASaBubbleButt · July 7, 2008

I had my band removed over a month ago and switched to a sleeve. I agree with Starrgirrl in that I was led to believe complications were lower than they actually are.

If I had it to do over again (and I did <g>) I'd go with a sleeve. Better and faster weight loss and fewest complications of DS, bypass, sleeves, and bands.

MsPris · July 7, 2008

Read the pamphlet - hopefully your surgeon gives you one - or you may already have it - on Lapband surgery. read - all the complications - and not just - after the surgery.

I had surgery 7-16-07 for a band and awoke in the recovery room to my surgeon standing over me saying: "You're alright - everything's fine - however, As I was passing my instrument, to bring the band around - I accidently punctured both your esophagus and liver. I had to to repair those injuries first - so you have no band in - and because of prior scar tissue on my stomach from an open gall bladder surgery 30 years ago - I can NEVER have a band - because it's in the exact same spot your injuries were and you will have too much scar tissue in that area for it to work.

Waited 6 months - still had weight and severe health problems. Only option - Open Gastric Bypass. Had that Feb 6, 08. Have lost 82 lbs. and best of all..no more Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and Barretts esophagus is under control.

So, I wish you the best of luck - however, I believe everything happens for a reason - so when it happened - I wasn't even upset. And now, to be honest with you I'm glad it happened. I'm much happier not having to go for fills - and all that stuff. And because they bypass the small intestine, my diabetes was gone within one week. So, I'm very happy.

Good Luck to all who read this. Go ahead with the band. This is where I started last May or June, before my surgery. I'm a member of the July 2007 bandsters. And, I still consider myself part of the group - even though they got a 6 month head start on me.

Priscilla:thumbup: