If I had my time again.....?

[lingling 0]

I am trying do decide whether to get banded and there are mixed reviews (just been reading a thread re: failed bands) thought I'd do a poll!

So I am wondering if you had the chance to do it over and choose whether you would get a L/B what would you do? and why or why not?

:thumbup:

[crzytchr 3]

I have not regretted, for even one moment, getting my band. I am only halfway through my weightloss journey, but I feel so much better. If I didn't lose another pound I would still be happy. It is great to feel in better control of what I am doing. I am more aware of what I put in my mouth, thanks to the $2500 copay. I log every bite that goes into my mouth. Sounds like dieting, huh? The difference is that I AM NOT HUNGRY ALL THE TIME! It is a very freeing feeling. :thumbup: I still have to make good food choices, but it isn't as hard as it used to be. If you realize that the band will NOT do the work for you, you can be successful. It isn't a magic fix, it just helps you to succeed. Read posts from people who have take off 100 lbs or more. They used their band to help them. They made good food choices most of the time and the vast majority of them work out regularly.

Congratulations on researching the band and continue to read the good and the bad and decide if the band is right for you.

[Shamrockgirl60 1]

I would do this over in a heartbeat, I feel 10 no 20 years younger. I can run up and down my stairs at home now with a full laundry basket or my 8 month old Granddaughter in my arms. I don't huff and puff is I walk around the mall a few times. I am wearing "normal" sized clothing now. I am giving away all my plus sized stuff.

Even after a few miserable days, with gas and nausea I am thrilled. I feel terrific now. I am slowely reaching my goal weight, I am halfway there......I may never wear a bikini again, due to my age and the tiny scars and a bit of tummy sag, I will wear a one piece that is cute and normal. Maybe a tankini LOL

Good luck with this, I hope you attend the meetings where you are thinking of getting banded.

Take care

Pati

Check my album for my photos before and after and my progress photos.

Of course some will fail, and some will hate having to change their lifestyle. That's what this is a total lifestyle change, the band is not magic. It's a wonderful aid to losing weight. Use it wisely and follow the rules. You won't fail. Eat around the band (ice cream and other soft fattening foods) and you won't lose you will start to gain back what you have lost.

Edited January 22, 2009 by Shamrockgirl60

[gingerbug 3]

I would do it over again, yes. No regrets.

[LISAMARIE1158 0]

theres a million success stories for every failed story....its a lot of hard work, but its an awesome tool..l can't imagine life without my band...

[lellow 1,713]

Yep, me too. I'm a very happy bander.

[gone 4 ever 6]

I just wish that they had this when I was 20. I would so do this over again. Not everybody will love their band or have success. Some will have complications and have to have it taken out. But the bad vs good, good far outweighs anything bad IMHO. That is just me.

Poll or no poll you need to research all options before you make your decision. Choose what is right for you. LB, Gastric by pass ect... Make sure it is right for you.

You have to work the band it is a awesome tool. But you have to work to maintain with the other surgeries also.

With any WLS there are dangers. There are chances of gaining the weight back. You have to be mentally ready to a life style change, not a life long diet. If you look at any WLS as a diet, there is a better chance of failure because you don't want to change. That happens to many. They aren't willing to use it as a tool and change their lifestyle. They go on a life long diet and start sabbotaging themself almost immediatly.

Sorry so long. I hope this helps you and doesn't scare you away from LB.

Good luck and keep us posted.:thumbup:

[littlefroggy 0]

Getting the band was the best thing I have ever done in my life. I'm serious. This has changed the way I feel about food, think about food, how I see myself, how I see my body, what I know I can do and what I know I will be able to do in the future.

I would never go back... I just wish I had done it sooner!

[justmel1957 1]

Yes!!!! A thousand times yes, I would do it again. Only wish I had done it sooner!!

[tapshoes 2]

ABSOLUTELY!!!!

I am so much more comfortable with my body, and that has made a tremendous positive difference in almost every other aspect of my life...

[bloom 2]

I don't know what to answer. I would probably still get the band because of the weight loss, but I have had a lot of problems. I think about that a lot. Knowing what I know now would I still do it? When people give me complements on my weight loss, I'm saying yes, but when I am having problems eating, I'm saying now. I think once I can get to my sweet spot, I think I will be more optimistic. I'm just having a really hard time getting there.

[crzytchr 3]

I don't know what to answer. I would probably still get the band because of the weight loss, but I have had a lot of problems. I think about that a lot. Knowing what I know now would I still do it? When people give me complements on my weight loss, I'm saying yes, but when I am having problems eating, I'm saying now. I think once I can get to my sweet spot, I think I will be more optimistic. I'm just having a really hard time getting there.

Jeez bloom, just how much did your surgeon put in your band when he did your surgery? You have had almost as much taken out as put in and you still had 7 in you? No wonder you are having problems. I am so sorry. I hope things are getting better. Don't give up. When it is filled to the right spot, the issues go away.

But....52 lbs since September is AMAZING!!!

[gentylwind 1]

I am only two months out, but I am down 25 pounds and really re-learning how to think about food, what I use food for and how I eat. Yes, its hard. Its definitely not a walk in the park or an easy fix. Its a scary, emotional journey. But as one who has had good weight loss and NO complications thus far, I personally would definitely do it again. Would I recommend it to others though? That still remains to be seen. Ask me in three years.

[lingling 0]

These are all such awesome replies - so honest and open. Thank you. I was feeling really keen on it and excited when I was having a general read on here the other day and then I read the "having my band removed" forum and saw some old studies and I really started to freak out about if it doesnt work, or I have horrible problems, or it slips - and started to deliberate a bit more. I am seeing the surgeon for the second time (i went about 18mths ago) on the 2nd Feb, and will have heaps of questions to ask him. Any thing you wish you'd asked? I am definitely going to ask about what kind of fill he puts in to start with, how much it costs to get fills (didn't think it would cost but it looks like it costs you guys!) if I can still take medication, what the risks of surgery are (in terms of chance of death), how long I need off work etc...

Thanks guys x

[Donna113 2]

When I read the title, my initial thought was "Wish I had the last 10 years back so I can do it again with the band." Needless to say, I think it's well worth it and would do it again.

I don't look back and have any regrets about anything because my journey in life thus far is the reason why I'm where I'm at today and it's a very happy place. :thumbup: