Re: Getting Banded

[Guest guest]

Hi Carmen,

I've noticed very negative comments on the band also and although I feel at times they are a bit harsh I think it is because so many are having long term health effects-not just weight gain. I had the sleeve done and If I where you I'd research the cost of the sleeve. It may be less expensive to begin with for the band but after fills, unfills and health issues you might be supprised. I hope that whatever you choose you are sucsesful. I had the surgery about a year ago and have reached my goal and I would do it over again in a heartbeat. I have a friend who was banded and it worked for a couple years then she had health problems and gained weight back and was just recently sleeved on the other hand I come from a family of overweight people and 4 of us have had the sleeve starting about 2 years back and so far we have all lost at a good pace and none of us have had serious health problems

so continue with your research and good luck.

From: Carmen <carme115@...>Subject: Getting Banded Date: Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 7:57 PM

Hello Everyone, While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, Ihave never participated in any of the discussions or posted any commentsuntil now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (evenonline). My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get "Banded" on August23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have beenbattling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made adeal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance andif it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet programthrough my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In thebeginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours inthe gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in myregime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make timeto go to the gym a few days out of the week for

about an hour each time,keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why Ithink the Lap Band would be great for me.I have been reading several emails from different members stating thatthe lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a littlefrustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgerywith success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have noticethat those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder(watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those thatare unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to theirweight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypassput all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losingonly 35 pounds within a

year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologistdeemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do myresearch, so I never go into anything without having considered everypossibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm goingto end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that beingsaid, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk intoany "normal" store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carrysizes bigger than a size 5). In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap bandrevised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. Ifit wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgerylet alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting"Banded", but the thought of not being successful under my termsis gnawing at

me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me ormaybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into thiswith nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an overanalytical thinker and worrier. Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out thereto see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point ofview. Thanks a bundle~Carmen

[Guest guest]

Carmen,

Thank you for sharing your story. You and I have similar situations. I'm 23,

and getting banded on August 12. I would have been banded later, but I'm going

with my aunt (who was sleeved by Dr. Aceves), and this time is best for her.

I too am very shy; I've been obese since I was 10 and my weight definitely

affected my teenage years and development into a more outgoing independent

person. I am always afraid to stand alone and go out there because of my

weight. I have failed with diet and exercise. My most " successful " diet was

the Atkins diet (awful idea) in high school when I lost 40 lbs- I gained that

weight back plus interest in college. Since then I've dieted and exercised with

mediocre results, but my appetite ultimately was my downfall. I could only last

for a few months at a time. I'm insatiable; I can eat a full restaurant portion

and still be hungry. Just like you, I prefer the lap-band because of the

on-going portion control and the ability to refill it once it stretches out.

There definitely is a preference to the sleeve over the band on these boards.

It does make me worry that going down to Mexico for the band would be a waste of

time and money. But, I try to remember that each person is different. What

works for one person doesn't work for another, and I really am uncomfortable

with the gastric sleeve. That, and my parents are also financing my band (as a

graduation present), and they too prefer the band over the sleeve.

The people on the lap band and obesity boards generally have a positive leaning

towards the procedure. I guess in the end you can only listen to other people

so much before you have to be the ultimate decider in your own fate.

If you want to be " band-buddies " (is that what they're called?) and keep in

touch since our situations are so similar, feel free to email me and/or add me

on Facebook

email: kalars88@...

facebook: Kala Suresh (sureshkr@...)

Good luck with your weight loss journey!

Kala

>

> Hello Everyone,

>

> While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, I

> have never participated in any of the discussions or posted any comments

> until now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (even

> online).

> My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get " Banded " on August

> 23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have been

> battling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made a

> deal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance and

> if it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet program

> through my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In the

> beginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours in

> the gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in my

> regime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make time

> to go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,

> keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.

> I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why I

> think the Lap Band would be great for me.

>

> I have been reading several emails from different members stating that

> the lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a little

> frustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgery

> with success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have notice

> that those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder

> (watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those that

> are unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to their

> weight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypass

> put all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.

> Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losing

> only 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologist

> deemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do my

> research, so I never go into anything without having considered every

> possibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm going

> to end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that being

> said, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk into

> any " normal " store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carry

> sizes bigger than a size 5).  

> In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.

> I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap band

> revised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. If

> it wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgery

> let alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting

> " Banded " , but the thought of not being successful under my terms

> is gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me or

> maybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into this

> with nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an over

> analytical thinker and worrier.  

> Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out there

> to see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point of

> view.

>

> Thanks a bundle~

> Carmen

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Carmen,

Please read the posting by Bipley and reconsider having the "sleeve" you will never have a regret that you had the sleeve, Also read about the sleeve. You may have a lot of issues and problems with a band. When I as trying to make up my mind between the lapband and the sleeve I read all these posts. In the end I know I would NEVER want to have a lapband and the sleeve was the way to go for me. You have time to switch which surgery you are going to have.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 7/19/2011 1:01:01 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, carme115@... writes:

Hello Everyone, While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, Ihave never participated in any of the discussions or posted any commentsuntil now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (evenonline). My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get "Banded" on August23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have beenbattling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made adeal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance andif it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet programthrough my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In thebeginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours inthe gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in myregime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make timeto go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why Ithink the Lap Band would be great for me.I have been reading several emails from different members stating thatthe lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a littlefrustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgerywith success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have noticethat those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder(watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those thatare unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to theirweight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypassput all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losingonly 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologistdeemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do myresearch, so I never go into anything without having considered everypossibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm goingto end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that beingsaid, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk intoany "normal" store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carrysizes bigger than a size 5). In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap bandrevised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. Ifit wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgerylet alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting"Banded", but the thought of not being successful under my termsis gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me ormaybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into thiswith nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an overanalytical thinker and worrier. Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out thereto see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point ofview. Thanks a bundle~Carmen

[Guest guest]

Carmen - Check out the surgery dates of those " positive " bandsters you see on

the other boards. I guarantee they are all under 2 years out from their

surgery. The problems seem to set in between 3-5 years out.

Not sure why you are so frightened of the sleeve, versus the band. With a band,

you are introducing a foreign object into your body, wrapping it tightly around

your stomach, where you run the risk of erosion (the band actually rubbing

against your stomach).

With the sleeve, you are not changing your digestive process at all, as you do

with bypass. Food goes in the esophogeal entrance of the stomach, and comes

out as God designed, into the small intestines. All you are doing is reducing

the capacity of your stomach. Gastrectomy surgery has been performed for

decades - previously as a solution for someone who had bleeding ulcers (rather

than as a weight loss solution). It is a very safe surgery. As someone has

intimated before, in addition to the reduced capacity of your stomach (which

positively reduces your appetite), your appetite is further reduced because the

portion of the stomach that is removed in a " vertical sleeve " gastrectomy

contains the body's primary production engine for the hormone " ghrelin " , which

is the hormone that signals your brain that you are hungry. I can't imagine

what " scares " you about the surgery - is it the idea that it is not

" reversible " ?? Can I ask you, why do you think you will one day need a

stomach that has such a large capacity that it caused you to become morbidly

obese? Do you honestly think pregnancy requires eating at a level to cause

morbid obesity? Please note that most of the successful sleeve female

sleeve patients manage to very successfully maintain their weight in the 120-150

pound range. That means, my dear, that their caloric/nutritional intake is

equal to their caloric/nutritional requirements/output. Just how many more

calories than that, do you think one needs to support a pregnancy? As the

mother of two, trust me - not many, or you will gain even MORE weight during

pregnancy that you cannot take off when the pregnancy is over!!!!

I personally know 2 people who have had bands. One had hers revised within a

year to a bypass. Her band " slipped " and was completely twisting and blocking

entrance to her stomach, and had to be removed as emergency surgery in the ER,

after a ride in an ambulance. The other friend has had her band for 4 years,

has lost a grand total of 25 pounds long term, and basically has it competely

unfilled because she had so many problems with " sliming " , burping, and food

getting stuck that it was just too much hassle. Unfortunately, she cannot

afford to have revision surgery so she just has this unfilled band providing

only the most minimal level of restriction.

Do the research. You owe it to yourself to DEEPLY research the various

surgeries and their pros/cons before you have this life-changing surgery.

Best of luck to you,

Jan

[Guest guest]

I understand what you are saying, I was in your shoes 5 years ago.  I got a band and did well, I lost all my excess weight and then some when I could no longer eat solid food and was on liquids only for 4 months.  That's when I revised to a sleeve.

Are you aware that even the band maker says that banded folks have an 88% chance of complications?Banded life is hard.  Very hard,  Some days you can eat food and an amazing number of days you are on liquids only.  You will be on liquids for your post op diet, you will be on liquids for several days after each fill, you will be on liquids for the rest of the day and possible the next day after stuck episodes, and you'll be on liquids on days where food just doesn't go down.

My advice for you is to find just FIVE people, only five that have been banded for 10 years or longer.  See how they like their bands.  I've been posting on these types of message boards for 5 years and I have only found 3 people that were banded for exactly 10 years and they were all getting a revision to another surgery type.  The band does not last long in ANYONE.

The band makers like to say that band surgery is the safest.  Well, that is true, the actual surgery is the safest of all surgery types.  But LONG TERM the sleeve is the safest of all surgery types with far superior weight loss to banding.  The complications with banding are for life, complications with the sleeve are a risk only for a few weeks post op.  For banding you can have erosion, slips, reflux, disconnected tubing, kinked tubing, infection risk with each and every fill/unfill, esophageal spasms, esophageal damage, dilated esophagus, etc.etc.etc.  Keep in mind, the band maker says 88% will have complications and the only way to fix a mechanical complication is another self pay surgery.  And it will happen, make no mistake.  So you might as well start saving for your 2nd surgery now because I promise you, it will happen.  You could get food poisoning and have violent vomiting and slip.  Through no fault of your own you could end up with a severe slip and then you are potentially looking at a self pay surgery to correct the slip.

As a person that has had a band and now a sleeve I have experienced both surgery types.  Sleeves are 10x easier to live with, hands down!  No more days and days of liquids, no more food intolerance, no more getting stuck, no more embarrassing moments in restaurants, no more keeping barf bags stashed all over my house, my car, my everything.  The constant vomiting just becomes a way of life.  Ask any banded person what the first thing they look for when they go to a restaurant - it's the bathroom.  When you get stuck you need to know where to go to hurl.

For years I have been watching the trends on the boards.  When someone gets banded for the first six months they are in love with their band and their surgeon.  At about 6 months they realize they are doing the work and not their surgeon but they still love their bands.  At the 1 year point you are having complications but the scale is moving so you'll deal with it.  At 18 months post op the problems are annoying and you are considering revision.  At about 2 years is when most seem to revise to another surgery type.

Please think long and hard.  Banding is probably the most expensive surgery type long term.  The sleeve is a far more weight loss friendly procedure and MUCH cheaper in the end with far less long term risk and no maintenance.

On Tue, Jul 19, 2011 at 12:57 PM, Carmen <carme115@...> wrote:

 

Hello Everyone,

While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, I

have never participated in any of the discussions or posted any comments

until now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (even

online).

My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get " Banded " on August

23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have been

battling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made a

deal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance and

if it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet program

through my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In the

beginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours in

the gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in my

regime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make time

to go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,

keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.

I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why I

think the Lap Band would be great for me.

I have been reading several emails from different members stating that

the lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a little

frustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgery

with success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have notice

that those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder

(watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those that

are unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to their

weight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypass

put all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.

Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losing

only 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologist

deemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do my

research, so I never go into anything without having considered every

possibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm going

to end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that being

said, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk into

any " normal " store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carry

sizes bigger than a size 5).  

In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.

I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap band

revised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. If

it wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgery

let alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting

" Banded " , but the thought of not being successful under my terms

is gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me or

maybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into this

with nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an over

analytical thinker and worrier.  

Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out there

to see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point of

view.

Thanks a bundle~

Carmen

[Guest guest]

You should definitely stick to what you feel is best for you no matter what. Other people will give their opinions based off of experiences they had, that is not to say it will happen to you. Best of luck to you.

From: kalars88@...Date: Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:05:50 +0000Subject: Re: Getting Banded

Carmen,Thank you for sharing your story. You and I have similar situations. I'm 23, and getting banded on August 12. I would have been banded later, but I'm going with my aunt (who was sleeved by Dr. Aceves), and this time is best for her.I too am very shy; I've been obese since I was 10 and my weight definitely affected my teenage years and development into a more outgoing independent person. I am always afraid to stand alone and go out there because of my weight. I have failed with diet and exercise. My most "successful" diet was the Atkins diet (awful idea) in high school when I lost 40 lbs- I gained that weight back plus interest in college. Since then I've dieted and exercised with mediocre results, but my appetite ultimately was my downfall. I could only last for a few months at a time. I'm insatiable; I can eat a full restaurant portion and still be hungry. Just like you, I prefer the lap-band because of the on-going portion control and the ability to refill it once it stretches out.There definitely is a preference to the sleeve over the band on these boards. It does make me worry that going down to Mexico for the band would be a waste of time and money. But, I try to remember that each person is different. What works for one person doesn't work for another, and I really am uncomfortable with the gastric sleeve. That, and my parents are also financing my band (as a graduation present), and they too prefer the band over the sleeve.The people on the lap band and obesity boards generally have a positive leaning towards the procedure. I guess in the end you can only listen to other people so much before you have to be the ultimate decider in your own fate.If you want to be "band-buddies" (is that what they're called?) and keep in touch since our situations are so similar, feel free to email me and/or add me on Facebook :)email: kalars88@...facebook: Kala Suresh (sureshkr@...)Good luck with your weight loss journey!Kala>> Hello Everyone, > > While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, I> have never participated in any of the discussions or posted any comments> until now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (even> online). > My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get "Banded" on August> 23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have been> battling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made a> deal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance and> if it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet program> through my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In the> beginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours in> the gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in my> regime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make time> to go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,> keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.> I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why I> think the Lap Band would be great for me.> > I have been reading several emails from different members stating that> the lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a little> frustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgery> with success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have notice> that those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder> (watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those that> are unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to their> weight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypass> put all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.> Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losing> only 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologist> deemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do my> research, so I never go into anything without having considered every> possibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm going> to end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that being> said, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk into> any "normal" store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carry> sizes bigger than a size 5). > In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.> I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap band> revised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. If> it wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgery> let alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting> "Banded", but the thought of not being successful under my terms> is gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me or> maybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into this> with nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an over> analytical thinker and worrier. > Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out there> to see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point of> view. > > Thanks a bundle~> Carmen>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kala,

We both have very similar situations. My most successful diet was also

the Atkins diet. I had lost about 80 pounds in three months and gained

all of it back plus a few extra pounds.

While this is not the case on here, all of my local doctors recommend

the lap band over the bypass and none of them will consider doing the

sleeve (as it is still deemed experimental). As I was told by one of the

many doctors I talked to, I'm young and I still have a lot of

what-if's that will happen in life and with the lap band I'll be

able to accommodate those what-if's. An example, sickness, pregnancy,

stress, injury (ect) can cause your body to react in a different why and

you can adjust your band to help you take in less or more food (He went

into a lot of detail and when over each case with several different

scenarios).  

While I considered getting the sleeve originally, due to it being a one

step process. I was unsuccessful in convincing my parents that the

sleeve would be the " easier " process. They prefer the band over the

sleeve because it is adjustable and the weight loss is at a slower rate

(therefore less excess skin issues). While I want to be thinner (who

doesn't?), my overall goal is to be healthy. I want to be able to run

and breath at the same time, ride on rollercoaster's comfortably, go

dancing without feeling like I'm doing an extreme workout, and maybe

have the guts to meet a guy and go on a date…ect…

In my opinion, the lap band is the only one that seems like it would be

able to provide the most long term results for me due to it being

adjustable. Yes, once you have met your maximum number of fills and

you're still not losing weight it might become a little

frustrating, but from other discussions this seems to be the case with

the sleeve as well.  Just a side note, I've seen the same thing happen

with people that have had the bypass. A high school friend of my lost

about 150 pounds and after 2 years of keeping the weight off, he started

to put the weight back on. Not only did he put the 150 pounds he lost

back on, he gained an additional 40 pounds. My supervisors' mom is

currently on 50 pounds from her original weight.

I've noticed several people on here commenting about their band

stretching, but from all of the research I have done I haven't read

anything about this. But with that being said, I read that if a person

overeats they could cause their band to slip or them stretching out

their pouch.  Our success really just depends on the efforts we put in.

In any case good luck and I hope you make the right decision for you.

Sincerely,

Carmen

> >

> > Hello Everyone,

> >

> > While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, I

> > have never participated in any of the discussions or posted any comments

> > until now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (even

> > online).

> > My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get " Banded " on August

> > 23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have been

> > battling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made a

> > deal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance and

> > if it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet program

> > through my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In the

> > beginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours in

> > the gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in my

> > regime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make time

> > to go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,

> > keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.

> > I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why I

> > think the Lap Band would be great for me.

> >

> > I have been reading several emails from different members stating that

> > the lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a little

> > frustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgery

> > with success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have notice

> > that those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder

> > (watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those that

> > are unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to their

> > weight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypass

> > put all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.

> > Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losing

> > only 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologist

> > deemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do my

> > research, so I never go into anything without having considered every

> > possibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm going

> > to end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that being

> > said, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk into

> > any " normal " store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carry

> > sizes bigger than a size 5).  

> > In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.

> > I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap band

> > revised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. If

> > it wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgery

> > let alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting

> > " Banded " , but the thought of not being successful under my terms

> > is gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me or

> > maybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into this

> > with nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an over

> > analytical thinker and worrier.  

> > Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out there

> > to see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point of

> > view.

> >

> > Thanks a bundle~

> > Carmen

> >

>

[Guest guest]

hi Carmen; I sent you a response on your private email from my hotmail account.. Hope you get it. Subject matter is as given on your email here. LJFrom: Carmen <carme115@...> Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 12:57 PMSubject: Getting Banded

Hello Everyone,

While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, I

have never participated in any of the discussions or posted any comments

until now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (even

online).

My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get "Banded" on August

23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have been

battling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made a

deal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance and

if it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet program

through my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In the

beginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours in

the gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in my

regime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make time

to go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,

keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.

I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why I

think the Lap Band would be great for me.

I have been reading several emails from different members stating that

the lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a little

frustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgery

with success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have notice

that those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder

(watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those that

are unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to their

weight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypass

put all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.

Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losing

only 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologist

deemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do my

research, so I never go into anything without having considered every

possibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm going

to end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that being

said, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk into

any "normal" store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carry

sizes bigger than a size 5).

In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.

I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap band

revised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. If

it wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgery

let alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting

"Banded", but the thought of not being successful under my terms

is gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me or

maybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into this

with nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an over

analytical thinker and worrier.

Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out there

to see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point of

view.

Thanks a bundle~

Carmen

[Guest guest]

Hey Carmen...I used to be one of those " I want adjustable " people too.  Thing is, I lived with the band and now I live with the sleeve.  What is so great about adjustable?  Today I don't need adjustable, I don't need to find my sweet spot.  With the sleeve I came out of surgery with my forever sweet spot,  No more chasing it down, no more looking for it, i just plain have it forever,

Goal for 4 years.On Wed, Jul 20, 2011 at 11:02 AM, Carmen <carme115@...> wrote:

 

Hi Kala,

We both have very similar situations. My most successful diet was also

the Atkins diet. I had lost about 80 pounds in three months and gained

all of it back plus a few extra pounds.

While this is not the case on here, all of my local doctors recommend

the lap band over the bypass and none of them will consider doing the

sleeve (as it is still deemed experimental). As I was told by one of the

many doctors I talked to, I'm young and I still have a lot of

what-if's that will happen in life and with the lap band I'll be

able to accommodate those what-if's. An example, sickness, pregnancy,

stress, injury (ect) can cause your body to react in a different why and

you can adjust your band to help you take in less or more food (He went

into a lot of detail and when over each case with several different

scenarios).  

While I considered getting the sleeve originally, due to it being a one

step process. I was unsuccessful in convincing my parents that the

sleeve would be the " easier " process. They prefer the band over the

sleeve because it is adjustable and the weight loss is at a slower rate

(therefore less excess skin issues). While I want to be thinner (who

doesn't?), my overall goal is to be healthy. I want to be able to run

and breath at the same time, ride on rollercoaster's comfortably, go

dancing without feeling like I'm doing an extreme workout, and maybe

have the guts to meet a guy and go on a date…ect…

In my opinion, the lap band is the only one that seems like it would be

able to provide the most long term results for me due to it being

adjustable. Yes, once you have met your maximum number of fills and

you're still not losing weight it might become a little

frustrating, but from other discussions this seems to be the case with

the sleeve as well.  Just a side note, I've seen the same thing happen

with people that have had the bypass. A high school friend of my lost

about 150 pounds and after 2 years of keeping the weight off, he started

to put the weight back on. Not only did he put the 150 pounds he lost

back on, he gained an additional 40 pounds. My supervisors' mom is

currently on 50 pounds from her original weight.

I've noticed several people on here commenting about their band

stretching, but from all of the research I have done I haven't read

anything about this. But with that being said, I read that if a person

overeats they could cause their band to slip or them stretching out

their pouch.  Our success really just depends on the efforts we put in.

In any case good luck and I hope you make the right decision for you.

Sincerely,

Carmen

> >

> > Hello Everyone,

> >

> > While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, I

> > have never participated in any of the discussions or posted any comments

> > until now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (even

> > online).

> > My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get " Banded " on August

> > 23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have been

> > battling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made a

> > deal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance and

> > if it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet program

> > through my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In the

> > beginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours in

> > the gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in my

> > regime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make time

> > to go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,

> > keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.

> > I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why I

> > think the Lap Band would be great for me.

> >

> > I have been reading several emails from different members stating that

> > the lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a little

> > frustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgery

> > with success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have notice

> > that those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder

> > (watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those that

> > are unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to their

> > weight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypass

> > put all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.

> > Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losing

> > only 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologist

> > deemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do my

> > research, so I never go into anything without having considered every

> > possibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm going

> > to end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that being

> > said, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk into

> > any " normal " store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carry

> > sizes bigger than a size 5).  

> > In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.

> > I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap band

> > revised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. If

> > it wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgery

> > let alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting

> > " Banded " , but the thought of not being successful under my terms

> > is gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me or

> > maybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into this

> > with nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an over

> > analytical thinker and worrier.  

> > Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out there

> > to see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point of

> > view.

> >

> > Thanks a bundle~

> > Carmen

> >

>

[Guest guest]

BTW, the sleeve is NOT NOT NOT experimental, it hasn't been for years now.On Wed, Jul 20, 2011 at 11:02 AM, Carmen <carme115@...> wrote:

 

Hi Kala,

We both have very similar situations. My most successful diet was also

the Atkins diet. I had lost about 80 pounds in three months and gained

all of it back plus a few extra pounds.

While this is not the case on here, all of my local doctors recommend

the lap band over the bypass and none of them will consider doing the

sleeve (as it is still deemed experimental). As I was told by one of the

many doctors I talked to, I'm young and I still have a lot of

what-if's that will happen in life and with the lap band I'll be

able to accommodate those what-if's. An example, sickness, pregnancy,

stress, injury (ect) can cause your body to react in a different why and

you can adjust your band to help you take in less or more food (He went

into a lot of detail and when over each case with several different

scenarios).  

While I considered getting the sleeve originally, due to it being a one

step process. I was unsuccessful in convincing my parents that the

sleeve would be the " easier " process. They prefer the band over the

sleeve because it is adjustable and the weight loss is at a slower rate

(therefore less excess skin issues). While I want to be thinner (who

doesn't?), my overall goal is to be healthy. I want to be able to run

and breath at the same time, ride on rollercoaster's comfortably, go

dancing without feeling like I'm doing an extreme workout, and maybe

have the guts to meet a guy and go on a date…ect…

In my opinion, the lap band is the only one that seems like it would be

able to provide the most long term results for me due to it being

adjustable. Yes, once you have met your maximum number of fills and

you're still not losing weight it might become a little

frustrating, but from other discussions this seems to be the case with

the sleeve as well.  Just a side note, I've seen the same thing happen

with people that have had the bypass. A high school friend of my lost

about 150 pounds and after 2 years of keeping the weight off, he started

to put the weight back on. Not only did he put the 150 pounds he lost

back on, he gained an additional 40 pounds. My supervisors' mom is

currently on 50 pounds from her original weight.

I've noticed several people on here commenting about their band

stretching, but from all of the research I have done I haven't read

anything about this. But with that being said, I read that if a person

overeats they could cause their band to slip or them stretching out

their pouch.  Our success really just depends on the efforts we put in.

In any case good luck and I hope you make the right decision for you.

Sincerely, 

> >

> > Hello Everyone,

> >

> > While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, I

> > have never participated in any of the discussions or posted any comments

> > until now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (even

> > online).

> > My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get " Banded " on August

> > 23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have been

> > battling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made a

> > deal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance and

> > if it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet program

> > through my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In the

> > beginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours in

> > the gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in my

> > regime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make time

> > to go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,

> > keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.

> > I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why I

> > think the Lap Band would be great for me.

> >

> > I have been reading several emails from different members stating that

> > the lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a little

> > frustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgery

> > with success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have notice

> > that those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder

> > (watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those that

> > are unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to their

> > weight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypass

> > put all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.

> > Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losing

> > only 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologist

> > deemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do my

> > research, so I never go into anything without having considered every

> > possibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm going

> > to end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that being

> > said, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk into

> > any " normal " store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carry

> > sizes bigger than a size 5).  

> > In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.

> > I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap band

> > revised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. If

> > it wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgery

> > let alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting

> > " Banded " , but the thought of not being successful under my terms

> > is gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me or

> > maybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into this

> > with nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an over

> > analytical thinker and worrier.  

> > Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out there

> > to see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point of

> > view.

> >

> > Thanks a bundle~

> > Carmen

> >

>

[Guest guest]

So from my understanding how this works is when the put your band around your

stomach it kind of goes around fat to so as you lose weight the band will loosen

up so you need to go get fills.

You should get your first fill at 8 weeks out. That lasted me about 4 weeks. I

went in and got another fill. With this fill was the first time I got stuck and

slimed. If this happens you should go on liquids for 24 hrs for any damage or

swelling to heal.

I also found out for women when it is that time of the month you swell and

retain water so your band becomes tight. During this time of the month for me I

was on liquids for about a week. Nobody tells you this.

So about 8 weeks later I needed another fill. This time 3 days after my fill I

became so tight I was unable to swallow my own saliva with out it getting stuck

and coming back up. I became very sick very fast. Went down and got an unfill.

Went about another 8 weeks and all of the sudden with no cause I was way to

tight again I stayed on liquids for a few weeks and then went back down to get

an unfill because it is very dangerous to be to tight. So they decided to unfill

almost all the way to give my body time to heal.

Well 2 months later I gained 20lbs. So went back down for a fill with this last

one he only put in a small amount. So the pain starts after that . My body is

rejecting the band it is a foreign object in my body and it wants it out. So now

I need to pay to have the port surgically fixed due to the fact it has torn away

from my muscle wall and the muscle is now deteriorating. I always had port pain

due to the fact that it is stitched to the muscle so if you are planing to do

any form of exercise it will usually stay sore.

My other option was to have the Sleeve and make it something that needs no more

fills or unfills no more worrying if I am going to wake up in the middle of the

night with acid slim in my mouth(sometimes your foods sits in your pouch and

comes up hours later).

The quality of my life sucked. I could not go out and eat because every time I

did and I made good decisions on what to eat my band decided not today and then

I am in the bathroom throwing up(and the girls in the next stall " oohh my god

that is gross) or thinking everything is fine and on the way home pulling off to

the side or the road throwing up (I learned to keep a puke bag in the car with

me.) And the last thing you will NEVER fill full or satisfied again just

pressure and you better stop or it will be coming back up.

The real reason I did this is I DO NOT want to live the rest of my life this

way. I am to young and I want to be normal again. I want to be able to have a

few bites of something and be full not just feel pressure but full. I don't want

to have people looking at me in restaurants anymore because I come out of the

bathroom puking.(That does not happen anymore because I stopped going out to

eat all together). And I know it has to be embarrassing for Steve my other half

he did not choose this I did but he is punished in some ways for it also.

Please check it out It is hard to find anyone that has had there band for more

the 5 years that has not had major problems with it.

Had my Band for only 16 months tell my story to everyone I can ....I stress to

younger people getting the band to rethink because it is not a long term

solution and when you are paying this kind of money you should be paying for

long term you dont want to be fat an unhealthy 5 years later I never want to go

back to where i was.

I was revised +$12000.00 cost more due to removal of band and port then if you

have the sleeve from the beginning. I am a little over a year out I am down

150lbs and could never be happier. We are trying to have a baby now and my

doctor said he has no worries about the way I eat. I have a new lease on life

just zipped lined in Las Vegas ate at every restaurant I wanted to drank what I

wanted and had the time of my life....no slimming, puking or worrying about if

there is anything on the menu I could eat. Came home after 6 days in Vegas and

not 1 pound of weight gain:) love my sleeve!!

Cost of Band $7000

Fills and Unfills $1020

Port needing Repair $3500 (estimate)

If I would have started with the sleeve

Sleeve $8750

Good luck please email me if you have any questions about the band

kathy

[Guest guest]

I'm a physician so I can say this: if doctors are telling you that the sleeve

is " experimental " , what they mean is that they don't do the procedure and they

don't want you to take your money elsewhere to someone who CAN do the procedure.

Sorry, but doctors lie too, and money is a big incentive to lie...

Danae Steele, M.D.

Green Bay, WI

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

Phoenix Al here. It's been a little over a year since I posted any comments. I had the Band for a little over three years and lost 120lbs. A year ago June, I had complications with the Band slipping and had to have it removed. I got very depressed and put 70lbs back on. I was told I would need to wait three years before I could put another Band in. However if I ever have the additional money, I would have a sleeve put in. I guess I didn't do enough homework the first time around. Just FYI

From: Bipley <Bipley@...> Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 12:35 AMSubject: Re: Getting Banded

I understand what you are saying, I was in your shoes 5 years ago. I got a band and did well, I lost all my excess weight and then some when I could no longer eat solid food and was on liquids only for 4 months. That's when I revised to a sleeve.

Are you aware that even the band maker says that banded folks have an 88% chance of complications?

Banded life is hard. Very hard, Some days you can eat food and an amazing number of days you are on liquids only. You will be on liquids for your post op diet, you will be on liquids for several days after each fill, you will be on liquids for the rest of the day and possible the next day after stuck episodes, and you'll be on liquids on days where food just doesn't go down.

My advice for you is to find just FIVE people, only five that have been banded for 10 years or longer. See how they like their bands. I've been posting on these types of message boards for 5 years and I have only found 3 people that were banded for exactly 10 years and they were all getting a revision to another surgery type. The band does not last long in ANYONE.

The band makers like to say that band surgery is the safest. Well, that is true, the actual surgery is the safest of all surgery types. But LONG TERM the sleeve is the safest of all surgery types with far superior weight loss to banding. The complications with banding are for life, complications with the sleeve are a risk only for a few weeks post op. For banding you can have erosion, slips, reflux, disconnected tubing, kinked tubing, infection risk with each and every fill/unfill, esophageal spasms, esophageal damage, dilated esophagus, etc.etc.etc. Keep in mind, the band maker says 88% will have complications and the only way to fix a mechanical complication is another self pay surgery. And it will happen, make no mistake. So you might as well start saving for your 2nd surgery now because I promise you, it will happen. You could get food poisoning and have violent vomiting and slip. Through no

fault of your own you could end up with a severe slip and then you are potentially looking at a self pay surgery to correct the slip.

As a person that has had a band and now a sleeve I have experienced both surgery types. Sleeves are 10x easier to live with, hands down! No more days and days of liquids, no more food intolerance, no more getting stuck, no more embarrassing moments in restaurants, no more keeping barf bags stashed all over my house, my car, my everything. The constant vomiting just becomes a way of life. Ask any banded person what the first thing they look for when they go to a restaurant - it's the bathroom. When you get stuck you need to know where to go to hurl.

For years I have been watching the trends on the boards. When someone gets banded for the first six months they are in love with their band and their surgeon. At about 6 months they realize they are doing the work and not their surgeon but they still love their bands. At the 1 year point you are having complications but the scale is moving so you'll deal with it. At 18 months post op the problems are annoying and you are considering revision. At about 2 years is when most seem to revise to another surgery type.

Please think long and hard. Banding is probably the most expensive surgery type long term. The sleeve is a far more weight loss friendly procedure and MUCH cheaper in the end with far less long term risk and no maintenance.

On Tue, Jul 19, 2011 at 12:57 PM, Carmen <carme115@...> wrote:

Hello Everyone, While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, Ihave never participated in any of the discussions or posted any commentsuntil now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (evenonline). My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get "Banded" on August23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have beenbattling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made adeal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance andif it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet programthrough my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In thebeginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours inthe gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in myregime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make timeto go to the gym a few days out of the week for

about an hour each time,keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why Ithink the Lap Band would be great for me.I have been reading several emails from different members stating thatthe lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a littlefrustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgerywith success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have noticethat those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder(watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those thatare unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to theirweight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypassput all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losingonly 35 pounds within a

year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologistdeemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do myresearch, so I never go into anything without having considered everypossibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm goingto end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that beingsaid, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk intoany "normal" store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carrysizes bigger than a size 5). In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap bandrevised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. Ifit wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgerylet alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting"Banded", but the thought of not being successful under my termsis gnawing at

me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me ormaybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into thiswith nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an overanalytical thinker and worrier. Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out thereto see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point ofview. Thanks a bundle~Carmen

[Guest guest]

Yeah Danae,

I was waiting for you to say something and you said it perfectly. Thanks for speaking up and telling it like it is. Hope you are doing well.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 7/22/2011 10:55:19 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, noheaecs@... writes:

I'm a physician so I can say this: if doctors are telling you that the sleeve is "experimental", what they mean is that they don't do the procedure and they don't want you to take your money elsewhere to someone who CAN do the procedure. Sorry, but doctors lie too, and money is a big incentive to lie...Danae Steele, M.D.Green Bay, WI

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

I really hope that these people who are so sure they want a lapband will really take the time to read your story. The are sure it is never going to happen to them. You are living proof that it did and it was NO way to live. You had no idea nor did anyone tell you that these things may happen to you when you had your lapband surgery. You are being so very honest and telling them this is what they can expect. You are speaking from experience.

Congratulations on your sleeve and your new and improved life.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 7/22/2011 10:56:19 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, ichefmastersgirl@... writes:

So from my understanding how this works is when the put your band around your stomach it kind of goes around fat to so as you lose weight the band will loosen up so you need to go get fills.You should get your first fill at 8 weeks out. That lasted me about 4 weeks. I went in and got another fill. With this fill was the first time I got stuck and slimed. If this happens you should go on liquids for 24 hrs for any damage or swelling to heal. I also found out for women when it is that time of the month you swell and retain water so your band becomes tight. During this time of the month for me I was on liquids for about a week. Nobody tells you this.So about 8 weeks later I needed another fill. This time 3 days after my fill I became so tight I was unable to swallow my own saliva with out it getting stuck and coming back up. I became very sick very fast. Went down and got an unfill. Went about another 8 weeks and all of the sudden with no cause I was way to tight again I stayed on liquids for a few weeks and then went back down to get an unfill because it is very dangerous to be to tight. So they decided to unfill almost all the way to give my body time to heal. Well 2 months later I gained 20lbs. So went back down for a fill with this last one he only put in a small amount. So the pain starts after that . My body is rejecting the band it is a foreign object in my body and it wants it out. So now I need to pay to have the port surgically fixed due to the fact it has torn away from my muscle wall and the muscle is now deteriorating. I always had port pain due to the fact that it is stitched to the muscle so if you are planing to do any form of exercise it will usually stay sore. My other option was to have the Sleeve and make it something that needs no more fills or unfills no more worrying if I am going to wake up in the middle of the night with acid slim in my mouth(sometimes your foods sits in your pouch and comes up hours later). The quality of my life sucked. I could not go out and eat because every time I did and I made good decisions on what to eat my band decided not today and then I am in the bathroom throwing up(and the girls in the next stall "oohh my god that is gross) or thinking everything is fine and on the way home pulling off to the side or the road throwing up (I learned to keep a puke bag in the car with me.) And the last thing you will NEVER fill full or satisfied again just pressure and you better stop or it will be coming back up. The real reason I did this is I DO NOT want to live the rest of my life this way. I am to young and I want to be normal again. I want to be able to have a few bites of something and be full not just feel pressure but full. I don't want to have people looking at me in restaurants anymore because I come out of the bathroom puking.(That does not happen anymore because I stopped going out to eat all together). And I know it has to be embarrassing for Steve my other half he did not choose this I did but he is punished in some ways for it also. Please check it out It is hard to find anyone that has had there band for more the 5 years that has not had major problems with it. Had my Band for only 16 months tell my story to everyone I can ....I stress to younger people getting the band to rethink because it is not a long term solution and when you are paying this kind of money you should be paying for long term you dont want to be fat an unhealthy 5 years later I never want to go back to where i was. I was revised +$12000.00 cost more due to removal of band and port then if you have the sleeve from the beginning. I am a little over a year out I am down 150lbs and could never be happier. We are trying to have a baby now and my doctor said he has no worries about the way I eat. I have a new lease on life just zipped lined in Las Vegas ate at every restaurant I wanted to drank what I wanted and had the time of my life....no slimming, puking or worrying about if there is anything on the menu I could eat. Came home after 6 days in Vegas and not 1 pound of weight gain:) love my sleeve!!Cost of Band $7000Fills and Unfills $1020Port needing Repair $3500 (estimate)If I would have started with the sleeveSleeve $8750Good luck please email me if you have any questions about the bandkathy

[Guest guest]

S--EVERYONE who gets banded swears this won't happen to them because THEY are different, THEY are going to follow the rules, THEY are going to do it this time.  I include myself in this.  But, in all fairness to me the band had not been around all that long when I was banded 5 years ago and there were no long term US studies.  I didn't want malabsorption, I didn't want it and didn't need it.  I wanted restriction.  In those days they thought the band would do better than the sleeve.  Today we know that is not true.  We know the band is not designed or meant to be long term.

We are a population that if we can eat, we do.  Period, the end.  When the band goes bad, and it will, if it is removed the regain starts.With a band the rules just don't count as they do with sleeves or DS.  It's a rule never to get food poisoning due to vomiting.  Who gets food poisoning on purpose?  It's a rule not to get a stomach virus due to vomiting.  Who gets a stomach virus intentionally?

I spent $8k on the band (it was more expensive 5 years ago).  I probably spent at LEAST another 8K in complications, fills, unfills, diagnostics, travel, hotel, etc. Then just to revise to a safer surgery type long term, the sleeve.

I would beg on bended knee for someone not to get a band.  I have no dog in this fight, I have no personal loss if someone gets a band and has the usual complications.  I want everyone to be successful.  I want everyone to experience what you and I do today, goal and safe.  No more battles, no more fighting weight, no more being a slave to food.  I'm not saying maintenance is easy, it isn't.  Surgery is the easy part, you just lay there and sleep while everyone else does the work.  Weight loss... not so bad, over eating is a thing of the past.  Maintenance?  THAT is the hard part.  But with time you learn to do it well.  Point being, why put up unnecessary road blocks?

Research is essential, absolutely essential.Here, the ASMBS isn't fond of banding:http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ASMBS/20919

Allergan's OWN website shows 88% complications with 25% of bands removed in the first few years and according to todays studies, that is a very conservative number, not even close to truth.  It's much higher.

http://www.lapband.com/en/learn_about_lapband/safety_information//Now, we have done all we can do.  It's time to let people make their decisions.

On Fri, Jul 22, 2011 at 12:20 PM, <SuzanneSH@...> wrote:

 

Hi Kathy,

 

I really hope that these people who are so sure they want a lapband will really take the time to read your story.  The are sure it is never going to happen to them.  You are living proof that it did and it was NO way to live. You had no idea nor did anyone tell you that these things may happen to you when you had your lapband surgery. You are being so very honest and telling them this is what they can expect.  You are speaking from experience.

 

Congratulations on your sleeve and your new and improved life. 

 

Hugs,

Suzanne

[Guest guest]

Hi Suzanne,After reading a lot of the messages, I'm considering not getting the band; however, with that being said I might not be able to get the sleeve any time soon like I had planned. My parents are willing to pay for the band and not the sleeve. With that being said I'm unable to pay for the sleeve on my own. While I know I can finance the sleeve, I can't add anymore bills to my already long list of them. Thanks for all of your input but it seems as if I might not have any surgery this year.CarmenMaybe it's just me but I don't really consider this group to be supportive. I had hoped I would have been told "that's great your getting the band" or "good for you it's a life changing event". Sigh all I really got from this group is how getting the band is such a horrible idea and how it's not even worth getting. Maybe my idea of this group was naive but I honestly thought I would have been told positive and supportive things. Sorry if I'm offending anyone but thats just my opinion. On Jul 19, 2011, at 3:26 PM, SuzanneSH@... wrote:

Hi Carmen,

Please read the posting by Bipley and reconsider having the "sleeve" you will never have a regret that you had the sleeve, Also read about the sleeve. You may have a lot of issues and problems with a band. When I as trying to make up my mind between the lapband and the sleeve I read all these posts. In the end I know I would NEVER want to have a lapband and the sleeve was the way to go for me. You have time to switch which surgery you are going to have.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 7/19/2011 1:01:01 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, carme115@... writes:

Hello Everyone, While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, Ihave never participated in any of the discussions or posted any commentsuntil now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (evenonline). My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get "Banded" on August23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have beenbattling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made adeal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance andif it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet programthrough my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In thebeginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours inthe gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in myregime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make timeto go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why Ithink the Lap Band would be great for me.I have been reading several emails from different members stating thatthe lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a littlefrustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgerywith success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have noticethat those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder(watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those thatare unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to theirweight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypassput all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losingonly 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologistdeemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do myresearch, so I never go into anything without having considered everypossibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm goingto end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that beingsaid, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk intoany "normal" store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carrysizes bigger than a size 5). In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap bandrevised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. Ifit wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgerylet alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting"Banded", but the thought of not being successful under my termsis gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me ormaybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into thiswith nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an overanalytical thinker and worrier. Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out thereto see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point ofview. Thanks a bundle~Carmen

[Guest guest]

That's not fair.  We were honest with you and gave you our real life experiences.  From what you are writing you would have preferred we lie and deceive you.  Either way, we lose.Not fair.

You either want truth or you want rainbows and roses placed up your back side.  Perhaps you need to tell us if you want truth or fiction and we can better respond.If your parents want safe long term, they want the sleeve.  I'm not lying. It is their choice.

On Sat, Jul 23, 2011 at 10:18 PM, Carmen Ramos <carme115@...> wrote:

 

Hi Suzanne,After reading a lot of the messages, I'm considering not getting the band; however, with that being said I might not be able to get the sleeve any time soon like I had planned. My parents are willing to pay for the band and not the sleeve. With that being said I'm unable to pay for the sleeve on my own. While I know I can finance the sleeve, I can't add anymore bills to my already long list of them. Thanks for all of your input but it seems as if I might not have any surgery this year.

Carmen

Maybe it's just me but I don't really consider this group to be supportive. I had hoped I would have been told " that's great your getting the band " or " good for you it's a life changing event " . Sigh all I really got from this group is how getting the band is such a horrible idea and how it's not even worth getting.  Maybe my idea of this group was naive but I honestly thought I would have been told positive and supportive things. Sorry if I'm offending anyone but thats just my opinion. 

[Guest guest]

Hi Carmen,

We are always supportive, and HONEST. On that note it would have been awful for us to tell you to do something that we know is UNSAFE and you would have ended up spending more money in the end--that would have been such a LIE. That is NOT supportive. I am proud of you for being able to say the lapband is NOT safe or a healthy kind of WLS for you.

I hope for your sake and your parents that they will come around to the fact that you have made a very GOOD and healthy choice for yourself to NOT have the lapband. If they can not see that the lapband is a dangerous thing to have, I hope they will take the time to listen to you since you have educated yourself an now know it isn't what you want. Just where are you parents getting their information about a lapband anyway?????? Not from anyone who has had one I would guess.

We are NOT saying that we don't support you. We are saying we want you to be SAFE and healthy. TOO many people have had life threatening complications from the lapband ended up having it removed and paid MORE money for a revision. When I first started this journey I too thought I wanted a lapband. Then I listened to what the good people on this site had happen to them and I knew I didn't want to live like they were living. Puking all the time, living on liquids all the time, couldn't swallow their own spit.

So don't blame the people on here for your parents choice. I would be happy to talk to them if you think that would help at all. Your success and good health are what are the most important thing to the people on this board. We have NO control over your parents. I would hope that they would stop and reconsider. This isn't about being right, and right for them was you were going to have the lapband. This is about YOUR SAFETY AND SUCESES at weight loss. This is about your health and being safe with your Weight Loss.

None of us have anything vested in if you do have or don't have a lapband. We just wanted you to know all the facts before you had the surgery.

I am very PROUD of you for making the choice to not have the lapband. It took a lot of courage to do this. I am here if you need anything.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 7/24/2011 6:16:01 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, carme115@... writes:

Hi Suzanne,

After reading a lot of the messages, I'm considering not getting the band; however, with that being said I might not be able to get the sleeve any time soon like I had planned. My parents are willing to pay for the band and not the sleeve. With that being said I'm unable to pay for the sleeve on my own. While I know I can finance the sleeve, I can't add anymore bills to my already long list of them. Thanks for all of your input but it seems as if I might not have any surgery this year.

Carmen

Maybe it's just me but I don't really consider this group to be supportive. I had hoped I would have been told "that's great your getting the band" or "good for you it's a life changing event". Sigh all I really got from this group is how getting the band is such a horrible idea and how it's not even worth getting. Maybe my idea of this group was naive but I honestly thought I would have been told positive and supportive things. Sorry if I'm offending anyone but thats just my opinion.

On Jul 19, 2011, at 3:26 PM, SuzanneSH@... wrote:

Hi Carmen,

Please read the posting by Bipley and reconsider having the "sleeve" you will never have a regret that you had the sleeve, Also read about the sleeve. You may have a lot of issues and problems with a band. When I as trying to make up my mind between the lapband and the sleeve I read all these posts. In the end I know I would NEVER want to have a lapband and the sleeve was the way to go for me. You have time to switch which surgery you are going to have.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 7/19/2011 1:01:01 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, carme115@... writes:

Hello Everyone, While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, Ihave never participated in any of the discussions or posted any commentsuntil now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (evenonline). My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get "Banded" on August23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have beenbattling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made adeal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance andif it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet programthrough my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In thebeginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours inthe gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in myregime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make timeto go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why Ithink the Lap Band would be great for me.I have been reading several emails from different members stating thatthe lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a littlefrustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgerywith success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have noticethat those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder(watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those thatare unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to theirweight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypassput all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losingonly 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologistdeemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do myresearch, so I never go into anything without having considered everypossibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm goingto end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that beingsaid, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk intoany "normal" store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carrysizes bigger than a size 5). In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap bandrevised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. Ifit wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgerylet alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting"Banded", but the thought of not being successful under my termsis gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me ormaybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into thiswith nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an overanalytical thinker and worrier. Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out thereto see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point ofview. Thanks a bundle~Carmen

[Guest guest]

Hi Carmen, I'm going to chime in here... I was scheduled to have a band done for free here in Canada, For FREE...I thought yes this will be my answer to my never ending weight problem. So with that being said I started to research getting the band which I thought was going to be the answer for me. Myself and my husband each did our own research on the band and after a couple of days we sat down together and went there is no way I am getting the band, even though it would be free. All of the complications by putting a foreign object into your body is the first NO I decided on the second one was the erosion and what that can lead to, if it is just minor the problems you can be faced with to the major problems with the band eroding to having to have a complete bypass due to that. The constant heartburn many patients are

faced with from the stomach being so tight to the pain of the fills and unfills. Just think if you have a fill and you are too restricted and you can't get anything down you are not only causing yourself malnutrition but the harm you are doing to your esophagus from all the acid reflux and throwing up. I started my journey just 10 months ago at a wonder full weight of 320lbs, that's when I met a wonderful women that had the sleeve surgery done just over a year before that day. I started researching the sleeve option. This was my answer to my prayers but I had to go to Mexico and pay almost 10,000 for this surgery (I'm from Canada where health care is free but they do not do VSG's here) was I nuts?/ No after a week of research for both my husband and I this was the answer I was looking for. Why would you want something that you pay a couple of thousand dollars less than a sleeve for and all the money for the fills and unfills and lets not forget the

complications (I remember reading on here that a girl had reached into the back seat from the front seat and just by the way she twisted her band slipped, my sleeve doesn't do that) just so you can have that band removed down the road for whatever reason to only gain all the weight you have lost back.. No thank you..Sure you can eat around any kind of band or sleeve not lose any weight or gain weight but that's the fault of the person who has not changed there eating habits and learned from the past. Let me tell you I am not at goal but I am down 135lbs since Sept 28/10 (10 months) and have gone from a size 30 to a size 14. There is no way on gods creation will I ever go back. I exercise 4 times a week I stay away from bad carbs sure I can go to A & W and drink a milkshake (it may take me a couple of hours) that is laden with 1325 calories which is almost twice what I take in daily but I choose not to. Dr A gives us the tool but if you choose

not to use the tool properly that's your own fault. I choose to use mine the way it was meant ot be because I DO NOT want to ever go back to weighing 320lbs...This is permanent but would you not want your weight loss to be permanent? or would you want to have the ability to gain weight back after having the band removed? Not me. One question for you. Will your parents pick up the charge for all the fills and unfills you are going to need and any extra medical it's going to cost you by having the band? Just something to think about.. With the sleeve it cost me less because I eat less, I have no medical expenses such as heartburn meds, diabetes meds, high blood pressure meds etc...The only meds I take are a multi vitamin and calcium and those are what I was taking before anyway... Just something to think about. I am very passionate about the sleeve. You say this is not supportive but we are because we care enough to tell you the truth and want you

to succeed like the rest of us and guide you away from something that can harm you rather than help you. The sleeve has changed my life for the better. I am 41 and I am just starting to live, I have one regret and that was not knowing about the VSG earlier in my life. Just last weekend i was water skiing and wakeboarding. I haven't done that since my late 20's. I love it I am so full of life, it's a new beginning. Just think if you have the band and you are working out on day and you twist and your band slips, what than? Sorry this is like a long winded book but I just wanted you to see past that it's not Suzanne alone I feel the same way. We are looking out for you and are trying to help you make the best decision and not just think about the money but long term..You can still have babies with the sleeve as well..... from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada a long ways away from Mexicali Mexico but what I wouldn't give to go back

and hug Dr A and say Thank You!!!From: Carmen Ramos <carme115@...>" " < >Cc: " " < >Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2011 11:18:29 PMSubject: Re: Getting Banded

Hi Suzanne,After reading a lot of the messages, I'm considering not getting the band; however, with that being said I might not be able to get the sleeve any time soon like I had planned. My parents are willing to pay for the band and not the sleeve. With that being said I'm unable to pay for the sleeve on my own. While I know I can finance the sleeve, I can't add anymore bills to my already long list of them. Thanks for all of your input but it seems as if I might not have any surgery this year.CarmenMaybe it's just me but I don't really consider this group to be supportive. I had hoped I would have been told "that's great your getting the band" or "good for you it's a life changing event". Sigh all I really got from this group is how getting the band is such a horrible idea and how it's not even worth getting. Maybe my idea of

this group was naive but I honestly thought I would have been told positive and supportive things. Sorry if I'm offending anyone but thats just my opinion. On Jul 19, 2011, at 3:26 PM, SuzanneSH@... wrote:

Hi Carmen,

Please read the posting by Bipley and reconsider having the "sleeve" you will never have a regret that you had the sleeve, Also read about the sleeve. You may have a lot of issues and problems with a band. When I as trying to make up my mind between the lapband and the sleeve I read all these posts. In the end I know I would NEVER want to have a lapband and the sleeve was the way to go for me. You have time to switch which surgery you are going to have.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 7/19/2011 1:01:01 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, carme115@... writes:

Hello Everyone, While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, Ihave never participated in any of the discussions or posted any commentsuntil now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (evenonline). My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get "Banded" on August23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have beenbattling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made adeal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance andif it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet programthrough my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In thebeginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours inthe gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in myregime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make timeto go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why Ithink the Lap Band would be great for me.I have been reading several emails from different members stating thatthe lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a littlefrustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgerywith success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have noticethat those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder(watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those thatare unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to theirweight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypassput all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losingonly 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologistdeemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do myresearch, so I never go into anything without having considered everypossibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm goingto end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that beingsaid, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk intoany "normal" store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carrysizes bigger than a size 5). In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap bandrevised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. Ifit wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgerylet alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting"Banded", but the thought of not being successful under my termsis gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me ormaybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into thiswith nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an overanalytical thinker and worrier. Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out thereto see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point ofview. Thanks a bundle~Carmen

[Guest guest]

Carmen,

I'm glad you are at least re-considering the band vs. the sleeve. It takes some time to wrap your head around really wanting to do this (WLS) before you're willing to do whatever it takes to get it done - i.e., beg, borrow or steal the $$$. It makes the difference for some people between life and death or a really poor quality of life. You have to really WANT to do this, and then, magically (or so it will seem) the money will become available to you to get the sleeve. From what I'm reading into your post, you're still on the fence over this decision. That's fine, it took me 5 years to get to the point that WLS became priority No. 1. When I wanted it more than anything else in my life, guess what? The money became available. I had the sleeve surgery with Dr. Aceves' team and after 9 mos. was down 100 pounds. I lost another 30 pounds and considered myself below goal. I am 5'-7" tall and weigh now (today) 118 pounds. I wear a size 2 in most everything. I'm tall and skinny, and I love it. I look around my environment and see so many obese people - not just overweight - but obese and think how much they would prosper from this surgery. BUT, and here's the rub, you have to be willing to wean yourself off food as a drug, as a friend, as an excuse, as something holding you back. Once you get so disgusted (sorry, but this is true) with yourself, you will find the necessary means to get this surgery done. AND THEN you will begin to live a new life. Everyone on here who's had this surgery knows what I'm talking about. But first comes the commitment to DO it, and then comes new life. Only you can decide when the time is right for you. Telling us you have too many bills to make the difference between a band and a sleeve just says (to me anyway) that you're not yet comitted to a new life. Once you are, you will take the steps to create your transformation. Think about it; decide when you're ready; and then take the plunge, fear and all, and transform yourself. If you're interested, take a look at my photos under extraordinary bags in the photo section, and you'll see what I mean. This is serious sh*t, but it's soooo worth it.

> > > Hi Carmen,> > > > Please read the posting by Bipley and reconsider having the "sleeve" you will never have a regret that you had the sleeve, Also read about the sleeve. You may have a lot of issues and problems with a band. When I as trying to make up my mind between the lapband and the sleeve I read all these posts. In the end I know I would NEVER want to have a lapband and the sleeve was the way to go for me. You have time to switch which surgery you are going to have.> > > > Hugs,> > Suzanne> > > > In a message dated 7/19/2011 1:01:01 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, carme115@... writes:> > > > Hello Everyone, > > > > While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, I> > have never participated in any of the discussions or posted any comments> > until now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (even> > online). > > My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get "Banded" on August> > 23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have been> > battling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made a> > deal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance and> > if it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet program> > through my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In the> > beginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours in> > the gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in my> > regime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make time> > to go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,> > keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.> > I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why I> > think the Lap Band would be great for me.> > > > I have been reading several emails from different members stating that> > the lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a little> > frustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgery> > with success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have notice> > that those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder> > (watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those that> > are unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to their> > weight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypass> > put all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.> > Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losing> > only 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologist> > deemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do my> > research, so I never go into anything without having considered every> > possibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm going> > to end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that being> > said, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk into> > any "normal" store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carry> > sizes bigger than a size 5). > > In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.> > I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap band> > revised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. If> > it wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgery> > let alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting> > "Banded", but the thought of not being successful under my terms> > is gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me or> > maybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into this> > with nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an over> > analytical thinker and worrier. > > Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out there> > to see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point of> > view. > > > > Thanks a bundle~> > Carmen > > > > > >>

[Guest guest]

Carmen,

I hear your pain. Maybe you can educate your folks to support paying for a

sleeve. It is MUCH cheaper in the long run!! Those fills and unfills add up

even if there are no problems. As for the constant hunger--the sleeve surgery

removes the part of the stomach that produces grehlin--the hunger hormone.

After getting a sleeve you will not feel hungry (you will still feel what we

call " head hunger " times when you think you are hungry--often at times you would

have eaten in the past like if you always eat when you watch a movie you will

feel the urge to eat which is NOT hunger, it is an emotional urge. I too had a

band but ended up paying for a sleeve also!!

To whomever posted they did not feel supported by the group because we urge the

sleeve over the band: It is not for me to tell you how to feel, all feelings

are valid AND we just want to save you time, pain and money by encouraging you

to get a sleeve surgery instead of BOTH surgeries like we did. I understand

your pain and hope I have added another perspective on what seems like an

unsupportive group. If you choose a band anyway, we will still support you

through the process. One of the greatest things about our lives is freedom of

choice!

Gloria

>

> Hi Suzanne,

>

> After reading a lot of the messages, I'm considering not getting the band;

however, with that being said I might not be able to get the sleeve any time

soon like I had planned. My parents are willing to pay for the band and not the

sleeve. With that being said I'm unable to pay for the sleeve on my own. While I

know I can finance the sleeve, I can't add anymore bills to my already long list

of them. Thanks for all of your input but it seems as if I might not have any

surgery this year.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Bipley, everything you just said hit home for me. Especially when you said the first thing you look for in a restaurant was the bathroom. I remember that all too well. First thing I would ask the hostess was if I can be seated close to the restroom. I can remember times where I would eat a bite of food in the car and have to pull the car over or open my door at a red light to throw it up, how embarrassing.

I went eat at a restaurant this weekend for the first time with my sleeve. I ate 1/2 of a grilled crab cake. It went down great and I felt so full I thought to myself that I probably should not have taken that last bite.

I love my sleeve :-)

From: Bipley@...Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:35:25 -0700Subject: Re: Getting Banded

I understand what you are saying, I was in your shoes 5 years ago. I got a band and did well, I lost all my excess weight and then some when I could no longer eat solid food and was on liquids only for 4 months. That's when I revised to a sleeve.

Are you aware that even the band maker says that banded folks have an 88% chance of complications?

Banded life is hard. Very hard, Some days you can eat food and an amazing number of days you are on liquids only. You will be on liquids for your post op diet, you will be on liquids for several days after each fill, you will be on liquids for the rest of the day and possible the next day after stuck episodes, and you'll be on liquids on days where food just doesn't go down.

My advice for you is to find just FIVE people, only five that have been banded for 10 years or longer. See how they like their bands. I've been posting on these types of message boards for 5 years and I have only found 3 people that were banded for exactly 10 years and they were all getting a revision to another surgery type. The band does not last long in ANYONE.

The band makers like to say that band surgery is the safest. Well, that is true, the actual surgery is the safest of all surgery types. But LONG TERM the sleeve is the safest of all surgery types with far superior weight loss to banding. The complications with banding are for life, complications with the sleeve are a risk only for a few weeks post op. For banding you can have erosion, slips, reflux, disconnected tubing, kinked tubing, infection risk with each and every fill/unfill, esophageal spasms, esophageal damage, dilated esophagus, etc.etc.etc. Keep in mind, the band maker says 88% will have complications and the only way to fix a mechanical complication is another self pay surgery. And it will happen, make no mistake. So you might as well start saving for your 2nd surgery now because I promise you, it will happen. You could get food poisoning and have violent vomiting and slip. Through no fault of your own you could end up with a severe slip and then you are potentially looking at a self pay surgery to correct the slip.

As a person that has had a band and now a sleeve I have experienced both surgery types. Sleeves are 10x easier to live with, hands down! No more days and days of liquids, no more food intolerance, no more getting stuck, no more embarrassing moments in restaurants, no more keeping barf bags stashed all over my house, my car, my everything. The constant vomiting just becomes a way of life. Ask any banded person what the first thing they look for when they go to a restaurant - it's the bathroom. When you get stuck you need to know where to go to hurl.

For years I have been watching the trends on the boards. When someone gets banded for the first six months they are in love with their band and their surgeon. At about 6 months they realize they are doing the work and not their surgeon but they still love their bands. At the 1 year point you are having complications but the scale is moving so you'll deal with it. At 18 months post op the problems are annoying and you are considering revision. At about 2 years is when most seem to revise to another surgery type.

Please think long and hard. Banding is probably the most expensive surgery type long term. The sleeve is a far more weight loss friendly procedure and MUCH cheaper in the end with far less long term risk and no maintenance.

On Tue, Jul 19, 2011 at 12:57 PM, Carmen <carme115@...> wrote:

Hello Everyone, While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, Ihave never participated in any of the discussions or posted any commentsuntil now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (evenonline). My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get "Banded" on August23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have beenbattling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made adeal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance andif it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet programthrough my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In thebeginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours inthe gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in myregime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make timeto go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why Ithink the Lap Band would be great for me.I have been reading several emails from different members stating thatthe lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a littlefrustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgerywith success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have noticethat those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder(watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those thatare unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to theirweight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypassput all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losingonly 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologistdeemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do myresearch, so I never go into anything without having considered everypossibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm goingto end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that beingsaid, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk intoany "normal" store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carrysizes bigger than a size 5). In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap bandrevised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. Ifit wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgerylet alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting"Banded", but the thought of not being successful under my termsis gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me ormaybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into thiswith nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an overanalytical thinker and worrier. Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out thereto see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point ofview. Thanks a bundle~Carmen

[Guest guest]

Carmen,

You have moved me to chime in too. You sound dissappointed and unsupported. I don't believe that this was anyone's intent.

You may have stopped reading your e-mails from this group too. In the event that you are still reading I am writting to you.

I urge you to go to Obesity Help .com and read read read. You can do all of your own research there and come to an educated decision. There are thousands of posts that can help give you some insight on the life changing decision that you are considering making. Go to some of the maintence blogs and search for words like "erosion, complications, additional surgeries, help" If you learn the worst of it, and still want it, then at least you have educated yourself.

I have nothing to win or lose from you getting the band or the sleeve.

I am a virgin sleever (I'm not a revision). I almost got the band back in 2006 and changed my mind at the last minute. I am very happy with my decision. We want you to be educated and happy too. Even if it means getting the band.

I think that many of us fear that you will be posting in 6 months to a year, "Why didn't anyone warn me about the complications of the band?"

Okay, here comes my advice. Wait, do your research, save your $$$, and get either the sleeve or the band. Make this your decision, not your parents. Take control of your health, your fiances and make this educated decision because it's for the rest of your life. You maybe thinking, but the band is temporary. Even if you get the band, you will be dealing with it, and the complications of it for the rest of your life.

K

[Guest guest]

Here we go again with the "unsafe" characterization of the band. So, in other words, Dr. A and his team are selling and installing an unsafe tool. If I were this young lady and her parents I'd be running away ...........From: "SuzanneSH@..." <SuzanneSH@...>To:

Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2011 8:17 PMSubject: Re: Getting Banded

Hi Carmen,

We are always supportive, and HONEST. On that note it would have been awful for us to tell you to do something that we know is UNSAFE and you would have ended up spending more money in the end--that would have been such a LIE. That is NOT supportive. I am proud of you for being able to say the lapband is NOT safe or a healthy kind of WLS for you.

I hope for your sake and your parents that they will come around to the fact that you have made a very GOOD and healthy choice for yourself to NOT have the lapband. If they can not see that the lapband is a dangerous thing to have, I hope they will take the time to listen to you since you have educated yourself an now know it isn't what you want. Just where are you parents getting their information about a lapband anyway?????? Not from anyone who has had one I would guess.

We are NOT saying that we don't support you. We are saying we want you to be SAFE and healthy. TOO many people have had life threatening complications from the lapband ended up having it removed and paid MORE money for a revision. When I first started this journey I too thought I wanted a lapband. Then I listened to what the good people on this site had happen to them and I knew I didn't want to live like they were living. Puking all the time, living on liquids all the time, couldn't swallow their own spit.

So don't blame the people on here for your parents choice. I would be happy to talk to them if you think that would help at all. Your success and good health are what are the most important thing to the people on this board. We have NO control over your parents. I would hope that they would stop and reconsider. This isn't about being right, and right for them was you were going to have the lapband. This is about YOUR SAFETY AND SUCESES at weight loss. This is about your health and being safe with your Weight Loss.

None of us have anything vested in if you do have or don't have a lapband. We just wanted you to know all the facts before you had the surgery.

I am very PROUD of you for making the choice to not have the lapband. It took a lot of courage to do this. I am here if you need anything.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 7/24/2011 6:16:01 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, carme115@... writes:

Hi Suzanne,

After reading a lot of the messages, I'm considering not getting the band; however, with that being said I might not be able to get the sleeve any time soon like I had planned. My parents are willing to pay for the band and not the sleeve. With that being said I'm unable to pay for the sleeve on my own. While I know I can finance the sleeve, I can't add anymore bills to my already long list of them. Thanks for all of your input but it seems as if I might not have any surgery this year.

Carmen

Maybe it's just me but I don't really consider this group to be supportive. I had hoped I would have been told "that's great your getting the band" or "good for you it's a life changing event". Sigh all I really got from this group is how getting the band is such a horrible idea and how it's not even worth getting. Maybe my idea of this group was naive but I honestly thought I would have been told positive and supportive things. Sorry if I'm offending anyone but thats just my opinion.

On Jul 19, 2011, at 3:26 PM, SuzanneSH@... wrote:

Hi Carmen,

Please read the posting by Bipley and reconsider having the "sleeve" you will never have a regret that you had the sleeve, Also read about the sleeve. You may have a lot of issues and problems with a band. When I as trying to make up my mind between the lapband and the sleeve I read all these posts. In the end I know I would NEVER want to have a lapband and the sleeve was the way to go for me. You have time to switch which surgery you are going to have.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 7/19/2011 1:01:01 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, carme115@... writes:

Hello Everyone, While I have been a member of this group off and on for awhile now, Ihave never participated in any of the discussions or posted any commentsuntil now. Being overweight has caused me to be incredibly shy (evenonline). My name is Carmen and I am scheduled to get "Banded" on August23rd. Here's a little about me… I am 25 years old, and I have beenbattling my weight issues since high school. A few months ago, I made adeal with myself give the old fashioned diet and exercise a chance andif it doesn't work plan on having surgery. I started a diet programthrough my doctor, opened a gym membership and hired a trainer. In thebeginning, I was doing really well but after spending an easy 2 hours inthe gym 3-4 days a week and not seeing any results. My confidence in myregime faltered, and 4 months later I gave up. While I still make timeto go to the gym a few days out of the week for about an hour each time,keeping to my doctors' diet plan was incredible difficult for me.I'm one of those people that constantly feels hungry. Hence, why Ithink the Lap Band would be great for me.I have been reading several emails from different members stating thatthe lap band isn't really worth getting which I find a littlefrustrating. I know several people that have had the lap band surgerywith success and a few people that have been unsuccessful. I have noticethat those that are successful tend to push themselves a little harder(watching what they eat, working out, and getting fills), and those thatare unsuccessful thought the surgery would be a quick fix to theirweight issues. I've also seen a few people that have had the bypassput all of the weight they lost back on plus some additional weight.Personally, I consider having any type of weight loss surgery and losingonly 35 pounds within a year to be unsuccessful. How their physiologistdeemed them mentally fit for the surgery baffles me. I like to do myresearch, so I never go into anything without having considered everypossibility and outcome. I'm not going into this thinking I'm goingto end up being stick thin (nor would I want to be). With that beingsaid, I just want to have my confidence back, and be able to walk intoany "normal" store to shop. (By normal, I mean stores that carrysizes bigger than a size 5). In any case, I am fearful I'll end up like this and be unsuccessful.I've read on here how several people have had to have their lap bandrevised into the sleep or bypass, and that scares the crap out of me. Ifit wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be able to afford this surgerylet alone a revision. While I know I should be excited about getting"Banded", but the thought of not being successful under my termsis gnawing at me. I'm not sure if it's my nerves getting to me ormaybe I have a valid reason to be worried. I'm trying to go into thiswith nothing but positivity and optimism, but I'm naturally an overanalytical thinker and worrier. Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to get some of this out thereto see if anyone has some input or can provide a different point ofview. Thanks a bundle~Carmen