Re: Getting Banded

[Guest guest]

Yeah !,

Thanks so very much for saying all the things you said. it was perfect.!

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 7/25/2011 11:45:42 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, movie_mommy@... writes:

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.

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]

Hey M

You and I think soooooo much alike. We were ALL trying to be honest and tell it like it is. Thanks for saying what I said. I feel no guilt at all for saying what I said.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 7/25/2011 11:47:22 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, Bipley@... writes:

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]

I second this!Carmen - I'm not going to question your feelings or say that you are wrong because what you feel is how you feel, period. I mean, really! You joined to be a member of the "Dr. Aceves Bandsters" and so you never would have anticipated these reactions when you announce you will be banded! LOL ;o) I totally get it!! But being a member of this board for a year now, I can say that there is nothing but love and support here. With that comes honesty. Sometimes honesty sucks and isn't what we want to hear. I my humble opinion, I believe everyone who has responded has done so out of care and support of your health and future success with your weight loss journey. It is out of concern that there are so many potential financial problems with the LB when you are unable to afford the initial surgery, not to mention the potential health and emotional problems that have presented themself time

and time again with the band. It is the concern and support of everyone who has taken time out of their day to share their experience so that you can make an informed decision and if you go with the band, NO ONE on here will refuse to give you a bit of food advice, a "virtual high five" when you post a success or support when you are frustrated with a stall just because you have the band.I personally welcomed and appreciated this honest information when I was deciding on the VSG vs LB. It saved me from making a potentially horrible decision both financially and emotionally. I scraped up the money for surgery. I didn't have an endless supply of money for complications, fills, unfills, etc etc. And then the thought of having to eventually pay to remove it and STILL be fat! I can only imagine where that would take me emotionally. I am grateful to those who took their time to tell me like it is

and not allow me to think everything was sugar plums and puppies. I was able to make an informed decision.I know that all of this probably seems overwhelming and being new to the group, you haven't gotten to know the folks on here and all the love and support they give before you were bombarded with "negativity" and discouragement, but again after being a member for a year now I feel confident in speaking for everyone who replied and say that it was 100% from the heart to help and support your WL journey. We all just want you to have the best shot!!Sent from my iPhoneOn Jul 24, 2011, at 11:25 PM, Debert <movie_mommy@...> wrote:

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

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[Guest guest]

Hey Bipley, I think we've all said all we can. It's her decision (or her parents', obviously), so nothing more can be said. Some people want it sugar coated and that only comes with a donut.There are lapband forums that will tell Carmen it's all good, maybe she should visit one of those, IDK. All we can do is share our experiences with those who ask. Carmen, work on your parents for the price of the sleeve. I don't know how obese you are, but seems to me that if your parents are willing to help you regain your health, they should go the whole way. It's not that much more for the sleeve vs. the band considering all the after care required with the band. In any case, done talking about it. Do or don't do; your choice. But don't let your parents OR fear hold you back. I live by the mantra that where there's a will, there's a way, kwim? Best of luck.

> > > **> >> >> > 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]

What's the cost to get a gastric sleeve? I've been banded since 06. I get acid reflux. I just dont want other complications later down the road. I plan to get a tummy tuck the beginning of next year.

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]

As a nurse I am here to tell you that lots of things we do in medicine are not safe.  Chemotherapy is not safe.  Radiation therapy is not safe.  Open heart surgery is not safe.  Repairing a brain aneurysm is not safe.  Sometimes we have to take risks due to the disease.  Thing is, sometimes we come up with better and safer options.  Sometimes it is up to the patient to decide what risk s/he is willing to take.  Perhaps right now personal experience, studies, stats, manufacturers warnings, and a bit of education is more in line vs. what you are offering the young lady.

According to your logic every cardiac surgeon, every bariatric surgeon, every radiologist, every neurosurgeon, and every oncologist should be chased out of medicine.Bleh...

On Mon, Jul 25, 2011 at 1:12 PM, ljh <ljhans5@...> wrote:

 

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 ...........

[Guest guest]

I'd call Nina.  I honestly don't know what revision prices are anymore.  Just call her, she'll tell you anything you want to know.On Mon, Jul 25, 2011 at 3:40 PM, jessica briones <bjessicana@...> wrote:

 

What's the cost to get a gastric sleeve? I've been banded since 06. I get acid reflux. I just dont want other complications later down the road. I plan to get a tummy tuck the beginning of next year.

[Guest guest]

Exactly! IDK what the original poster's point was other than to dis Dr. Aceves for still doing the band. That's the physician's perogative, nothing can be judged about that. As long as people request the band, and the doctor is competent to do it, he's going to do it. It's just that it's a very temporary WL measure, and who needs temporary, kwim? We need permanent, and it's not that.I like Bipley's comments: I'd call them a "Bipleyism" so to speak. Especially the "bleh."

> > > **> >> >> > 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 ...........> >>

[Guest guest]

I don't know the cost on a revision. That would be a question that Nina could answer for you. I know the cost of a "sleeve" without a revision is $8.750. last time I heard.

Suzanne

In a message dated 7/25/2011 7:46:41 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, bjessicana@... writes:

What's the cost to get a gastric sleeve? I've been banded since 06. I get acid reflux. I just dont want other complications later down the road. I plan to get a tummy tuck the beginning of next year.

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]

I had a revision from band to sleeve last month and it was $11,200 for the revision.

From: bjessicana@...Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:40:54 -0700Subject: Re: Getting Banded

What's the cost to get a gastric sleeve? I've been banded since 06. I get acid reflux. I just dont want other complications later down the road. I plan to get a tummy tuck the beginning of next year.

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.