LAP-BAND® Surgery and LAP-BAND® Discussion Forum - View Single Post

**Alexandra** · 04-22-2008, 06:28 PM

I have had complications, too, even to the point of having my band removed and replaced. Three surgeries in all, two more than I'd bargained for in the beginning. Also an endoscopy, a couple of stints on medication for reflux, and a lot of sleepless nights.

But I don't have one single regret and am 100% glad I made the decision to be banded. Knowing going in that the worst thing that could happen was that it would be removed is one of the biggest reasons I chose it over bypass. With two small children I couldn't take the chance of being sidelined by some major complication like those I'd heard about with RNY--rare, sure, but when they happen they seem to be extremely serious. I wanted something that would leave me whole even if it had to come out or be reversed.

The band is the very first time in my life I've had real control over my weight, which was nearing dangerous levels and making me an unfit parent. Over my first three years I lost 130 lbs, 50 of which have come back on through my difficulties. But I am very much healthier and more active than I used to be, and I have a realistic chance of losing the weight again and more.

No surgery is risk-free. We ALL are taking a chance, whether it's going under the knife or staying morbidly obese. We have to consider what makes the most sense for each of us, and consider all our personal circumstances. Sure, things can and do go wrong, but HOW they go wrong and how they can be fixed are important things to consider.

The "worst" happened to me and I'm still 100% glad I made the choice to get banded.