Does anyone on here have family or friends who has had it done? If so...any problems arise? i have family members who have and they were fine but i have a friend who is considering doing it...any feedback would be appreciated!

My sister-in-law and niece had the lap-band procedure done a few months ago. My niece had an infection in the incision sites and then came down with intense pains in her side after they healed. She needed her gall bladder taken out, it was a side effect she wasn't told about. She is finally losing weight but only because she can't eat anything, she gets sick, and my sister-in-law hasn't lost weight yet.

I know three people who had the procedure done they look wondrful and say it was the best decision they ever made. I was told the pain was minimal and recovery time short. The weight just melted off of these gals and now they are in size 8

One gal was 5-5 and weighed 336 now 144

Had it done four years ago tomorrow (January 5, 2004), and I have had no complications nor have I had any regrets about it either. It was the best decision for me and my health, as I am healthy now and feel fantastic.

Oh, and Hawaii....if your friend would like to talk about it, then I can give them my email and answer any questions I can. Best thing to do is to talk to a doctor who specializes in it, and ask all the questions you can.

My best friend had this done, several years ago. She had a lot of problems, mostly stemming from her not taking care of herself the way she was supposed to. You have to be very disciplined with diet and exercise for it to work.

AS for anything.Works for some,not for others.There health will never be the same.Seen good and bad.but never the same.

Congrats on losing the weight!! Thanks for everyone's input!!

My sister-in-law just had this operation done about 9 months ago. She has lost about 90 lbs. She is so amazed at her results. She looks like a completely different. I`m so proud of her.


In 1974, I weighed close to 500 lbs. I had an intestional bypass operation. ( They do not do this procedure anymore because it is such a risky operation). I used to wear size 60 pants, and size 5xl shirts. I now weigh 210 lbs, wear size 38 jeans and prefer to wear 2xl shirts ( for obvious reasons). If I had to do it all over again, yes I would. I feel great, and have no health problems.

I know a few people that I work with had it done about 15 years ago. Both of them regained their weight as they did not stick with the diet plan. Also, make sure they are really prepared for the new way of eating, especially if they are getting the roux-en-y as many complications can occur.

Good for you! Congrats!

My uncle had it done and died from the infection two years ago right after Thanksgiving! He had a lot of health issues before doing it and they knew it was risky.....but his weight was killing him so they took a chance.

Thank you Hawaiigurl

my doctor wants me to consider getting this done. My health id a severe risk because of my weight.

i have a buddy, jeff. i met him when he weighed about 400 lbs. he had it done about 5 years ago and strarted dropping weight immediately. he weighs about 230 now and maintains that. he was always a big boy so where he is at weight wise doesn't surprise me, but he has maintained that weight since he got to it.

Im sorry about ur uncle.....i think it depends on the situation too

Unfortunately, I had a friend die from the surgery...but it was because she could not handle taking care of herself. People tried to help her but it was just no use. Like I said, you talk to a doctor who has done plenty of these surgeries cause it is risky....but if it works then it turns out to be a wonderful thing. And Fresh, sorry to hear about your Uncle.

The two people I know of who had it didn't have any complications or problems. They were fine and it was very successful.

I know many women who have had it done at the hospital where I work, mostly gastric bypass, and 2 with the lap band. Some of the bypass women had problems, but even with the problems they all say they would do it again in a heartbeat. The lap band women love it and are doing really well.

It is a whole new learning process. They have to learn how to eat all over again, get enough protein, no sugar, no carbonated beverages ever (stretches out the pouch), but as with any procedure if they don't follow the rules they can undo the procedure, pop the staples and cause leaks and risk serious infections, etc. Got to a surgeon who has a history of doing lots of them, not a new one at doing them. This is a new money maker for surgeons and some surgeons are starting to do them for the money and aren't properly trained, so make sure the surgeon has a good reputation and has done many of the surgeries. They should attend a bariatric support group afterwards too, to help keep on track, and can attend before hand to help learn and make their decisions about the surgery. Most hospitals have them. Good luck. You can research the procedure online too.

I had the GBP surgery done almost 4 yrs. ago. I've lost 170 lbs. I feel terrific. I don't regret it at all. The thing that keeps me going is what my dr. said prior to surgery. "It's not the ANSWER to your overweight problem, it's a TOOL TO HELP YOU LOSE YOUR WEIGHT... what you do with your lifestyle after is the ANSWER to your weight problem." I've changed the way I eat, I exercise regularly, and I've maintained for the last 2 yrs. Wish I could get below that sz.12/14, but it SURE BEATS being a SZ.38!