Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly discouraged lap band surgery based on their own experiences with complications, sharing stories of bands slipping,... Read more

Members overwhelmingly discouraged lap band surgery based on their own experiences with complications, sharing stories of bands slipping, eroding into the stomach, causing bleeding and infections, and ultimately requiring removal after years of struggle. Many members who had lap bands removed went on to have gastric sleeve or bypass surgery with much better results, noting that the sleeve is safer, requires fewer follow-up appointments, and produces more sustainable weight loss without the constant risk of mechanical failure. A recurring theme was that while the lap band worked temporarily for some, the high rate of complications and subsequent weight regain made permanent procedures like the sleeve or bypass the stronger recommendation from those who had lived through both experiences.