[MsJacquiiC]

Well - I've just had an interesting question proposed on Facebook by a new WLSJourney.org friend. I think the question and answer is important enough to post here for all Journey Members and prospective Members. Comments, feedback and discussion appreciated

Question Posted on Facebook:

What's the benefit of a person that resent had a lap-band been in your group?

Answer By The Journey Administrator:

To answer your question honestly and succinctly... Probably not much - The Journey is a WLS support group. The main motif behind the forums is supporting those who have had WLS so that we can make the surgery tool a success. I will not censor posts - so all commentary and opinions within the confines of The Journey Posting Policy will be allowed. It's my opinion that any surgery patient having personally chosen WLS as their option should know and understand that surgery is not an easy-way-out type of deal and that there are risks involved in having such a major surgery. Any Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence generally schools prospective patients and any insurance company has requirements that must be met - therefore the bulk of people who had WLS will not be in the category that regrets the decision. May I ask why you resent the lapband? Jacquii.

Gastric Banding Surgery The adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive surgical procedure during which a silicone band is placed around the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band includes a balloon that is filled with a nontoxic fluid, most commonly a saline solution; periodic adjustments are performed by a healthcare professional who accesses the balloon via a subcutaneous port. Gastric band placement, unlike malabsorptive weight loss surgery (e.g. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, Biliopancreatic Diversion, and Duodenal Switch), does not cut or remove any part of the digestive system. See WLS Videos for animated surgery technique.