After all the shit I went through with the band I was really anti-everything. A few things have changed my mind -
1. Science - in the last decade they have fairly conclusively proven that with weight loss surgeries the restriction isn't what helps maintain the loss, it's removing the fundus. They still don't know why but it triggers major hormonal changes that support weight loss.
2. Anecdata - I know several people who have had it done and maintained their loss for 8-10 years now. Some lost more than others, but it hasn't been a huge struggle. They also haven't had the same issues I had with barfing. One of them has never vomited in 9 years, the other only once.
3. Quality of life - I can't exercise like I used to - the infection and some scar tissue trigger unbelievable pain when I engage my abs. I accepted a while ago that I'd never be thin, but now I'm heavy and weak. That combo is the death spiral, both for my body and my sanity.
4. I am scared shitless about this infection. I've now been on doxycycline for 18 months. It's not MRSA yet, but the longer I have it the more likely that outcome is. Removing the mesh at my current weight would likely be terminal. The only chance I have of surviving if antibiotics stop working is to be thin enough that surviving the surgery is possible.
no subject
1. Science - in the last decade they have fairly conclusively proven that with weight loss surgeries the restriction isn't what helps maintain the loss, it's removing the fundus. They still don't know why but it triggers major hormonal changes that support weight loss.
2. Anecdata - I know several people who have had it done and maintained their loss for 8-10 years now. Some lost more than others, but it hasn't been a huge struggle. They also haven't had the same issues I had with barfing. One of them has never vomited in 9 years, the other only once.
3. Quality of life - I can't exercise like I used to - the infection and some scar tissue trigger unbelievable pain when I engage my abs. I accepted a while ago that I'd never be thin, but now I'm heavy and weak. That combo is the death spiral, both for my body and my sanity.
4. I am scared shitless about this infection. I've now been on doxycycline for 18 months. It's not MRSA yet, but the longer I have it the more likely that outcome is. Removing the mesh at my current weight would likely be terminal. The only chance I have of surviving if antibiotics stop working is to be thin enough that surviving the surgery is possible.
Good times.