I had lapband surgery done fall of 2009. I was able to lose 30 pounds in 2 YEARS !!!! No where near what I should have. My dr chose to do very aggressive "fills", overflling my band several times. Couldnt swallow water, had to get "unfill" done. Since dx'd w/IIH I just had my band TOTALLY unfilled. I can finally , literally, take a deep breath w/o pain. I can swallow food w/o puking it up. I dont have heart burn or acid reflux. I don't have tightness or pain in my stomach/chest area.
Due to the band I was unable to take medications like a "normal" person would. I had to open my Diamox Sequels and add to applesauce, but that even made me gag trying to swallow applesauce. My dr wanted me on Topomax but I couldnt take the pills due to the band.
I think better diet education & physical exercise help would have helped me better than lapband. Now I'm stuck w/this plastic tubing and band in my insides. I"m not sure I'd undergo surgery to have it removed until my IHH is in better control.
Think long and hard before having this surgery done. I know it's a life saver to people. It's not an easy choice to do & does require a lot of dr follow ups.