Anyone have experiences of/a friend with a gastric band? Help for my pal

[Elibean]

She has spent years dieting, and her health is compromised: she is desperate and has been referred for surgery but is understandably worried.

Can anyone share any experiences (of any sort) about gastric bands? She is not on MN, but if anyone wants to pms her rather than post, I'll tell her to join forthwith

If she has been referred on the NHS then it is a long process, and she will meet dietitians, a psychologist, numerous consultants, and she should be referred to support groups to meet others who have been there and done it. They will only do the surgery if they are 100% sure it is right for her.
She won't suddenly get a surgery date and that's it.
Also, there are other surgical options, not just the band, and they will all be explained to her.

Fab, thank you - that's exactly the kind of feedback I hoped for. I'll pass it on x