Isn't there anyone?

I have recently celebrated my 5 year anniversary with my band.  I have had no problems with my band.  I keep a lesser fill in my band because I dont want to risk losing it from having it too tight.  I had lost about 80 lbs. but have gained about 20 back.  I watch everythng I eat and exercise my butt off everyday to maintain.  I am happy with it.  It can be frustrating but it has reduced my diabetes and given me back my life.  I do bootcamp 3 - 4 times per week, I could not have done that before.  I eat pretty much anything I want to, but I dont eat anything with wheat in it by my choice, not because of the band.  The band is good and bad.  There are so many factors that will determine your outcome that no one can tell you that it will be a succes for failure for you.  You have to arm yourself with all the information and make that decision for yourself.  Good luck to you and if I can answer any questions, just ask.

 

Theresa

I'm happy for you.  My complications don't negate your success.  Your success doesn't negate my complications.  This isn't about success or failure.  It's about a system that has inherent flaws.  They can be resolved, but we must acknowledge they exist first.

Love my band...no issues. I'm down 70 pounds. You need a good doctor that can properly teach you how to work your band. You have to have the will power not to over eat, choose the right types of protein, and work out. The band will not stop you from overeating. The band takes work. It will not work unless you put in the work. I'm down from a 24 to a 12 right now. I'm hoping to lose 20 more...do your research...best of luck!

I am very happy with mine and I am happy and blessed to say I have had no problems.  I have had mine for 4 years now and have now lost 180 lbs.  I just went to my yearly check up and all was good and healthy with my band...again something I am very blessed with.  It's not easy though not by a long shot...I work very hard to be healthy and workout all of the time. 

 

My life is so great at this point.  This is more than I ever dreamed that ever could achieve.  Not all band stories end in tragedy some can be happy endings. 

 

 

 

I LOVE my band!!  I've lost 100 lbs and had no complications.  The post that someone wrote saying all the ones that like their bands aren't on here anymore is very accurate.  The only reason I logged on this morning is because I have started through menopause and I am having trouble losing weight.  In fact, I've gained some weight.  My weight gain has nothing to do with my band, it is strictly because of my hormonal issues.  I was about to post and get some nutritional tips.  Even though I am in menopause, my lap band is performing as it has from the start.  I have great restriction and am able to make the same good food choices I made before menopause.  So, again, my problem is not my band, its hormonal.

 

I am over 5 years out and I am so greatful for my BAND ! Currently I am taking care of my mother who has been battling Cancer, and the last 6 months have been wrenching for her, she now requires constant care. And if I was obese I could not have been able to assist and provide her the help she needs in her daily routines. I can bend,lift, and do it with more energy and stamina than I ever had! If my WLS should fail me tomorrow, its o.k., as I am able to bring her comfort now.

All "TOOL" are wonderful, but we MUST always remember they are merely "TOOLS". I have known many folks with other surgeries, and some successful some not so much. I am not referring to persons who have had complications with their tools, I am refferring to those who have abused their gift of WLS. Many that I know who have a NO complications with their WLS have not continued to lose or maintain, and inpart they have failed to attend support group meetings or to follow the "rules", or to educate themselves about exercise and nutrition. Because in the end you still have to address the "mental" aspect that can lead to long term success.

So many of "us" = "obese", have eating disorders and or "food sensitivity"= sugar addictions, food addictions. No different than alcohol or drugs, except that food is legal and you need it to sustain your life. I see an eating disorder specialist, and I wish I had seen her pre- surgery, perhaps I would not have had to have WLS. Again, it is a "TOOL".

This "TOOL" has taught me so much about myself and even about other people I deal with on a daily basis. The food pushers, the food enablers, and those who have no food issues at all (they probably have other issues just not food). We all got our ****!

My doctors office once gave out a handout entitled "Eight Signs of Emotional Eating", I have it posted on my profile page, feel free to check it out. It applies to everyone WLS or No WLS.

Sorry if I went off on a rant, but, I feel passionately about this subject.
Feel free to message me or check out my profile,
prek3

I am 15 months post op and have lost 158 pounds. I am at my goal, still losing a little. I am very happy with my band. I understand thar many people have had problems and some of us haven't. I don't know why. I have been very lucky, very careful and do the best I can to follow the rules. I keep my band loose, I have had one fill. Do what you can live with. You have to be committed to the band rules and tons of exercise, any kind of exercise. Best of luck to you and your decision.

WOW Sue you sure have done an amazing job!  You sure have beat the odds and in such a short time.  I hope all continues to go well for you!

Thanks!

I just got my band on 4/15/13. I am happy  with it. I am learning about what to eat and what not to eat. I have lost 30lbs so far and I am pushing for at least 50 more.  Look, don't let these folks get to you with the horror stories. EVERY surgery has risk and rewards. But just remember do what you think is best.