Im gonna do it..

I have been banded for 1.5 yrs and I have lost and gained back around 30 pounds.  Im so and disappointed in my self I dont even want to go back to the Dr.  I know all the facts and im going to do this, I have to for my family..  I have four kids to raise...

OK...you asked. I understand about the being too tight...then too loose. What I don't understand is if you are going to eat the junk then no...you are not going to lose. But we all eat it...don't let anyone tell ya they do not sneak something now and then!  Normal food is not just bread and meat...try eggs, cheese,veggies, fruit, soups, etc...... Sounds like maybe you should look into following up with a different surgeon...both of ya. From my own experience the Dr that fuss are doing it because people do not follow their guidlines. The band is a tool...not the cure. It will not fix it all for you. You have to work it and in order to be able to do that you need a Dr who will work with you as well. Have you tried another Dr?  Some Dr are just plain jerks and have no bedside manner or understanding of what we go through!   I am glad I did not get one! I finally have restriction and had such a hard time adjusting to it. I still put portions on my plate that I used to be able to eat...more out of habit than anything. If I can get even a few bites of each thing in then I am doing well. I cannot  do breads now nor some meats. I really have to watch myself and make sure that protein gets in there first! I hope that you both find the answers....If you can find a sitter...come to one of the support group meetings. It is a great place to pick others brains for info and there is usually a nutritionist there as well that may be able to help you! Don't give up....there are answers out there!  You have a beautiful family and loving husband and you are just gorgeous! Do not give up! We will help....

I cant eat eggs or fruit anymore.  I really dont even like meat.  I end up eating potaoes and macaroni, I know its horrible for me and the kids.  Because I throw up so much I am so hungry all the time, it takes everything out of me. My Dr. is a good Dr, I didnt want anyone to take it wrong, I am the one with the problem and hes just doing  his job. I tend to get emotional about stuff like that because I feel like I cant even take this lapand tool and lose weight. Where do you have the meetings? I live 1.5hrs from Louisville.  Thanks so much  for your support..

Hi
I don't have a lap band.  I had RNY in October.  Like Lee Ann said... the band is a tool. You have to get things right in your mental approach as well.  I was really angry at myself about a week or so after surgery.  The fact that I had to alter my body to get healthy really weighed on my mind.  The other aspect of having any type of wls is learning to eat differently.  I would actually call myself a food addict.  I used food for comfort... to soothe myself and ate out of boredom too.  I was hoping the surgery would take away my desire to eat... well it didn't.  Head hunger is a pain in the butt.  And I can get pretty irritated when I know I just 'want' something instead of really being hungry.  Start reading... go to the library and start figuring out why you eat.  Find something that you can relate to and really learn about yourself.  There is nothing about this that is easy.  
I only eat about  4oz, three times a day.  I have 2 protein shakes a day as well.  And I drink water alllll the time. 
WLS is not magical.  Some days it is down right hard.  Explore some of the other options.. maybe the band isn't for you.  But figure out why you are over eating or just making bad choices. 
We've got your back here... there is always someone who can relate to whatever anyone is feeling pretty much. 
Don't give up.  Your health is too important.

Hi Lisa,

Sometimes the surgery we pick just isn't the right one for us.
I would NEVER recommend lap band to anyone. (Please don't get offended lapbanders) I would tell them to continue dieting because the fail rate with lap band is very high.
Someone posted this on another forum:

* From http://www.lapbandcentral.com/local/...ibrary/DFU.pdf

Special Notice The manufacturer of the LAP-BAND AP™ Adjustable Gastric
Banding System has designed, tested and manufactured it to be
reasonably fit for its intended use. However, the LAP-BAND AP™
System is not a lifetime product and it may break or fail, in whole
or in part, at any time after implantation and notwithstanding the
absence of any defect. Causes of partial or complete failure
include, without limitation, expected or unexpected bodily
reactions to the presence and position of the implanted device,
rare or atypical medical complications, component failure and normal wear and tear.

I would think about revision if it is at all possible. Please don't forget to check out the Duodenal Switch surgery as it is now offered in KY. Don't feel like you have failed at this because a lot of times the surgery we pick failed us.

If I can help out with additional information, please get back with me.

I hate to burst your bubble about your rny but most people after 5 years of having it start putting back on thier weight without even trying. And the rny is a permanent body alteration there is no going back. If you want to know how i know about fail rate i have watched my sister struggle with the rny and now she weighs more than she did when she had it. and while the rny patients weight start going back up, the lapband patients bypass them in weight loss, so i would research my facts just a little more before offering advice, these are both a tool and if you are going to eat junk you are going to put back on weight, no matter what method you used and you have to get off your duff and exercise. most people that get these surgeries should have never passed the psych eval. I'm sorry if i offend you but i know 3 people that have died with the rny within their 2nd and 3rd year of having it and that is definitely a surgery i would not recommend.

Rhonda, 

You could NEVER burst my bubble. I have strong dislike for my RNY just as I do lapband.
Get this: I am 2 1/2 years and gaining weight, so it's a real possibility. I have to disagree that lapband patients surpass RNY patients in weight loss.. on a statistic level anyway. I see that you're a little annoyed and I think I hit a nerve since you just had your lapband. I meant absolutely no disrespect. Anyone who has an addiction to carbs/junk whatever... do not need a lapband. Especially since it offers no malabsorption.

Trust this, I have researched facts. I have been here for several years researching facts. And thanks but I will offer advice to ANYONE who asks. I'm no medical expert, so I expect they take it with a grain of salt.

Read the memorial board... people have passed away from RNY, Lapband, DS, etc. If you opt to have any surgery you are at risk of death each time you're on the operating table.

I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THE LAP BAND. <--- Just my opinion!

Have a wonderul night!

just to let you know i researched these surgery's for over 6 years.

Rhonda I totally understand you wanting to put your .02 cents in BUT none of what you said is helpful to the original post. Facts are facts. Research yours well because you sister is not the only statistic. I'm not trying to be mean, but none your post was encouraging... 

Tiffany