Hello everyone!  I have had a lapband since July 2007.  I lost 115 lbs and have gained back about 20 in the last couple of years.  I have been out of touch, not being on this site or in communication with anyone about the band for years.  I haven't seen my lapband doctor since 2009.  I don't seem to have terrible problems, but I will admit that I throw up a LOT.  If I eat late in the evening, I'm up at least spitting up some food or residue from food throughout the night.  Sometimes I eat a big meal, but half way through I have to go to the bathroom and throw it up.  It has just become a way of life, and it's a secret life because I don't want people to know.  It's embarrassing.  I know that's not good at all, but as far as I know there is no major damage done so far.  I do get concerned about what's going on inside me or even if it will rot my teeth.  I just got on this site today and I see SO many people with major problems and having their bands removed or revisions to other surgeries.  I had no idea.  Do they even do lapband surgery any more?  Has it been so unsuccessful that they quit?  Are there many, or even ANY success stories out there?  I considered mine a success for a long time, but now I'm 59 years old and I'm worried about what may happen to it as I age.  I'm sure at the very least I need to get back to my surgeon and have it checked out.  I did have an upper GI scope a year ago and they said everything looked good, but I'm not sure that would really show much about what my band is doing.  I'd appreciate any thoughts on this.

Thanks!

Connie

For the most part no, there are a few who have kept weighing and measuring their food and working out but most end up gaining it back. Or there are also a few like me that end up with so much damage from the band that they end up not being able to eat very well after surgery and finally have to get feeding tubes. I don't have a feeding tube yet but if I keep losing uncontrolabely like I have been I may end up there too. Right now I have to eat all day long and get as many calories ads I can in. It may sound great but it gets old after awhile having to constantly eat. Every time I eat I get reflux again and not a med I've tried has stopped it. So my daily life is wasted by eating and being sick all day, fun time, NOT. 

So your best bet is to try to get another type of surgery if you can or be able to be super strict with yourself and eat very low carb/high protein/full fat. That is the best way to lose weight

I had my band removed in 2005, kept going to the gym religiously and kept the weight off until about 2010. I had a hysterectomy and quit smoking, had to take steroids for a few months due to some problems after the hysterectomy and *boom* weight came right back on. It is possible to keep the weight off, I'm sure, but I've never been good at it. I can lose, but I always regain. Statistically, that's the case for a lot of formerly banded people, unfortunately. It's so hard! 

Quick question? I have gone to True Results in Houston, did in office physical, and just had the EGD done this morning. I was first told that if I had a hernia I would qualify for the $2500 program. It was determined that I do in fact have a hernia, however now am being told by my patient advocate that I have to meet with the surgeon and he will determine if the hernia needs to be repaired before I can qualify. I am also required to do a sleep study that will cost me $450, but am not going to do it until I know that I will qualify for the $2500 program as I can not afford the $9900 out of pocket for the full cost.

It seems like everyone else at true results I speak to make me feel as if I will qualify (or that everyone qualifies) except my patient advocate, maybe she doesn't want to get my hopes up. Has anyone else had the same issue with the hernia program? Does everyone qualify, regardless of how big or small the hernia issue is?? Please help!! I really want to get this done and am really stressing about qualifying for the $2500 program.

Congratulations Mona!