condanchri
I had Lapband surgery 10/2004, about 4 months after the birth of my third (and last) child. I am a former flight attendant who gained approximately 100 lbs. with my first pregnancy, and subsequently gained another 45 lbs. with my second. I had never experienced such a huge weight gain before. I tried everything to get the weight off, including Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Atkins, South Beach, etc. I have always worked out at a gym, and continue to do so - although having children makes it a bit harder for me to make myself a priority.
I lost 90 lbs. within my first 1 1/2 years with the Band. It was wonderful, except that after-care in my area was few and far between. I did my homework before hand though, and I had a few groups that did fills for Mexico patients. In any case, one day I woke up and I couldn't eat or drink through my band (literally, it was just like that!). When I was able to get something down, I would often regurgitate it (PBing). I ended up have a complete unfill to give my body a break. I was soon gaining weight back, slowly but consistently. It was not a happy way to live! But live with it, I did for another 2 1/2 years. I tried fills, but everytime I would get one, my stoma would close up.
We finally got enough money for me to have the Band removed - which I did in December of 2008. The Doctor who removed it said that my Band was too small for me, and that they don't use the size I had anymore. I must say that it feels good not to have anything foreign in my body anymore. However, during all of this I have gained all but 20 lbs. back, and am now investigating Gastric Bypass (which is covered under our insurance, and which I probably should have gotten in the first place). I am still doing my research and making sure I have all my questions answered . I won't lie - the possible complications scare the heck out of me.
