leahbNYC

I've been 'banded' for 18 months now...I've lost 95lbs and I have never been happier in my life. Since my banding, everything else in my life has come together...I'm working in my dream job, have confidence in myself, look and feel fantastic, the list goes on...but find myself missing things from the past. I hate pretending I have 'stomach problems' when people offer me a beer and I can't have it. I miss eating meat, spinach salads and all the other foods I gave up after my 3rd fill because digesting them became too hard...I miss not having to worry every time I eat a meal that I may throw up or get a stomach ache...again, the list goes on. I'd never regret being banded and every day I tell myself that the sacrifice I made was the best choice I could have made for my health and my life...I take my GERD medication and I hide my productive burping and laugh that my friends know the 'she's going to be sick' face that joins us for dinners. Does anyone else feel this way?

I AM NOT REGRETFUL - HAVING MY BAND WAS THE BEST THING I COULD HAVE DONE FOR MYSELF!!! I would be devastated if my posting discouraged anyone from having their surgery. You just need to be prepared for the challenged that you'll face and know that you are making a sacrifice and changing your lifestyle. That being said, it's a hard journery, with amazing rewards.

Thanks to you all for your replies - they made me feel a lot better about my current situation. I'd never heard that banders had slight unfills once they reached maintenance. I'd still like to drop another 25-35 lbs, but I'm confident it would still come off with the slight unfill. Based on your responses to this thread, I've made an appointment to see my surgeon this Friday and plan to address my concerns and complications with him. Hopefully this will be the first stp in feeling better. Again, thanks for your support!

Hi there from the center of the universe! My name is Leah and I am 24. I was banded on August 21, 2006 and have lost just under 40lbs. It's been an interesting journey so far and I think that the start of the new year will help me re-assess my goals and gain more motivation. I thought this would be a good way to speak to other people with bands...New at this so I hope this is a good start! Had my 2nd adjustment (to 6cc's total) on Friday and am having lots of pain when eating. Can barely get anything down. Has anyone experienced this?

I had my second adjustment Fridya and have been experiencing what you just taught me are 'PB's...even threw up a bit on Christmas day. Gayle, since you seem to be a pro - what's the best way to avoid these?

I was having the same pain about 2 months ago (2 months post op)...I was freaking out and concerned that my band had broken. My pain was when I was moving around - just like yours. My doctor told me to take it easy, avoid lifting more than 5 - 7 lbs at once and to try to minimize taking stairs. The pain went away after a week.