doxipups

Hi Pam - I am sorry to see so many assinine responses to your post. The band did not work for me either - I never lost much weight in the 14 months I had it. I remember coming to these (and other) boards looking for support and answers. Groups like Slow Losers Unite, etc. all said hang in there, get a second opinion, keep working your program. .. blah blah blah. I truly wondered what I was doing wrong rather than what was wrong with my band. I started having some seemingly minor complications which were pooh-poohed off by my surgeon who eventually had to remove my band in an emergency situation, I almost died. It's hard to find help when the band doesn't work - these boards are full of cheerleaders who refuse to see someone else's situation - and getting a second opinion with another surgeon is practically impossible. Even in the ER the docs will send you back to your surgeon. There are other groups I have since found where people discuss and share problems, complications, lack of results, whatever. If you're interested send me an email - I'd rather not get flamed again by this community. You are not alone Pam. Amie Beckett-Montney

Such a nice sentiment from an "aspiring evangelist"

I don't know where you get off indicating that the patient is to blame 90% of the time - that's just ridiculous - especially in relation to erosion. I hope you never have complications with your band - karma is a b***h.

Wow - seriously?? As someone who has survived an erosion gone into peritonitis after months of tests that never detected the problem, I am both offended and appalled by this comment. Erosion happens, and it happens a lot more frequently than you might think. Anyone with a band should be aware of what the symptoms and warning signs are - IF it happens to you it can become life threatening.

Did you go in, did you did you? Please say 'yes'. But if not, just do it, pick up the phone and make an appointment, You can do this! I know because I was reluctant to go back myself. Then I read about other slow losers/responders to fills and realized the whole thing is up to me. My doc can't read my mid and I haven't been completely honest with myself this past year, much less with him. I realize he band doesn't work for everyone but I'm not ready to give up yet. You have had some great success already so you know it works for you.

BillyBear - My experience is much like yours. I am coming up on my 1 year bandiversary and I've lost a whopping 18 pounds, the majority was lost in the first month. The only time I felt restriction was right after surgery and ended up having a complete unfill during the healing process. I have had 8 fills since and never again felt restriction. I've been yo-yoing on my food choices, either 110% compliant or as bad as 50/50. Either way the weight does not come off and now I can eat just about anything. I exercise at least 3 times a week of Bikram yoga (which are 90 minute classes of hard core) and play with my family riding bikes, etc. I'm not happy with my doc either, he's a great surgeon no doubt, but I don't think he's used to people like me. His mantra is "use more calories than you eat and you'll lose weight". Ughhhh, if only it was that simple. I am also looking at getting a second opinion with another practice but still researching reiews and trying to find people in aftercare programs before I make my choice. I want to do the right thing and just don't feel like I can with my surgeon. I'm very interested in knowing how things go with you and hoping to find support on these boards. ~Amie