blondylyn

I lost 69 pounds with the lap band. Had it removed July 9. Have lost 8 more pounds. It's all up to you and always will be. I went vegan which makes losing weight effortless but veganism requires a commitment to the cause, whether it be not wanting to eat dead animals or being healthy. Eat right, exercise and pay attention. Bottom line. Good luck!

I agree! The band taught me as well! After much sliming the first year though because I have a hard head! Congrats and good luck with the bypass! Hope your mother is going to be ok.

This is a followup to my earlier replies> (I just didn't want to start a new topic.) I had my band removed two weeks ago. I am so glad I did, don't miss that port at all! Here is what my surgeon, Dr Higa said: I asked him because I was still feeling restriction-he said that can last up to three months. He also said it will take about that long for everything to heal inside as well. And don't let this happen to you as it did to me: more pain with the removal than the install. Makes sense, though, since there are adhesions, scar tissue, etc. This nurse just kept saying, But you were supposed to go home right after! Meaning, I suppose, that I was being a big baby since I was in such pain and had to spend the night. ******! LOL Anyhow, I am doing better and have lost another three pounds. I have switched up my food to pretty much vegan because that was my intent with the band in the first place. I just want to be healthy, not skinny! My motivation is still there and I am very aware of what I'm eating. I also asked for the band and port to so I can keep it in my kitchen/fridge to remind myself of it all! If you are thinking of having it removed or revised, just do it. The band should be the last thing you think of, IMHO! Good luck!

Yes, you can get a bypass when they remove the band. May I give you some advice? The bypass is pretty final. EVERYONE that I have talked to has had complications but they also say they would do it again. I myself never once considered the bypass because it is so invasive. I got the band in March 2010 and am having it removed July 9 due to not feeling well, intermittent nausea, tummy issues, etc. I, too, am worried about re-gaining weight but if I do, then I do. I think I won't though. You have had your band longer than me so you must have lost weight and learned to eat differently. Just try very hard to continue that. Can you tell I am very much against the bypass?? LOL But seriously, think about it beforehand. It's a big move. Good luck!

Never mind, tweety39. I see your next post.

I haven't had my band removed yet but I am expecting to be off work longer than the insertion simply because I am 2 years older. I think it depends on what you do at work: I sit mostly so I was only off for a couple of days; surgery was on a Friday and I went in to work half a day on the following Tuesday. I am planning on a full week this time. I think you should give your body more time to adjust this time. (You had your band inserted a month before I did.) May I ask what your reasons are for having it removed? I'm just curious. Everyone seems to have different reasons.

MonaLisa2, Thank you for all your advice and encouragement! Sounds like you have beaten the odds and that's what I want to do. I feel like the band is useful but I can do the rest on my own and like I said, I believe it is making me sick. I don't want to have gone thru 2 surgeries just to gain my weight back. That would be dumb. I no longer like sweets so that is helpful, too. I just want to feel normal again and not have all these tummy issues. It might be "psychological intolerance" but I truly don't think so. So you inspire me to move ahead and get it out! Thank you for your input!

I am in the process of getting authorization to have my band removed. Why? Because I don't feel well and I think it may be the band but even if it isn't, I need to eat healthy and I can't with the band. Yeah, Lay's potato chips go down well but not so with salads or veggies. I am 61 and I want to be healthy which is why I got the band in the first place. I have lost 65 lbs and want to lose 15 more and I believe I can do it on my own. If I gain more than 2 lbs I will join WW but I am pretty sure I will be okay. I am doing this for the sake of my health, not because I want to be thin or pretty. I read above about a study: I too read that most lapbanders only lose 43% of the weight they want to lose and I've beaten that score so I'm ok. My surgeon told me yesterday that he sees a 100% re-gain but I aim to prove him wrong! I am a little worried but not much. I have the tools and the band has taught me to chew my food and take smaller bites. If anyone has advice for me, tips, please speak. Also, as far as problems with the band, does anyone feel like the band may be "poisoning" your body? I kind of feel that way. I just don't feel well a lot of the time and what else could it be? Anyhow, I am not sorry I got it but I am glad to be getting rid of it.