mom43

Hi I had a band put in 2 years ago in April. I have had it loosened and am able to keep the weight off. I am aware that eventually many of us need to have it removed for one reason or another. My question: I would like a tummy tuck now, but I am afraid to get one and then, later, have a band removal and have scars that would have been covered by a tummy tuck if I had waited. Are the band removal scars large? are they in places covered by a tummy tuck? Thank you

Thanks for the info -advice. In answer to the question of what makes me think the band may malfunction -I got the impression that it may be removed- it was a combination of anecdotal evidence and studies. For example: http://www.ctvnews.ca/study-cites-high-lap-band-complication-removal-rates-1.624831 This news story cites a Belgian study that bands are removed at higher rates than the 4% you mentioned. Are you sure that the 4% is a figure from long term bands and not just bands one year out? I hope you are right but either way I love my band and I am glad I did it. The problem is that long term studies use older bands. The newer bands have not been studied long term. They have not been out long enough to do a long term study.

Awesome!!! I am so happy for you ! :)

My surgery was early in the morning. It was quick and I was out of there quickly. One thing i would like to mention is that recovery was no cakewalk for me. I thought it was harder than my csection. I shuffled and had pain for days - I know some people do much better than me so everyone is different. I mention this only because my sister -who is a medical person- warned me to get help and I am so glad she did. I thought it was minor but it was hard for the first 3 days. A week later I had a house guest and they never knew but it was still a little rough. Incidently, it was totally, completely worth it. I got over it and now I am fine and I wish I had done it years early. You are wise for doing it now and not waiting.

Congratulations! I am on board with you- I run all the time and I still can hardly believe it. I can run a 5k, on the phone and be home in 33 min. I ran just over 30 for my last competitive 5k My knees cant take more than 5 or 6 miles but I am so happy to be able to run and i do it all the time. I am so happy for everyone here who shares this joy. isnt it great to have hard legs and rear? To not get winded when we run at airports or for other reasons? I am so happy to read these posts and to hear about your success

I think a little weight gain is normal but be very wary. For me, when I see my weight gain more than a couple of pounds I try to diet. If that doesnt work I go atkins untill my appetite and habits are under control. I also increase excercise it helps to control appetite. be very careful of carbs they can give you the urge to eat. I think that urge- appetite- is more of an enemy than real hunger. I think it will always be a battle for us but keep up the fight and dont feel discouraged. You got this far already !