Chanel

I have been banded for 6 years and so disappointed. I've had numerous fills and thought I had reached a "sweet spot"...My doctor doesn't really care here in Ventura, they have even somehow lost all my records (so upsetting)..but they've moved to a big, fancy office so obviously the money talks but caring for patients as individuals is not there. My lapband at one point was so restricted, kept having reflux and being stuck all the time, no matter how slowly I chewed...did all the things I was suppose to do. I am so tired of my lap band. In the beginning I was so excited but it is a huge disappointment. Going out with friends and family was always so embarrassing, due to feelings of being stuck and my chest making funny noises. There is no such thing as a sweet spot...take my word for it. Last time I went to the office they charged $300.00 to talk to me and remove a little saline..unbelievable!! I just feel so upset by this whole procedure. They keep saying it's a tool, well it is not even a tool, it just disrupts your whole life and revolves around this "tool" plus you don't lose the weigh. And get this, the nurse says to me...perhaps this isn't for you and we can look into other surgeries..no way!!! So you can make more money. I have talked to 7 other people that have had the lap band, they too are so disappointed. Be careful!! Take that money for the surgery and instead invest in a good pair of walking shoes, buy healthy foods, lots of big salads with balsamic vinegarette, lean meats and fruits..just be careful!! My recommendation...DON'T DO THE LAP BAND!!! Take care of yourself.

Yes, support is very important on realistic terms and not to be sugar coated. I have heard so many stories from both sides. We all have a main goal and that is to lose the weight, so actually we are in this together and it makes me very glad to hear the success stories too, which can be pretty amazing and I don't criticize the band for other people, just for myself, I am simply just sharing my own story. I will not give up either. This is a battle for all of us, some with the help of the band and others without the band. Good luck!

That is so true! Take care!

Oh my goodness!!! I am just being honest. People should hear both sides who are considering the lap band and then make their own decisions. That is called educating and researching the topic thru reality. If I would have heard the pros and cons years ago, I would have realized that I may be successful or unfortunately not be successful in losing the weight...anyways, let's not wander off what this site is about. Providing realistic information. I still have my lap band and will try again with a slight fill in a few weeks. Maybe..lol..but since I have very little restriction, I lost 1 lb. and feel healthier eating more veggies with whole grains and actually gulping ice cool, refreshing Water with lemon..ahh Keep up the good work everyone and sincerely happy it worked for you. Thank you Hoover123,happy you finally found help..you should not have gone thru all the complications but finally you're on the right road..yay!!! Good luck pretty lady!

Thank you Jackie! Take care!

I am really happy for the people that have lost weight thru the lap band and I wish you long term success! I myself did lose 30 lbs right after my surgery, but that was also due to having a liquid diet in the beginning, but after that, I did not lose any more weight. And believe me, I followed all the rules and was very strict. I use an elliptical 6 days a week for 45 min or more and walk my dogs in the hills and the beaches...at one point I was one of those gung ho folks that would be proud of my lap band and encourage people to give it a try...unfortunately, not any more..I wish I was a success story. But the reality, the band is more bothersome and I just am tired of it. I am for the first time in 6 years, enjoying an apple, able to eat a veggie sandwich on whole wheat bread without gagging...I am eating more healthy and my skin looks so much better. I suppose it is different for everyone, if it works for you, I give a high five to you. I just don't recommend it. But, that is my opinion. Good luck!!!

In the 30s and 40s dinner plates were made smaller...I got a set of beautiful vintage dishes, even the bowls are smaller...check out your antique stores for amazine patterns...I love mine, very art nouveau style...so cool!:smile2:

I love greek yogurt, I'm going to try the banana with flaxseed combination, sounds healthy...splenda is good or you can try a little bit of honey drizzled over the top.. Breakfast can be a little more difficult time to get the protein in...sometimes I make breakwhiches: Take 2 slices whole grain bread (believe it or not, Vons nut and seed bread is fabulous)spread each with a thin layer of no fat or low fat cream cheese,add a couple slices lox to 1 side topped with cut up green onions (or you can use salmon) then make sandwhich, smush down a little bit to flatten, cut off the crust, then spray pan with oil, put sandwhich in and grill both sides till golden brown...cut in half and enjoy...usually in the morning it's hard to eat right away so I sip hot green tea about a half hour before I eat, that way it won't be so tight and less chance of pbing..

Good advice you gave...I do mix up my excercise routine, eliptical,weight training and walk on beach, plus I'm active at work..hmmm I don't have to pay for fills..so perhaps you're right,I'll get a more agressive fill next time....Denise, you have done so remarkable!!!!

oops, excuse my typo mistakes..just typing too fast and not paying attention...

That is interesting that you feel full when you get up and walk after eating...and to feel "full" after eating only a cup and a half of food, that's where I want to be at. I guess I'm not at the "sweet spot" yet, I don't feel that airbubble sensation...but do you think you think by 8 months more weight should have been lost? Only 20 lbs. lost in all that time! It's great how much weight you oth have lost!!!!Thanks for the encouragement!!:smile2:

It's nice to hear other feedbacks....I went to my doctor a few days ago and got 1 cc more added to my band...the nurse said not to expect to feel "full" but "satisfied" I responded by saying, isn't having the full sensation the same as being satisfied? I'm just hoping to feel the "sweet spot" after 8 months..I do feel a little restriction..exactly what does the sweet spot feel like? Do you feel full or satisfied after eating just a little bit or do you pb ? I chew well, eat proteins first, avoid drinking during eating and wait before and after...but I still can consume a good amount of food..ummm,:thumbup: I just want to be on a roll losing weight, but I've just maintained the same weight for a few months..Thanks for your feedbacks, there are some terrific people on this thread..

I'm a bit depressed...I got banded in June of o7...I'm 5'6" weight before was 280lbs...I've been at 261 for almost 3 months..I use an eliptical 6 days a week ...but I can still eat a plate of food and not really feel "full" had 5 fills, at moment have 5cc in my band...i feel guilty as heck, I really do...all the time, money spent on lap band and such hope to finally lose weight and here I am 8 months later...I was so excited and so was my family...but I feel like a failure..I go in for another fill this month, I am so anxious to hit that "sweet spot", but it just seems like it'll never happen.:rolleyes2: It's encouraging to hear other people lose the weight and I feel their happiness, what a wonderful feeling it must be to finally lose the weight and feel "normal"...

I had my first fill about 1 week ago. I got 2cc, it was too much, yikes! I had to drink a cup of water before leaving the office, well couldn't even sip a thimbleful without that horrible "stuck" feeling...the doctor immediately removed .75cc, what a relief. It takes time to get the right amount. I heard after about 4 fills, you'll get it right on the button, so don't rush it. Don't forget you're still swollen from surgery. I had surgery on June 18th, lost about 21 lbs so far. I'd rather take it slowly than to rush the fills..afterall Rome was not built in a day..so take care of yourself one day at a time.

I was banded on June 18th 07 and will go for my first fill tomorrow...I've lost about 22 lbs. and I'm not feeling as full as quickly as I was right after the surgery..due to swelling around the band after surgery which has subsided by now, that's why I'm due for my fill now in order to tighten (or fill) the band. So don't get discouraged, keep up the good work.