mitcha

My band failed. It was very scary for me. Unfortunately, the professionals had no real answers. I am almost one year band free, still overweight but thankful for my health and choices. This is not for everyone...unfortunately. The truth is important. All the best!

I have had terrible complications with my band and did not welcome them nor did I break the guidlines I was given. When posting problems or complications, negative responses from others on the board is very discouraging. Many members seem to shun problematic situations as being negative. It makes me feel like is it my my fault? A feeling we are all too familiar with regarding our weight problem. I am sure if someone took the time to post this who is the spouse of a bandster, they are not just doing it to scare anyone but rather posting the truth so that people researching the surgery will know all sides of it. They are less likely to be on here reading posts over and over since they are not a bandster. Just a thought.

I find that Dr. Cobourn and his staff are very caring, responsive and accomodating. I do feel frustrated with the lack of structure in the post operative care. I wish there was a schedule of follow up visits. This frustration is something I expected because their business is new and growing. With rapid growth comes growing pains. Anytime I have asked for their time, they are more than accomodating. Dr. Cobourn's enthusiasm is one of the main reasons I had my surgery with him and not the other clinic.

Hi, I am in London and had my Lap Band March 2007. In many ways I think I feel better than before. Things have been kind of rough for me with the band. I haven't really felt it was a great success and keep hoping that things will improve. I would love local people to talk to and possibly meet for coffee. I have a friend in Dorchester that was banded a couple of days after me. We really enjoy getting together to shoot the "band". Hee hee Take care! mitcha

I do not regret it but would not necessarily recommend it either. I have not had great success. I have had lots of problems with my band being too tight. I find that I eat more sauces and lubricants to just get down any meat or fish. I eat alot of dairy because it is soft and has some protein. Other days I can eat everything and do because I am starved from being sick and in pain when I am too tight. I have had many bouts of throwing up, even my saliva. Most of the time I am ok and can eat most things just less. Suddenly my band just gets tight and then my stomach swells and continues to swell until I get a defill. I have lost 40 pounds but was down 30 2 weeks after surgery. I was banded in March 2007. It is a rollercoaster of starting over because, I get too tight, need a defill, slowly reintroduce food, then need a fill, a week later, too tight again...etc... Do I regret it, no because I do feel different and better most of the time. Would I do it again? NO. Anyone with a similar experience?

I had the exact same thing happen to me. I developed an allergy to the steristrips after my surgery and now am allergic to band aids. I know this is not a latex allergy. It would be interesting to know how common this is. Hope you are doing well.

janet, I know I have had problems with getting tighter and tighter when under stress. Go for a defill, you will feel better. good luck, hope your dad is ok.

<p><p>Gaffer and Andrew, I am with you. I am starting to be very frustrated. I was banded in March 2007 and have lost 38 pounds for the last two months. I have been, too tight twice, two defils and now had a small fill a few days ago and today I was in agony again. I guess I am destined to weight 270 pounds! At least you have both had some significant weight loss.Dr. C is so wonderful and so is his staff. I desperately need more guidance with my diet. I eat what I can because I am starving and too tight. When I am not too tight I eat until I am full and make healthy food choices but do not lose weight. I have to admit that I have not exercised regularly enough. I have had so much discomfort in my stomach that it has been too distracting. Anyone have any dietary support outside of the clinic? Someone who is experienced with either having the band themselves or working with other patients who are banded. thanks for the posts and for listening to me vent

Ginger, Do you have to be a patient of TLBC? is it for people who are interested in having the surgery or people who have already booked? I would like to go but do not know if I can attend.