I was banded Sept 27 of 2007. I was 241 when I got the band and have lost 45 pounds so far. It is not that great but better than I have done before the surgery. I have in no way followed the rules very well. I am sure I could have lost more if I would have. Until my last fill in May I really never felt much restriction or that the band was helping my hunger at all. I have always been able to eat what I want, as much as I want and not get sick or feel horrible.
My insurance did not cover the band so I paid the $12,000 out of my pocket. That is the only reason I am set on making this work and loosing the weight. As far as I am concerned I could have done the same thing with out the band. You are on a nonstop diet everyday. I was under the assumption that when I got the band it would be so easy and I would only be able to eat a little and would feel full all the time. That is not the case. I was not good at dieting before the surgery so or else I wouldnt have been as heavy as I was.
I think people need to understand that this is not an easy fix by any means. You will still have to diet every day of your life. So I am not that happy with my band. Why spend $12,000 to go on a diet? Is it working for me, yes to a point. But only cause I refuse to waste that much money so I will make it work. Am I happy, NO it is a constant diet program.