I had my band installed December 31st 2007 (Hell of a New Years Resolution). Back then I weighed 300lbs. Over the next year and a half I was down to 190. It wasn't easy. I never went to any support groups and the rapid loss wreaked havoc on my hormones making me a bit unstable. My surgeon was pleased to see someone in their late 20s with a band thinking I will be healthy and have almost no issues.
Sometimes I worry at night. Trying to sleep I find myself terrified of erosion. Before I was terrified of heart trouble from being overweight. But I feel like I can't stop worrying.
During the day, I maintain a distracted life at work. Lately my hours have been 60-90 hour weeks with work provided meals. Due to this I had my band loosened by 1cc last August. I can now eat anything without much trouble. My appetite is strong and unforgiving. My metabolism didn't handle it too well and I'm 20lbs heavier today. I had 0.5ccs added last week, but I can still eat mostly anything.
I'd like to say I was a model bandster, but I'm not. Not even close. Once at my comfortable weight, I found my band as a tool to eat almost anything without gaining weight. I would push it more and more to get more food. Over the last year I gained 10lbs, but it never went higher. I drink carbonated soda, and eat almost anything. I eat slowly depending on my restriction, but it seems to be more lose in the evening. It was because of my inability to maintain control that I had it loosened a bit since the band was a bit uncomfortable.
I want to tighten it back up to a strong restriction and get back to my target weight, but I'm very afraid of my irresponsible side slowly killing me.
The lapband diets are difficult for me. I have major food allergies. Raw fruit / vegetables, shell fish, nuts, all close up my esophagus. Protein products give me the same problem. My wife stocks the house with food for the kids, a inventory I can't seem to steer clear from. I want to feel full, a feeling I couldn't achieve even without the band. I instead feel uncomfortable or regrettable.
I need friends I can talk to. In person works great, but difficult to find in my area.