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Also another note about revisions to the Sleeve, I am not confident about the Sleeve yet, Band to Sleeve revisions don't do as well as virgin Sleeves as far as losing weight, some do ok, but MOST DO NOT. Also I read a study lately regarding a 5 year study for Band to Sleeve revisions and it was heartbreaking, very low weight loss rate and VERY HIGH Vitamin deficiency rate especially with Band to Sleeve patients, that worries me about revising to the Sleeve, they remove part of the stomach that have vital vitamin B nutrients..... Also the reflux I hear can get over bearing that causes similar bile reflux that happens with the lap band slips -- at least you can remove the band or fix it, the only cure with horrible reflux with the Sleeve is to revise to the Bypass... I am just not ready for the Sleeve yet --- Here is the long term study.. http://www.medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/Obesity/40490

I agree with this study and it is VERY TRUE. I love my band and want to keep as it long as I can, but I am not living in a "bubble" and ignoring FACTS. The thing is ...why those STATS of failure long term is so high, many people use the band the opposite of how it IS suppose to work. I NEVER kept a too tight band for long periods of time, my surgeon used the Pars Flaccida method 8 years ago, my band never did slip...BUT...my pouch got dilated VERY QUICKLY after being too tight for about 1 month, but -- I guess you can argue that the 4cc bands were more prone to pouch dilations than the AP bands are...reason that surgeons no longer use them in the US. But there are still many people are still doing well with their 4cc bands, and have had no issues, BUT -- MANY STILL HAVE REFLUX that is controlled with PPi's and Protonix. I had heartburn from DAY 1 with my old 4cc band and had to be on PPi's for over 8 years. Since I've gotten my new AP band -- no heartburn or reflux at all, and I don't need to take Protonix...also I had a hiatal hernia repaired that I don't believe my first surgeon repaired...so there are so many variables on why complications occur. But -- one of the biggest mistakes and will occur with ANY band -- 4cc or AP, you cannot keep it adjusted too tight, in the red zone for long periods of time and not expect some damage to the esophagus or other issues. Also, constantly vomiting puts pressure on those sutures and they can come loose from the band, I've seen this reported this too over the years. -- A few stuck episodes (Pbing) will not cause damage, but if this is done repeatedly daily, it can damage either the esophagus and the pouch, you actually don't have to be too tight to cause band damage, you can vomit daily to cause damage too. Ideally, most lap banders SHOULD be able to eat moist lean meats of about 1-3 oz per meal, if and a few bites of soft veggies per meal that average about 1/2 cup to 1 full cup and sometimes 1-1/2 cups of solid food per meal, THAT IS THE GREEN ZONE. Restriction will never be the same each day, some days most bandsters IN THE GREEN ZONE can eat a bit more and sometimes a bit less, depends on the ebb flow of the band and what is going on with them personally. Also this still does not keep complications from occurring, events in the stomach, or other issues can cause complications, so nothing is full proof, but staying in the green zone most of the time, and avoiding vomiting, will lessen the chances of band complications.

Exactly! They are yet ACKNOWLEDGING what I am saying "is true" but don't like the tone of my posts...LOL.... Never listen to my tone, I would never lead you the wrong way....my tone gets over the top because I've seen people lose their bands over and over again over the same issue, when it can be easily avoided. So I guess if we could get that color to match...we'd all be happy!

JennyBean you are going into this with your eyes open and knowing the pitfalls of banding and how to avoid them, and how to use your band wisely and I am hoping you have a very long successful banded journey.

It does not cost a dime to just get up and walk around your neighborhood. I lost over 100 pounds and never stepped inside of a gym. I simply got up every morning before work at about 5am, and walked about 30-minutes to an 1 hour each day and lost weight quickly with my band. I think *I* lost weight on my own and my band helped keep my weight off with smaller portions, that is the best way, that way you don't have to depend so much on the band and so much on costly gyms. I own a treadmill now and use that when it gets cold outside, so there is more ways to skin a cat and keep weight off. Good luck.

Ah...another newbie AGREEING with a poster that says she can't eat meat, but I wonder if HER SURGEON knows she can't eat meat? Let's see...over on OH, there is a FAILED LAP BAND board -- with over 1000 lap banders, many whom have already revised to the Sleeve and Bypass, and no longer can get rebanded after removal, due to either esophageal damage, or slippage AFTER about 3-6 years post op. Their biggest complaint before the band damaged their bodies or slipped? "they never could eat meat", but refused to get saline removed until it way way too late. So sure, everyone experiences will be different depending on how much saline is in their bands and how tight they are. Good luck!

Glad to hear you are feeling better! Band issues can feel horrible when they happen. I had a hernia repaired last year, old 4cc band removed, and new AP band put in all in one surgery. But I did not have slippage or horrible complications, just some discomfort of back pain where the hiatal hernia was pushing up against my esophagus, but I never had any vomiting or eating issues with my old band and I feel like a new woman with my new band...NO reflux or vomiting -- or back pain, yet with this new AP band and I am close to one year with the new band. I had scar tissue too, we all develop it after any surgery and the band creates a little more, my surgeon had to dig out lots of scar tissue and adhesions before replacing my new band...it took about 3 hours for him to remove my old band and my repair hernia, and place the new AP band system...and honestly I had no pain and my recovery was a lot better than my original first band...I guess it all depends on the skill of the surgeon...

Don't be afraid, but cautious and take this time to learn as much about the lap band as you can. Many newbies come here and don't realize it can take several fills before they get into the green zone. Some never researched their surgeon, complication, revision rate, and aftercare, THOSE are the most important things you need to worry about right now, your surgeon is your first defensive against complications, NOT what you really read on these boards. Many people come here when they are in trouble, or not following rules, etc, or not doing their homework on how the band works, many don't even have a post op plan of nutrition, exercise, or have a clue of what they are suppose to do, they are just waiting on fills and the band to "automatically work". I got the band because it was the safest of ALL weight loss surgeries, and it can be adjusted or removed if necessary. My band gave me my life back, and changed my life, I lost over 130 pounds with it and kept that weight off for many years, my band DID ITS job, but I also worked my band by following rules, seeing my surgeon when needed, exercise, etc.... The band just like ALL surgeries comes with risk, losing weight and getting healthy outweigh any potential complications for many people. Realizing the band is a tool, and not a miracle wand and knowing upfront what you have to do will lead you to a successful band journey... There will probably be bumps in your journey, nothing is perfect, but again don't focus on complications, focus on working your band following the rules, learning what the green zone is and staying in it throughout your banded life and you should not have many worries.... Things can happen without your fault, the band can erode, you can develop a hernia, your body my reject the band, but these things are VERY RARE.... Most of the complications with the band are preventable and not serious, and can be treated and managed as long as you follow up with your surgeon timely. Again research your surgeon, learn how the band work, go to seminars, meet others in person who is banded, seek someone to mentor you if you are feeling scared.... I've had two bands, I am almost 8 years post op, loved my old band and love my new band, I developed a hernia last year in my 7th year, had the hernia repaired, old band removed and new band put in all in one surgery and I was in good hands with a very skilled surgeon.... I would do the band over and over again, if necessary every few years as long as I don't have horrible complications and my insurance pays for it. Good luck!

I gotcha ...and get what you are saying...but I guess I've seen SO MANY lose their lap bands, I've coached newbies, followed their journeys on OH (another site) over the years, seen the exact same issues, over and over and over again, and then they disappear into the night...and come back about 4 years later bitter...getting their band removed...bashing the band, etc....this has not been ONE person.. but.MANY... So maybe I am shell shocked when I see someone heading down the wrong path to lap band destruction and other newbies egging them on -- And who am I? the big bad wolf raining on their (too tight parade) because right now they don't have reflux, they don't have heartburn, they don't have horrible burning in their body and screaming for someone to rip their bands out because it's so uncomfortable to live with... BUT all this misery can be avoided ...and it can be easily avoided....at least a PREVENTABLE complication....and other newbies egging them on because they all too have too tight bands and the scale is moving for them....so right now NO ONE will convince them they they are wrong...as long as the scale is moving for them... So maybe you are right, maybe my delivery is a bit harsh...sometimes when you say things with roses and peddles...many think the consequences are not serious...I've just seen so many go bankrupt because they could not afford or find a lap band surgeon to remove their band after it damaged their body.....I try to scare people straight..but apparently that approach does not help... So you are right and I rest my case now.....

You look beautiful! Congrats on your long term success.

And you are right, why should I care about newbies? I did not pay a dime for my first band, and I did not pay a dime for my second band, I lost 130 pound pounds kept it off for a good 6 years...regained 50 last year.... Lost 30 of that this year, have great health, and now I am rocking my clothes again with a brand new band...so I guess I will just lurk most of the time and pop in with new pics....and avoid any "help" type posts...LOL....

Hmm...suggesting ways to prevent vomiting with their bands is not telling them how to eat, SOME people may want to know how to avoid vomiting with their bands....I could care less how tight someone keep their band, however I honestly get sick and tired of people bashing the band and blaming the world for their problems, when all they have to do is take precautions and learn how to live with their bands, but that still don't guarantee problems, but it sure can minimize them. Removing a lap band can cost between $15,000 - $80,000 depending on how severe complications are, and where they live, and some people may not have insurance to get the band removed....this can be catastrophe for some if they have to pay cash, so some people may want to know the good, bad and ugly about the band and what they are getting into.. AND FYI...I have a brand new AP band, it's in my signature....I don't lie about my lap band status.... My lap band did not SLIP, nor did I have any esophageal damage after 8 years and it did not have to come out, I developed a hernia, and in order for me to get my hernia repaired my surgeon had to remove my old 4cc band because they do not unbuckle like the new bands do without destroying the entire lap band system, so I had to get a new AP band...so there ya go hopefully you learned something new today. And *I* decided to get it replaced and I am very happy I did so, I love my band and want to keep it another 10 years if possible... Also edited to add: I've never had any food intolerance or vomiting issues with my old band and new band...I am grateful for that. But I've seen others suffer with not being able to eat solid food and frequent vomiting and suffer band damage from it. Although I love my band and I am not stupid or naive enough to believe it may last a lifetime, I DO know that it has a very high complication rate, some of it patients fault, some of it no aftercare, some of it medical reasons from no fault of the patient, but there ARE PREVENTIVE COMPLICATIONS...like vomiting daily on a too tight band. Here is an article on the band complication rate, I don't have time to dig up studies...but there is a pretty high complication rate, but most of the complications are not serious...that was one of my reasons for rebanding.... I feel lucky and grateful to be able to get another band, many are no longer candidates due to severe esophageal dilation from being too tight too long. However, I still can develop another hernia down the road, who knows.... http://abcnews.go.co...ory?id=13187452

Congrats!! You've come a LONG way baby!

My secret reason was to get revenge with my ex-hubby and look hot in my clothes one last time before I died...and wear bikini panties....at least in front of my own mirror..LOL....

I only speak the truth......and I guess you can call me a lap band expert...I've been there done that and seen it all, researched every possible complication ...I've even educated my surgeon at times ...they just install the band and don't live with it....we do..LOL

You don't have to be an expert to know that if you vomit your food daily with the lap band eventually something bad will happen...just saying...you can google the consequences of that...please don't be in a lap band bubble pretending you don't know..I've just seen and heard it all for over 8 years.. Be grateful...you won't hear it from me anymore.....I hope not to see you in a few more years as a band basher...remember I warned you.....

A bit cocky are we? Let's see how cocky you are in about 5 more years.... Sure let the surgeons figure out the EXTREMELY HIGH complication rate of the lap band, and some newbies will think ...Oh...that will not happen to me, I can use my band as I please...and nothing will happen..... Or oh..she had the old band and outdated technology, or her surgeon did not install it correctly and I can vomit and keep my band as tight as I want it....this makes me laugh as I type it. FYI...here are some lap band complication stats..if you think that I am just pretending to be doctor..lMAO... http://www.ncbi.nlm.... And by the way...no more preaching and help from me on this subject...I will let the newbies dig their own ditch...SURGEONS don't care if your band slip, they will get paid just as much to remove it...they work for you, if you say filler up...and vomit daily, they don't care, you will be the one paying for another band or getting it removed...please remember that.... Peace out...no more warnings from me....

Enjoy your weekend! Occasional treats don't sabotage weight loss, it's the everyday sabotage that hurts. I've found that whenever I take a splurge I see the scale go down, sometimes it shakes up a stall.

Exactly! Most people DO eat a variety of food and don't vomit because their bands are not too tight, if you have difficulty eating most foods, this indicate you are too tight, if you are chewing your food well. My point was some foods are difficult to eat when you reach a certain restriction level, if you can no longer eat the foods that you WANT to EAT, MY POINT WAS remove saline for you to eat them, bread, rice and dry chicken is a NO NO with most people in the green zone, and should be eaten with caution. But most can eat these same foods if they get creative even in the green zone, for example, if I toast bread I can still eat a little in the green zone, if I eat very moist chicken I can still eat in the green zone, if I eat a very little rice with lots of sauce I can eat it in the green zone...THAT is what I meant by being creative and learning to eat the foods you like that will NOT cause vomiting in the green zone. Ideally if you want to see the scale move, you should focus on eliminating white carbs, like rice, sugar, bread, flour.. Of course many people eat all foods, I do when I've gotten to my goal weight and maintained, I eat anything I want and balance it out with exercise. The goal here IS TO PREVENT VOMITING every day with your band which WILL cause complications if you throw up every single day. I could have avoided your post, but it may be educational for others who care about their band, some here may say that what you are experiencing IS NORMAL, but it's NOT, AND THEY ARE PROBABLY NOT OVER 6 YEARS POST OP, problems don't start to happen until about 5-6 years out. I am 8 years post op and have seen it all, I just HATE to see newbies eventually lose their bands, I've seen too many lose their bands over the years, from trying to eat too much on a too tight band that causes vomiting, I am here to help, sometimes, it's not what many want to hear.

` Nothing you describe is "band friendly food" why are you trying to eat rice? It will not help with weight loss, and rice is one food that causes vomiting and severe stuck episodes because it sticks in the pouch, and most importantly it's a white carb. Most lap banders have a hard time eating dry chicken, chicken has to be moist or it has to be dark meat, you have to stick with food that will not cause vomiting, if you plan on keeping your band for a long time. There are MANY ways to eat chicken with the band that does not cause vomiting, you can bake it, put it in a crock pot, etc. All the foods that you mentioned is not really recommended for band eating with a restricted band, aka...bread and chicken breast, etc....if you want to eat those foods, you need to remove saline, and if you want to keep your restriction and lose weight you need to be creative, and eat band friendly food that will not cause you to get stuck and vomit.

You are looking for your band to stop you from eating, it's not designed to do that. Sorry but it seems like you are TOO TIGHT ALREADY, you can't get down but liquids for Breakfast, and mostly lunch, and you want the band to restrict you to liquids and two bites for dinner too? You are looking for a miracle, the band is a tool, be grateful that you have the restriction that you have and work with it, before issues start to happen, because your band is too tight based on what you are describing. If you can eat ANYTHING at dinner, eat healthy veggies and Proteins, I am sure you probably cannot eat broccoli and a piece of grilled chicken. The band is not about restricting you to liquids and junk food, its job is to restrict healthy solid food and keep your hunger at bay, if you are eating two bites of food at lunch (sometimes) and nothing goes down at breakfast but liquids, this sounds like you are already teetering in the red zone. This is why they call it the green zone, which can range from a bit tight to a little loose some days.....Restriction will NEVER BE PERFECT, and it will vary day by day, depending on what you eat, how much you eat, and your body, ebb and flow, there IS NO PERFECT WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY.

I've heard about missing saline,I've had that happen to me also over the years and turns out, sometimes what people don't realize is that the port is suppose to "self close" after a fill, and "sometimes" you may get BAD FILL, where the port does not close properly and the saline will slowly leak out. Also remember, and the nurse SHOULD be knowledgeable about the lap band to know it does not matter how much saline is in your band, but how you feel, the numbers don't matter whether you are in the green zone, it's ALWAYS how you feel. If I were you, if this keeps happening, where you keep mysteriously losing saline, I would get a second opinion and find another surgeon's office that will fill the band properly. Also, if the fluid comes back reddish or not a clear color that usually indicates a leak.

Honestly, from what I've seen over the years, MOST people who get wls that are married, are doing it to get thin to leave their spouse, not saying you are doing that, but many do. If you have a very strong relationship and love your husband and he is assured that you are doing this for your health and not 'vanity" and to search for someone "seemingly" better, be careful, because that approach only back fires. Perhaps your husband is genuinely concerned for your health and well being the reasons he may did not want you to get the Sleeve, and more comfortable with the band, that CONCERN IS REASONABLE, because you can't reverse or turn back your stomach once it's gone and maybe he is more comfortable with you getting the band since it can be removed if something goes wrong. Also remember, you are doing this for YOU also, and if you feel you need a 'tool' to help you get healthy then it's NO ONE's decision but YOURS and YOURS alone, it's your body, because you will have to deal with being responsible for your fills, exercise, nutrition, aftercare, etc,-- this journey is definitely not EASY, so hopefully once you show him, it's not the easy way out, and you truly love him and will stick with him through thick and thin, I am sure he will probably be your biggest supporter! And he will be very proud to be your husband, so go for it and good luck.

Most people have some discomfort after surgery with the lap band, but not enough to be totally miserable all the time. Some have buyers remorse ,but the good news is...you have the lap band and not the Sleeve or RNY or DS and you can always get it removed if you are not happy with how you feel, if you had any other weight loss surgery you would be SOL, and no turning back. Please make sure that you are sipping your liquids very slowly and don't progress your diet no more than what's on your surgeon's dietitian list. Also nausea can mean you are dehydrated, and if you try to sip cold liquids you may not be able to get enough Water down. And most surgeons give their patients anti-nausea medications. Also if you are constantly burping, you may be trying to take gulps, you have to sip very slowly and NOT cold liquids like milkshakes or smoothies, hopefully you did your research on the band before you got it. Sometimes not following your post op diet plan can make things worse and actually cause a complication. Also if you are feeling discomfort while lying down, many use recliners, or sleep on the sofa, sitting up with pillows until the pain subside, and walking, drinking room temp liquids and NOT anything cold, and slowly sipping will make things better. You also need to ask your surgeon for PPi like a Prevacid for any acid issues and other pain meds, if all the above I mentioned does not work, something else is wrong with your band, and if it persists longer than a week, you need to let your surgeon know, -- but it IS NORMAL to feel very sore for about 2-3 weeks post op, your body has been through trauma.

Most people feel some discomfort with their port especially in the weight lost phase, the port can also shift poisitions if you lose a lot of weight and get more noticable. To minimize any discomfort, wear loose clothes that does not squeeze against your port, and don't lift very heavy things at least the first year, and sorry I have to say this...but keep your sexual positions in a way that it does not put pressure on your port area especially in the first year. The further out you get the less of an issue it becomes at least for most. If the pain gets unbearable, or the port area gets hot, red or swollen, please call your surgeon.