BugFarmer

Wow, I thought I was the only one who enjoyed having a band... It was not always fun, but I was able to achieve results. It was a great tool. And I am thinking that was what I liked most about my band. After 5 years and 180 pounds gone, I lost my band due to an erosion. Never really had any symptoms other than a long plateau. My band doc was willing to put one back and has done so with a few patients and they have been successful with another band. To get the band replaced, I just had to come back in 6 months. Admittedly, at the time, I was dead set on having another band. My band has been out for almost 18 months now, and I still miss it. On finding its replacement, I have been dragging my feet, saving money, appealing insurance, etc. But most of all, I have been researching. Reading, more reading, watching videos of surgeries, even more reading, etc. What I think was a landmark step for me was to have made was to meet with a surgeon who does a variety of surgeries and find out which one would fit me the best. I had the opportunity to ask why or why not the band? the sleeve? the RNY? I also met with the nutritionists and asked about what she sees in patients during follow up. Who feels the best? Who has good weight loss? What are outcomes like at the 2+ year mark? Overall, which group seems the happiest? I have a bit of regret for waiting quite so long to find another solution, and regret for the more than a couple of pounds I have gained while charting the new course. However, I think this is certainly offset by having done every thing I could to make the right decision for me. I think losing the extra weight will be far easier than trying to undo or being stuck with having made the wrong decision. For me, losing my band was like losing a friend. I needed to take a step back, take a deep breath. Once I was able to do that, I was able to find the pieces to start putting a new plan back together. The result is far different than I would have imagined, but I do feel like I have made the best decision possible for me. The recommendation I have for you is to stick with the Proteins, Water and lots of exercise. Take a step back and once you are ready, start charting the new course. Cheers!