cat lady

Amazing weight loss for such a short time......not even a year yet! Congratulations on a job well done.

Wow - 36 lbs down Johnathan.....great job. Did you have to cut the protien b'cause of the gout? How are you doing eating the bread? Any issues getting stuck. Conintued success with your band. You seem to be doing just fine. Thanks for the inspiration. cat

Thanks Kil724 for your inspirational words. I really need to hear that now. You did great, 100 lbs lost in only 18 months. I have been over 200 lbs for about 10 years now and its a terrible feeling not being able to lose and control your weight. You have done great. Keep up the good work. Thank you all for your good wishes. I only hope I can do as well as you all are doing. Will keep you posted. Cat

So sorry for your trouble Amy.....but I too feel all things happen for a reason. Don't give up on the decision to do this. Continue with another doctor in your area and I am sure things will go smoothly for you. Since you probably did most of the pre op tests it should be quicker for you this time. Enjoy your time with your father and maybe he can help you find a new surgeon in your area. Good Luck!

Hi: I also have a BMI of about 36-37 right now. I'm at my highest weight ever about 225 lbs. I know for some this doesn't seem so terrible but for me it feels awful. I was always average size till I hit my 40's and started gaining every year. Lost 10 gained 20. I cannot keep it off no matter what I do. I really feel that I don't overeat that much but I do make bad choices especially with the carbs. Since my hysterectomy in 2003 I've gained another 20 lbs. I need this tool to help me lose and keep it off. I will be happy with being 175 which for some would be too heavy. I am okay with that as long as I can maintain it and help me with my High Blood Pressure and knee problems. Hoping for the best for all of us. Good Luck!

Hi all July bansters: I too have a date for July 25th. I've been researching this for over a year. The last two days I have read some scary things about the band. One lady on this site said she got Esophogeal Cancer from her band. She has leisons that must be removed from her esophogus. She has the band for 5 years and was successful at losing but now has major problems. I know that acid reflux can cause Barretts Esophogus which can lead to cancer. Another lady developed auto immune disease (scleroderma) after 5 years with the band. She blames it on the band also and is on steroids for her disease. Said her husband got it too after being banded. Is it just me or is it possible that the band does cause some serious complications down the road??? Really re-considering my choices here. I worked so hard to get approved and get to this point but now I really don't know. Emailed Allergan who makes the lapband and they sent me all their stats.....alot of medical terms, etc. Any thoughts ? ? ?

So sorry for your complications Robyn.....Not banded yet and very concerned about complications I am hearing on this site. I'm a senior citizen and really don't know If I should do this. I have my date set for July 25th. First I was denied by ins and after my appeal they approved me. Starting to think maybe I should have stayed with the denial. So confused about what to do. cat Robyn: sorry for asking but did your Gastro dr. feel this was definately caused by the band????

Hi all 7/11 bandsters.....I have a date of July 25th. Excited and nervous. I'm much older than most on this site and have researched this for over a year and think it will help me with my blood pressure and knee problems and back issues too. Hope so. A little nervous reading some complications on this site about auto-immune disease after being banded but my doctor assured me there is no connection with the two. Also emailed Allergan who makes the band and will read all the stats. I think I'm over thinking this band ..... I hope I can just relax and enjoy it. Good Luck to all.

Please let us know how you make out after the band removal. Also how is your husband doing with his diagnosis of scleroderma? Is he thinking of having his band removed also or did he remove it already. Are his symtoms the same as yours. Hope you get some relief after the removal.

Thank you Cindy.....you are really an inspiration to me. I only hope I can do nearly as well as you have done. Keep up the good work. Will let you know how I do. Cat

Great Job.....145 lbs in three years OMG. Sounds terrific to me.....do you think u could have done it without the band??? It probably has to slow down with the weight loss bcause you cannot continue to lose so much each year. I'm planning on getting the surgery in July.......if I don't chicken out. Senior citizen here and a bit scared.

Hi all: Just got my date for July 25th......excited and nervous. Waited over a year for my approval and can't back out now after fighting so hard for this. Not a youngster here so very concerned about complications. Just praying all goes smoothly with the surgery. After that it is my job to succeed. Hope to lose some weight and get off some of my medication that is dragging me down. Being banded by Dr. Geiss on Long Island NY.. Anyone else using this Dr. ????

I wish you much luck & success Allison. Keep us posted.

Good Luck Kimmibjones: I'll be thinking of you on the 18th......keep me updated on the surgery.

Hi Mary: I am also a patient of Dr. Geiss. I'm approved by my ins. and have a surgery date for July 25th. Maybe we will be going thru this process at the same time. Saw Dr.Geiss for a second time and he answered all my questions and seems to be an expert with the band. Makes me feel better knowing he has done so many. Good Luck. Johnathan: You are doing great! Keep up the good work. Even though you modified your diet you are still losing steady. Slow but steady is the way to go.

Hey Kay: great job so far losing the weight on the pre op diet. I have not even tried yet. Guess I better start being more conscious of what I put in my mouth. Figured I'll start getting serious a month before my surgery. Right now still enjoying food. will keep in touch.

Hi Elcee: Thank you for your reply. It really made me feel alot better about my decision. I was beginning to second-guess myself. I have waited a long time to do this and hope all goes well. I only hope to have the success that you have attained. Keep up the good work. T hanks for supporting the Low BMI crowd.

Mary: Don't be amazed.....it is very difficult to lose 50-60 lbs. As you are aware that is not the only requirement for WLS. There are also comorbidities and health issues......both of which I have. Please try to understand that obesity comes in all shapes and sizes.

Thank you all for your honest replies. I only hope that I can be as successful as you have all been. I know it takes hard work to lose weight but maybe with the help of the band I can do this too.

Hi Mary: So sorry to hear your story. I am not banded yet and have fought the ins co. for a year to get approved. Finally got approved and had alot of time to research this. I am getting nervous after hearing so many complications with the band. I am 63 years old and need to lose about 50 lbs to be average.....not thin by any means. I thought this would be good for me as I am having trouble with my legs, knees, etc. which I believe is due to the excess weight. I know you are unhappy with the band bcause you have not lost any weight.....but did you have any complications like vomiting, pain, erosion, etc. That is what I am really concerned about. Of course, I want to lose the weight but at my age don't need complications to enter into the picture. I can only say that I am impressed by all those who have lost so much with the band. I don't think they would have ever been able to do it without it. I know I cannot lose any weight on my own but don't want surgery if this thing is nothing but a scam. OMG I really don't know what to do? Any suggestions?????????