NYdad

Honestly, I don't have enough sick time to cover the revision. Plus I really do love my band. It's a strange thing to say but I really have grown to love and depend on it. I'm pretty sure other bandsters that have had success would understand what I mean.

Well, I've been on my band journey since 2010, I have had success with the band. It has been a constant fight and so many frustrations. Recently after my most recent unfill due to what the dr said was a prolapse I was under the impression I was going to have it removed and converted to a sleeve. We did the swallow study and after this he suggested to refill the band again because everything looked good. I was happy and sad at the same time. Of course happy because I really wasn't looking forward to having surgery. Sad because I knew I was going to spend the next 5 months slowly refilling. I have now gotten 3 refills and I am at 8cc out of a 14cc band. My happy place has always been around 10cc. I of course gained 30 pounds and feel like a complete failure and none of my clothes fit. If you are reading this and you are contemplating band over sleeve, all I can say is what I have experienced. I started my journey at 306 pounds and I managed to get my weight to 198. I worked extremely hard and I worked out and ate fanatically to make this work. After 6 years, I am tired. I am exhausted. I hope to make my way back to 198 again. I am not sure if I have the will power to get their again but I will try. If you aren't willing to work with the band and constantly have it tuned in I don't suggest it. I was looking forward to the sleeve conversion but now that I know it's me and my old friend... Here we go, back at it.

Buffalo general

I am currently waiting for my appointment with my surgeon. My band has slipped and has to come out. The band has worked for me however it has been a constant work in progress. I've had so many adjustments and 1 prior prolapse which was a complete unfill and slowly refill. In short.... The band is a lot of work and I can't help but think the life expectancy of the band isn't so good. Every time I went to the dr the office staff were always surprised that I've had the success I've had and that I still had it as long as I had. The recommendation from my Dr is a sleeve conversion.

And a big thank you Alex for a personal response from the founder of this great support group!

Thanks for the responses, my current weight is 230. 201 pounds was my best weight. Thanks again

thanks everyone. I will have to see about FMLA. so disappointed that my band is leaving... thanks again

Hello, I am hoping some of you can help me get an understanding about recovery time. I originally had my Lap band surgery in sept 2010. I have had great success although I have worked very hard to make it a success. I exercise regularly and had constant fill and unfill when needed. Long story short I went to the Dr yesterday because It was feeling right and he said it has to come out. Prolapse for the 2nd time. He is recommending a sleeve conversion. I am all for the this however, Due to a recent family illness involving my son, I exhausted most of my sick/vacation time. I cannot afford to go out for much more than 2-3 weeks. Is it possible to return to work that soon. I have a job which requires short periods of walking and standing. I do get plenty of opportunities to sit at my desk for extended periods of time. My Dr. says I will be out 4-6 weeks. I know we need to follow Dr's orders but I also need to support my family. Thanks for taking time to respond...

???? I am in the same situation. I found out yesterday my band has to come out.

I have read and heard so many negtive things about the lap band, All I can say to anyone reading this is that It was the best decision Ive ever made. Yes It took some serious life adjustments and the "getting to know each other" period was rough. I stayed dedicated to making this band work. If you read my old post you will know this hasnt always been an easy road. In the beginning I thought I needed to have this band so tight that i couldnt eat anything, well 3 years later and I'm much happier having it somewhat loose. yes I can eat more than some would like but I am controlling my weight through diet and exercise. Its my comfort knowing that If I fall off the wagon and weight starts coming back I can have my band tightened up. Thanks to the assistance to the band I have lost 105 pounds. I started this at 310 pounds and currently weigh 199-205 depending on the week. at first that fluctuation freaked me out but I've learned to accept it. honestly some weeks I work out harder then others. This summer I completed the tough mudder course which was 12 miles of obstacles and running. 3 years ago I could only dream of doing something like this. My band experience- the band works if you listen to your body, put in the additional effort and dont over tighten it. If you get the band and stay on the couch and live the same lifestyle as you did pre-band, You will likely be dissapointed with your outcome. just some extra info to ponder....(you may disagree with this, but it works for me) just one example of one day... excercise for 1 hour each day 5-6 days a week. 530am Running- 1-2 miles each day. weight lifting- 2-3 days each week. dailey protien shake after work out. Breakfast 8am...1 cup of light yogurt with granola added in to help thicken it up. snack....10am hand full of raw unsalted almonds lunch....12noon healthy choice frozen meal 9-11 oz meal snack....2pm handful of grapes or cheese stick dinner... 6pm 10-12oz dinner- chicken or beef or fish and vegetables. I drink dailey- 1 gallon of water-(or more)

sounds to me like you are too tight. I have been to my doctors office so many times to get this thing adjusted that were on a first name basis. I know what you are describing is exactly how i felt when it was too tight. I mean I was good at 10cc then 10.5 was too much. I have a 14 cc band and I started at 306. I am currently 220 pounds. hope this helps

16 months here. was banded 9-28-10

I eat very high protein. I also drink 1 protien shake a day. My goal is 125 grams of protien each day. Usually 25-30 grams of protein everytime i eat. Its important to follow a nutritionist instructions when it comes to intake. This may not be the amount you want or need, depending on your activity levels. As far as your 3oz of solid protien- Are you hungry all day? After you eat are you full? My portion sizes are what my doctor recommends. I see so many different amounts posted on here. I can only speak for what works for me. I found a very informative banded member on youtube. maybe check her out. she has hundreds of videos from food preperation to her serving size... go to youtube and search for banded wendy