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So a banded friend tells me..."I can eat 3 cups of salad before I'm full". Ummmm, yea? My response "doesnt mean you should eat 3 cups". Her response was that we are supposed to eat until your full. No, that is such a false statement. You still need portion control. If I am still hungry after eating, I wait the 30 minutes after eating then I start drinking my liquids. If you are not getting your liquids in every day, your full spot will trick you into wanting more food. I'm sorry, but I just don't think there's a lot of truthfulness about why the band isn't working for some people. I can sit and eat chocolate pudding and candybars and a bunch of other crap, then post my menu and say I'm eating a well balanced diet....that doesn't do me any good. I GAINED 2 POUNDS IN 6 WEEKS BECAUSE I WAS NOT EXCERCISING OR EATING PROPERLY. I was sooo proud of my 31 lb loss that I got cocky and thought I needed to reward myself with foods and treats that didn't comply with my instructions. I screwed up, not the band. Well, since my fill last Friday I am down those 2 lbs plus 1. I contribute that to following instructions. The first and most important process to this journey is being honest with yourself, if you mess up, recognize it accept the consequences (possible weightgain), fix it and move forward. I have only been banded for 6 months, I don't want or expect to lose all my weight in the first year. I don't want to...I want it to come off slow and steady. Does the band work for everyone? No, some have true medical complications, some are just not using it correctly. Some are relying on the band to work for them instead of using the band as the tool it was meant to be. If you follow instructions to the letter, excercise 2-3 times per week, be patient with the weightloss process....the weight will eventually come off. Maybe not as fast as others, or in the first year. It wasn't meant to be a quick fix. Frustration is just an emotion, don't let it consume you or drive you. You have to take the wheel on this journey. So many say if I had the will power I wouldn't have had the surgery...it's not about will power. It's about following instructions. My will power sucked before the band, but I would have never of gotten the band if I wasn't ready to put those feelings aside and just do the work. Got a sweet tooth, then find a recipe for a desert you can have. Be prepared. Have the need for some comfort food, MAKE IT!! But use lower fat and carb options. Its all out there. Yes, some things are a little more expensive, but you won' be eating as much so it will last longer. This is solely my entitled opinon...and I am sure that some will agree, some will disagree and others will feel the need to "set the record straight". That's fine. Just make sure you are honest with yourself before commenting. Anyway...that's my rant. Breakfast: Mocha protein shake Lunch: LC/LF chicken enchilada Dinner: White bean chili Chai tea water with MIO Multivitamin 1 Cor. 15:33 My bible verse for today.

I've had the band for 4 years. During the first 2-1/2 years I only lost 20 pounds. I had 2 fills, up to 1.5 cc but have never felt any restriction. After reading all the stories about PBing and reflux I was really afraid to get restriction and never went back for another fill. Through willpower and following WW, I've managed to lose 50 pounds. Now I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck and am thinking about having it removed during that procedure. I went for an unfill last week and the doctor said the band was wide open and asked how had I taken off the weight. He wondered if I had gotten fills somewhere else. He also said the band was perfectly positioned, as if it had been put in yesterday. He removed 1.5 cc's so now it's completely empty. I've lost another 3 pounds since then because I want to lose as much as possible before my surgery. The band has never given me any trouble but I think that's because I haven't had many fills and have never had any restriction. If I'm not going to use it the way it's supposed to be used, then why have it? I guess I'd rather do it with willpower than deal with throwing up and having food get stuck. Also I worry that the jury is still out on the long-term risk for complications for bandsters, i.e. it's not "if" but "when" something will go wrong. Like a ticking time bomb. Has anybody else experienced this? Kalona

My requirements since I have no comobidities were to participate in an organized multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen of at least three months (90 days) duration meeting all of the following criteria, in order to improve surgical outcomes, reduce the potential for surgical complications, and establish the member's ability to comply with post-operative medical care and dietary restrictions: Behavior modification program supervised by qualified professional; and Consultation with a dietician or nutritionist; and Documentation in the medical record of the member's participation in the multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen at each visit.; and Exercise regimen (unless contraindicated) to improve pulmonary reserve prior to surgery, supervised by exercise therapist or other qualified professional; and Program must have a substantial face-to-face component (must not be entirely delivered remotely); and Reduced-calorie diet program supervised by dietician or nutritionist. I also had to have a psychological evauluation and have documentation from my PCP or OB/GYN the presence of severe obesity that has persisted for at least the last 2 years.

My fear is not the op itself and I am quite happy with the statistics that show a teeny weeny minority of patients have died due to complications........my fear is the general anesthetic. Any overweight person having this has a larger risk of not pulling through. Anna

14 months ago I embarked on an incredible journey. I have struggled with severe depression since my early teens and, like most, I took to eating as a coping mechanism. Throughout the years I have tried many diets. All of which were soon abandoned within the first couple of weeks. Towards the end of 2009 I had an injury and knew exactly what the cause was. The gavel in my mind slammed down. It was time to make a change and change for good, even if that meant taking drastic measures. I had always been against any form of weight loss surgery. Thinking, "Why can’t you just lose weight like everyone else on a normal diet?" I finally caught myself in a huge pit of denial. After much research and consoling with my family; I decided to opt for laparoscopic banding. I knew that if I was to be paying for something this drastic, I would do it right and stick with it no matter what. On 8/9/10 my 10 day pre-op liquid diet began, and my weight was 435 pounds! My surgery took place on 8/19/10, with no complications. I remained on my liquid diet for a total of 28 days. After that I was slowly re-introduced to foods. Having cut out all fried food, fast food, and sweets (I have had NO FORM of rice, bread, or Pasta since beginning). I now love my new diet. Fresh and healthy is a lifestyle I have learned to love. Sure, someday I will enjoy what I cut out from my diet, but I will be way smarter and more health-conscious when doing so. After losing a hefty amount of weight, I was ready to hit the gym! I started a membership in January 2011, and have been dedicated to going at least 4 times a week since. Through the months, as the weight has been melting off, I begin to feel superhuman! Things I have not been able to do since my early teens, I now enjoy and love doing! I will stay true and dedicated to this lifestyle, even after my goal is met. Thank you everyone for your support and love. Life is good. Oh, by the way, I have gone from 435lbs to 244lbs. A loss of 191lbs, as of 10/22/11. Before: After(pic is a couple weeks old):

So Bandster's Hell is just the period you are still hungry until you find your sweet spot? By the sounds of it, I thought it was "hell" as in complications, slipping, or gagging.

I would never believe a zero percent complication rate either, people who leave Mexico and then have complications go to US hospitals for after care. I have very good friends who are from Mexico, she would not go to Mexico for the surgery. Many very good doctors in the US are now doing the self pay options for a lot less money. Dr. Nick has a very good plan for self pay.

Poodles, erosion is a potential complication for ANY sort of medical implant. There is nothing people do that causes it, or can prevent it. There is just an unknown element at play. Of course, it seems intuitively obvious that being too tight for too long would add to the risk of erosion, but there are lots of people who go that route and don't erode. So who knows? Slippage might be more easily attributed to user "error," as you put it. Being rough on the stomach early on, overdoing the eating later on, these things can cause vomiting or other internal disturbance which, again, COULD add to the risk for slippage. But still, there's no absolute guarantee that even if you stick to liquids for two months postop and never eat more than a tablespoon at a time, you won't still experience a slip. There is just no way to be sure. Overall, the chance that you will "lose your band" is in the low single digits no matter what you do. Your personal chances can be influenced by your behavior, but the biggest contributor is just luck.

It is different for everyone. I was given no dietary restrictions nor have I struggled with any foods since my gallbladder removal. I knew someone who would go running to the bathroom after eating lettuce after theirs was out. My doctor said some people have no complications with food whatsoever while others do. So, it is kind of like trial and error. Maybe try a little bit if you are afraid and see what happens.

Hello Michael, and welcome. Wow you have really rallied for a second chance at health and life, and you have done amazing, congrats! You are so very close to your finish line, and I think you are wise to consider banding as a tool to help you achieve your goals. Many obese people have lost weight and maintained that for a while, studies have shown that for many, the most difficult area of weight loss is maintaining their goal for life. Many unfortunately will regain their weight plus more. But now there is Lap Band that can keep us accountable and at goal. I was banded on August 7th and I know without a shadow of a doubt that if it weren't for the band, I would not achieve my goal, and certainly not maintain my loss. I love my band, and would never go back and I would do it all over again if I had to. I had my first fill on Friday, and got 5cc in my 10cc band. I know now how powerful the band is. I have even more control over my weight loss. I've had no complications either. As to you lurking here and seeing many 'stories' of peoples experiences... remember this is a public forum which any one can post. I've seen scammers here, and band haters, and just haters of obese people. If you listen to all advice here, you need to consider the source. I'm not saying the peoples posts you read weren't legit, I'm just saying everyone here may not have a banders best interest at heart. This is where you should ask many questions of your WL surgeon. Maybe attend a local support group and talk to banders in all stages of their journey, so you can see in person how wonderful Lap Bands really are. One of the most important things to remember if you get banded is COMPLIANCE, many of those that fail or complain of their bands have not followed their WL surgeons recommendations. Compliance is key. No doubt that you would do well with a Lap Band, since you have already been so disciplined in your weight loss on your own. The band will help you get to goal, and keep you there. I wish you the best, and a speedy, safe journey to your goal!!!

@@Inner Surfer Girl I agree with the seriousness of getting proper nutrition, especially Protein, post-op. However, I heartily disagree with the "only barrier is mental in almost all cases," I don't know if the surgeon is just exaggerating to make his point or what actual data he is using. My concern is that there are people who will make themselves ill trying to follow that advice and tell themselves that it's a mental problem when it is not. I have been lucky- no complications and a smooth recovery. It took me about a week before I could get in 60 gm of protein and that was fine. Each person heals at a different rate. What worked for me was keeping a log. I used a medicine cup and tracked each ounce of Fluid and protein- with the goal of 4 ounces per hour, initially. I increased gradually and stopped the medicine cups when I could drink more and "graduated" to my son's old peter rabbit cup Good Luck!

http://www.thinnertimes.com/weight-loss-surgery/wls-basics/weight-loss-surgery-comparison.html Above is a chart comparing various WLS procedures. Bypass and sleeve have a higher excess weight loss percentage than banding. They are also a "set it and forget it" procedure, not needing the aftercare that a band needs. On the flip side, they have higher rates of severe complications.

I got a sleeve. Sleeve Pros... Shorter surgery, fewer complications, statistically. Fewer issues with dumping syndrome Fewer issues with vitamin deficiency, anemia and malnutrition. Does stretch a bit (to me, this is a pro, to others it might be seen as a con....I like the idea of my anatomy returning to something that could pass for its original design eventually.) You won't lose as much weight with sleeve as bypass, though.

I am 38 days postop breast reduction & lift...I had the surgery 13 months after being banded & after 80-pound weight loss, 20 pounds to goal. Although I would go back & do it again, I don't want to do it again in the future!!! It is a LONG recovery and I read a lot about many complications on another site that other people have had. I am thrilled with my results, excited to go buy regular sized pretty bras & excited I will no longer have neck/shoulder/back pain from my boobs...I went from a F to a D-DD (not completely sure yet, bcuz I'm still healing & still have some swelling). If you still have a considerable amount of weight to lose, WAIT! You DO NOT want to have to have this surgery twice!!! I did have a TT at the same time, but my boobs have been more sore than my tummy. I am STILL so tired and sore! Wait & it will be worth it!!!

I think feeling nervous is very natural. But please don't listen to people and have them put that fear into you. I would guess that most of these people are uninformed about this particular surgery and probably don't know anyone who died from this surgery. Of course there can be complications, but they seem to be very minimal and considering that it is laproscopic and you are not being open up like traditional surgery, the risks are even less. And it sounds like this Dr. Kelly has done soooo many of these (it seems so many people on here have used him) that he could probably do it in his sleep. Think positive thoughts and realize that the ends justify the means. The truth is if you have 120 lbs to lose you are putting your life at greater risk by staying heavy than you are by having surgery. And if you have little kids imagine how much better it will be to be a healthy active mother than one who is so overweight. I can't wait to read your posts in 6 months and a year when you are saying it is the best thing you have ever done! Good luck to you!

My surgeon encouraged me to choose the sleeve over bypass because the previous hernia surgery is less likely to cause complications with the sleeve. And I'd like to eventually be able to take anti-inflammatory meds again. My mom had bypass 14 years ago and she can't take anything much for her arthritis because anti-inflammatory meds burn her stomach. I don't want to be in the same boat when I'm her age.

This may not be a complication but, I am curious to see if this has happened to anyone else. I am 7 weeks post-op and yesterday morning I pulled a suture from my port incision. A little history on this incision: I did not have any sutures on the outside of my incision--they are all internal. The incision never healed well. I got a localized infection 3 weeks ago and the incision will close, then crack and drain a little so, this incision has never completely healed. I saw my doctor on Friday and he was not concerned. Last night, I scratched one of my other scars (that has been close for weeks) and, lo and behold, another suture had made it's way to the surface which I removed. So has anyone else had their internal sutures make their way to the surface. I know the body does that with foreign objects so I'm not overly concerned. I am wondering this might by why I am still having problems with my port incision completely healing.

this is a very difficult decision. i loved my band and would have kept the band if it was an option for me (severe complications) you really need to do your research, search pubmed for complications to both surgeries, take your complications and how long you had your band into consideration. keep researching and don't do anything till you have decided....good luck Mila

Hi Everyone! No matter which surgery you had, we can always be proud and happy to share our progress. In the WLS Community we have something called the Transformation Tuesday where everyone will post there starting photo and compare it with their current photos side by side. Come back every Tuesday to share your progress and to view everyone else's! __________________________________________________ Attached is my current progress photo. Not all of you know this but I have been battling complications with my WLS since 2/2008 when I was first banded. I was revised to the VSG in 9/2010 and then again just recently to the Bypass on 7/9/2014. Today I am doing amazing. I think I'm FINALLY healed from everything and the going is good. I'm happy to share that I am only a few pounds from goal and my goal size. It's slow going but I think after so much one just realizes that being better than yesterday is really all that matters. <3

OH you poor thing, from the research that I've read and the NUMBERS of complications that my CLinic publish... Band Erosion is like 1% and band slippage usally only occurs IF you are abusing your band... for example if you OVER EAT amounts of food if you progress to SOLIDS too soon Drinking CARBONATED beverages... if you follow the BAND rules of eating you should have a successful journey and weightloss outcome... Can you see someone else for Fills and post surg. follow up??? this Doctor sounds like a goof! Or is it entirely possible that your family misunderstood his comments or took them out of context ???? I agree with the other poster above, call him on it and have him :check his comments: face to face

Congratulations on your surgery and the removal of soooo much skin! That's great The road ahead of you is going to be rough.... I'm 3 weeks out from brachioplasty and still struggling due to complications. Take everything one day at a time. The biggest thing I can tell you is get on some major stool softeners or mirilax now! I've had a huge problem with constipation b/c of being on pain medications for so long. I've never had to stay on pain medications longer than 4 days and here I am 3 weeks out still on them Things are going to be rough... look at the long term results! Keep up the great work!

When I reach 200 lbs. I am having knee replacement surgery and I asked my surgeon this very question and he said Yes, they unfill you and if you don't have any serious complications they refill the band in about a week, taking me back up to my sweet spot. Hope this helps. Best wishes with your foot surgery.

Absolutely zero regrets. I was a band to sleeve revision. It was the best thing I ever did. I had horrible complications, extensive recovery, and I would do it all over again to be living this life that I have today. I'm 15 months post revision and loving life.

My surgeon gave me the option of doing it all at once or separate surgeries. I chose to do separate surgeries because I had the band for 10 years and figured there would be alot of scarring and adhesions and to be honest I was still coming to terms with whether I wanted 85% of my stomach removed. When they removed the band in late September, they spent alot of time removing the adhesions and I will be sleeved and hernia repair in December. I don't think it is a skill level question; I think it is a question of what do you think is the least risk. I suspect that there isn't very good data on which approach gives best results statistically speaking (ie fewer complications) so surgeons are working off their own experiences. for me, this has been good. I have been so hungry and gaining weight, in spite of trying to diet since the band came out. It has really removed any dellusional thoughts of "I can do this myself". It may sound crazy, but i needed that last dose of reality, that my obesity is out of control and I can't get a grip without bariatric surgery.

I had my choice of all three. By pass band or sleeve. My friends had the Rny bypass an she has gained back almost all her weight. A band friends had issues with erosion and others had the port problem. I researched and choose the sleeve. I am 5 years out on the sleeve. Started at 285 dec 2010. Now I am at 164 I got down to 130 at my lowest but looked like a skeleton with skin so I opted to adjust my goal (which I hit). I have since gained above my goal of 150. So I am back on a closely watched meal plan. I take Vits daily just as those with bypass. So there is really not a big difference in the meal or life style after. I did suffer from all the reflux, heartburn an such prior toy surgery. Haven't had any since 2 weeks out. I can eat 4-6 oz per Meal and have never had a issue. I am off all meds and I took about 8 prior to surgery. Regardless of what is Gold standard or not. In my region no one is even Doing the by pass much any more. Due to complications With the stomach that is left inside the body. I always advise research then research again and ask people in your area who have used your medical experts and staff. Get their actual feed back. Good luck. I wouldn't change my decision.