Curious Anyone Banded 5 Years+

[twi 40]

Has anyone on here been banded over 5 yrs if so how are you doing? Any problems ?

[B-52 7,113]

It's funny. I have been banded for a year now.

Many of the people who were here when I first signed on are now gone. There are a few remaining, but it appears people

do not stay around that long.

People come here for support, and I guess after a while there not any support available anymore. Mostly people starting out.

I keep thinking that eventually I will stop also, probably sooner than later.

So, to answer your question, I don't think you're going to get much of a response. But I would be surprised.

[54Shirley 105]

I have been on this site for 6 years, and Banded since 10/31/06.

I'm doing O.K. !

Have had a few hiccups like being deflated, and gaining the weight back, only to have to start again.

I changed Dr.'s believe me.

Most of the people that I new are gone. They were on here, did their research, lost weight or claimed that they failed, and

then have left.. I wish some of them were still around, I miss them.

But,,, it's a whole new bunch to me, and the majoriety of them are good folks. Hope you like it too.

[dfav3412 116]

It's just like anything else, sometimes it is time to move on. People are ever changing emotionally, physically, and new interests take the place of old. I have been banded 4 years 5 months and I am still dedicated to my band and am so greatful that I have it but my interests have changed. Excitement in now in other areas of my life some due to maturity and even some due to my sucess with the band but I always remember my roots. I am doing wonderfully and hope you are too .

[twi 40]

Thanks for sharing!

[Jachut 487]

I've been banded a little over six years. never had a problem in the world until I unfilled it for a big bowel surgery, then it's never been the same over the past year. I *may* have a leak. We're investigating. Note, i didnt say its not working, just that its not quite the same. I've continued to maintain my weight over the past year, but its been a bit more work - I'm hungrier, can eat faster, can eat more. But I've learned a lot about healthy lifestyle and weight management in six years and I've been able to hold it together.

But to me, its no biggie. I knew when I signed on for this that mechanical failure of the band could (and really, would) happen at some point. If I have to have a new band, then I do. That said, the fill I had yesterday has really stuck with me this time, so we think we also may have mucked up the records and I didnt have as much fill as i thought I had.

[prisntwo 0]

I am looking to connect with old timers...banded 3 or more years. I feel that I am getting a little sloppy with my junk food and easy glide food. Gained a bout 7 lbs. I exercise sporadically. I am contimplating getting a fill or just try on my own. I haven't had a fill in 2 years. I wonder if there is even room or how much tighter it will be. Can you tell if the band gets stretched or maybe your pouch stretches after a number of years???

[54Shirley 105]

Well were here. message me and i'll talk to you...

[Cocoabean 430]

I am looking to connect with old timers...banded 3 or more years. I feel that I am getting a little sloppy with my junk food and easy glide food. Gained a bout 7 lbs. I exercise sporadically. I am contimplating getting a fill or just try on my own. I haven't had a fill in 2 years. I wonder if there is even room or how much tighter it will be. Can you tell if the band gets stretched or maybe your pouch stretches after a number of years???

I am 4 years out. I go in about once a year for a tiny fill. My surgeon says a little bit of the Fluid dissipates somehow. So I get about 0.25cc added. He also does an upper GI and esophogram to be sure everything is doing well. He can see if the pouch has stretched during that test. He had me eat a bit of sandwich and then we could see my restriction, and watch it go down. Very interesting!

If you are eating more, or feeling more hunger, go get a fill! That is why we have bands, to help us feel less hunger. At least check in with your surgeon to be sure all is well with your band.

[georgia girl 35]

I have had my band for 4 years and 3 months. It's been a roller coaster for me. Lost a ton of weight the first year, then started having cluster headaches and got put on high dose steroid for 2 months and gained 30 lbs! In 2 months! Crazy. Anyway, never really could get back on track after that. Got depressed and it went downhill from there. Anyway, trying to start over again.

The only "problem" I have had is losing some Fluid. After about a year or so after banding, I noticed I was able to eat a lot more and my fills weren't "staying" as long. They started measuring Fluid every time I went in and I would lose anywhere from 1/4cc to 3/4 cc, depending on the amount of time in between checks. Then they started having me go in every 2 weeeks to measure and get a fill. Got sick of it and just quit going all together. My doctor said I wasn't losing "enough" fluid to prove there was actually a leak. Needless to say, I am looking for another doctor.

My band is still working, just not like it used to. I had also been breaking some rules, so I am pretty much re-training myself to get out of those bad habits. I definitely can't blame all of this on my band. Most of it is me, and I take responsibility for that.

I miss all the "old timers" too! I keep up with quite a few of them on Facebook, but it's just not the same here anymore.