16 months out and having a few problems with the last 25 pounds

[BeckyJane 2]

I posted this over in the post-op forum, then remembered things over here. Sorry if it is a duplicate!

I'm back. It is hard to believe it has been 16 months since banding! I've lost 65 pounds, but have basically plateaued in the last 6 months. I just got a fill yesterday and am definitely feeling a difference. I started running last summer and actually ran/walked a 5k. Then I developed a bladder problem and that slowed me to a stop. I'm told it is more age related, not weight loss related. Now that its under control, I'm starting back to my exercise. Winter is just not cooperating!

While I haven't loss weight recently, my clothing size is smaller,so I'm guessing in dealing with the weight of muscle compared to fat.

What I m struggling with is a change in surgeon, as mine moved out of state. I within the same center, but the difference in philosophy is creating stress. I think he is basically anti-band and pro- bypass. Anyway, he's telling me that revised stats show only 10% of banders achieve weight loss goals! And that many are having the band removed and getting bypass done because the band hasn't worked. My band has worked, and I know that with a 65% loss of pounds over target, I'm ahead of the stats. But it still bothers me. Have the stats changed? Is the success rate less than we were told two years ago? Are the failures due to those who don't follow the guidelines? (That is what my first surgeon said- that the total stats included tho who drank their calories, didn't exercise, and didn't use the band as a tool to change behaviors)

What are all of you hearing? How are you doing on weight loss continuing the second year? Are you struggling or is it going the way you thought?

[kca1fan 326]

From everything I have read I believe at least 80% of lap band failure is because of non compliance. I don't know how they could ever actually get a true failure rate because as Dr. House says "all patients lie". I believe if we follow our program, eat right and exercise we will lose the weight. First thing I would do is find a new Dr.

[CAROLYNFC 24]

I am having the same problem with losing my last 15 lbs. I have not heard what the doctor told you about the new study. But keep this in mind. The band is a tool to help you lose. That tool has helped me lose 80 lbs and you 65 lbs. I would say that is all you need to know. Keep plugging ahead you will get there!!!

[this sucks 557]

I agree with the other posters...it may be time to find a different doctor if he can't support you on your band journey. I also don't believe his 10% statistic. If this surgery was only going to work for 10%, do you believe that any insurance company would cover it???

I am 30 months out from banding and I'm still losing. I had a stall due to some health issues, but have been back to using my band since August and have lost more than 20 pounds since then.

Keep tracking what you eat, drinking your Water and eating your Protein and start moving again when you can, at whatever level you can. It will kick back in...

Best of luck!

[Sojourner 2,446]

I've also heard such dire predictions from the so called "nay sayers", and also that on average an individual will loose only 66% of their excess weight with the band.

My weight loss has also been basically stalled over the past few months, but I do attribute that to the 2 surgeries I have had since December, 2012. I will reach my first "bandiversary" short of my goal, however also 78 lbs less than I was, and much healthier from a clinical standpoint.

I have little doubt that I will reach my goal, as I know how to work with my band and how to eat a healthy, band friendly diet. The carb addiction which was a major factor of my weight gain is in the past, and I am vigilant to keep it there.

I know from my history, it will be the exercise which will help me reach my goal. It helped me to begin to use a "Fitbit", which helped me see how many calories my activity level that day had burned, and it motivated me to get on track and exercise more regularly.

I still lack the patience to participate in "My Fitness Pal", at least I believe that is

where you log your foods daily. I just try to stay with basic and unprocessed foods, and that has worked for me.

I also believe that motivation for success and maintaining focus on goals are integral parts to successful weight loss.

We will all get to where we want to be weight wise, if we are sufficiently motivated to get there!