5 years + with lapband and happy

[Julie norton 2,850]

Though I would throw this title out and see who is satisfied 5 years + post op. I'm unsure how many of us there are. Many sleever conversions, but looking for bandsters still keeping their band.

Personally, I am 8+ years, and keeping the Fluid low has helped me to not reject the foods I like and depend on.

Wondering how others are doing years out? Please post if you are in this group, no matter how it is currently going.

Thanks.

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Please post, veterans! We newer banders need to hear from you. Great topic, Julie.

[Bandista 7,466]

Thanks, Julie -- a good reminder about fill level. I may have to have an eensy bit removed. Went for a fill a few weeks ago after months at the same level with a little increase in appetite/portion sizes, but now think it may have to come out again as I am experiencing some early reflux symptoms. Barely, but enough to concern me as I am so conservative. I have to keep reminding myself, even now: the Lapband is not about restriction, the LapBand is not about restriction.......

So many long-term banders have moved on since LapBand Talk merged and banders are such a minority. The few who have major axes to grind keep them honed so sharply -- I don't think they know cutting it is to those of us who elected band and are working it with success. That creates tension unnecessary fear. I don't want to have to defend my choice; I'm here for mutual support. I'm really glad you are here! You are very inspiring in so many ways......

[B-52 7,113]

Will be 5 years soon and still going great.....most days don't even think about it anymore, just live every day like any other day. It all becomes second nature and routine....

I prefer my band tight enough to restrict me from overeating....that was my problem before surgery. Could not control my appetite with no self control or discipline.....in other words I could not follow any prescribed diets.....

Sure there are foods I will never eat again, but in return I am NEVER hungry, and when I do eat my portions are controlled....IMPOSSIBLE to overeat or indulge......It just doesn't get any better! Very Easy!

To me it is about restriction...

Diets are the thing of the past, so is the fear of ever being over weight again.....

(BTW, the foods I will never eat again, were food groups that are good to eat anyway and should be avoided.....pastas, breads, meat, etc....so it's all for the good...)

And I agree...the people who I followed when I first came here, are all gone. There is not much reason to stay, and I often wonder why I still log on.....maybe because it reminds me from where I came and where I am now....my daily NSV I suppose.

Every-time I do log on, I click "New Content" under Lap Band forums, and all the posts in the Lap Band section are comprised of people with the sleeve or types other than Lap Band!!!

[Sharpie 3,306]

Good to see some positive posts on lapband. I do not come here as often as I used to because I can't take the constant negative posts about lapbands. But, I refuse to give up or give in to the Debbie downers. I am now 2 1/2 years banded and I have had a good result. My health has improved 100 %, I do not stay on a diet like the old days. I eat pretty much what I want but have things I cannot eat. I don't miss things like pizza and hamburgers. Thanks for posting your success.

[LessOfMe0503 157]

@@B-52 The reason you should stay is that you have become the person you used to follow. The student has surpassed the teacher and what not.

I am being banded Aug 4. I am completely comfortable with the decisions I have made and my reasons for doing so, but i still need support. I come to the Lap Band forums but leave when all I find is people putting down the band- that's not what I need. I need to hear how you cope with whatever issue is being discussed. I need to hear your good AND your bad.

So for all of you who are banded, please don't go! I'll even break into the old 80s song if it will help!

[2babutterfly 483]

Been banded 7 years now. And I can't imagine where I would be without my band!!

Sw 314

Cw 200. Am I where I really want to be? No,, and totally my fault. I've been keeping my band a little loose. I plan on going next week for a small fill to start losing again. Best decision I ever made was my band!!

[catfish87 3,471]

6 years post op with no band caused problems for me! 46 years old, NO medications, NO pains. Very happy living and enjoying my NORMAL life

I attend support group meetings where all surgeries are represented. I'm here to tell you, from what I personally see.....I'm still thrilled with my surgery choice.

[gerio 37]

Was banded Dec 2006 love the band. Only problems I have had are my own fault, like eating chocolate late at night and getting reflux because of it. Makes me aware of what and when I eat.

Band has allowed me to be very active. So far this year I have biked over 1,000 miles and completed a 100 mile ride for charity. Resting heart rate is below 50 due to all the exercise.

I know without the band reminding me of where I was I would still be there. So grateful for this tool to help me control my appetite.

[lisacaron 5,075]

Great posts everyone!! Support is so important even for those of us that have been banded for a number of years. We all are experiencing different things as we go through our lives, and sometimes we experience similar things so it really helps to share our stories both new and veteran bandsters there is always something new to learn about what another might be experiencing.

[fitme 4]

@@LessOfMe0503 I get banded on Aug 5. I'm excited and never doubted my decision until I started reading some of the posts on this site. I have noticed that a lot of people are saying that they are being revised to the sleeve due to complications and there's not enough people on here to reassure the newcomers that the band is as wonderful as we felt when we chose it. I'm so glad to find people that are satisfied with the band that I can ask questions and express my concerns and get feedback that is supportive and not coming from a negative outlook.

[LessOfMe0503 157]

I'm glad to see people satisfied and happy too. I feel good about my decision to band. I used to 2nd guess myself when people would come on the lapband board and bash it, but now I just get a little irritated. I get it. It doesn't work for everyone. However, when I go back to the reasons I chose the band over sleeve or bypass, those reasons are still valid.

[catfish87 3,471]

@@LessOfMe0503

@@fitme

Congrats on your decision to improve your life!

As I mentioned earlier in this topic, I often attend support group meetings where there are every type of surgery patient's in attendance. I see people ( even some I consider friends ) who have had Sleeve and bypass surgeries who are as big (or bigger) than pre-op. Not to say every band patient is 100% sucessful either, but at least we have another option except being told to diet.

You'll see people on this site who get on here and say things such as "my surgeon doesn't do lapbands anymore because they don't work", yet EVERY one I've personally contacted ( and I have contacted several over the years ) tell me quite the opposite. I'm sure there are bariatric surgeons who don't perform band surgeries, but the reason isn't always what is thought. This site used to let you see each person's surgeon, experience level, etc....not anymore.

Best wishes!

[meggs353 118]

I'm so grateful for this post. It's so reassuring to see long-term successes!