Calling all "seasoned" bandsters!!!! pre bandster searching answers from the wise.

[bandster_1007 1]

I will be banded October 18, 2007. :whoo: i know that this is a new procedure, so there aren't a lot of people out there who have had theirs for several years.:faint:

Please respond with how long you have had your band, whether or not you have had any major complication, your rate of success, and whether or not you still have your band.

This site has been so helpful, i have already resolved a lot of my fears, but this one is still lurking. i would love to hear from those of you "seasoned" ;)bandsters.

[Wheetsin 714]

Answers below in blue.

Please respond with how long you have had your band, Going on 18 months whether or not you have had any major complication None , your rate of success Rate? Hmm... good+? Not sure how to rate it, and whether or not you still have your band. Still have it

[juliegeraci 7]

Hi there. I have been banded for 16 months. I have lost 62 lbs out of the 100. So I am considered an average loser at 1-2 lbs per week. I have not had any major complications. One time I couldn't hold down solids so with a slight unfill I was okay. The surgeon said that sometimes the stomach wall can thicken around the band tightening it. I do have a little nauseau from time to time so I take Prilosec. I just started on that today. Other than that, I love my band. 40 more lbs to go!

[GayleTX 1]

I'm 18 mo out.....no complications at surgery or since other than some acid reflux (a slight unfill fixed that). I've lost almost 160 pounds, my diabetes and high blood pressure and sleep apnea are gone altho I still need to lose another 40 lbs or so. I can walk and drive and smile again. :clap2:

[Chickie 15]

I will be banded October 18, 2007. :whoo: i know that this is a new procedure, so there aren't a lot of people out there who have had theirs for several years.:faint:

Please respond with how long you have had your band, whether or not you have had any major complication, your rate of success, and whether or not you still have your band.

This site has been so helpful, i have already resolved a lot of my fears, but this one is still lurking. i would love to hear from those of you "seasoned" ;)bandsters.

I have been banded almost 32 months, I am yet to have any complications, major or minor. I would have to say that for me, banding has been a 100% success. And I am still banded.

Banding is still fairy new in the US, but in Australia and Europe, bands have been placed since the early 90's. I know of at least 2 bandsters who were banded close to 10 years ago who are still at goal weight, and still have bands.

[Jachut 487]

I have been banded for 22 months, have had no complications, only 3 PB's ever, and would say banding is a 1000% success for me - last week I wore a bikini on the beach on my holidays and looked absolutely fine in it - at 40 that's not bad!!!

I am fit, healthy, can eat any foods in moderation and no longer think about food or obsess over it like I used to. I was able to go away on holidays, eat what I wanted, enjoy eating out, I ran ever day and came home to 73kg on the scales - still losing VERY slowly but I now have an normal BMI.

[Rastis100 0]

I am being banded on the 3rd of October, and yes I still have some very nervous moments. Reading these responses I am really excited that I only have 4 sleeps to go now. The support from this site is FANTASTIC!!!!!!

[socalgal3 4]

I've been banded 15 months. I experienced a slip. It didn't respond to an unfill, so I had surgery to reposition my band in January. I have lost 80 pounds and I am very happy with my progress. I love my band and hope to have it for a long time!

[bandster_1007 1]

thank you for sharing your experiences. if any one else has good long term effects, please share.

it's like i have a whole new "bandster" family, i try to talk to my dh and my mom about the fear that i am having, they don't really understand because they have no way of relating. this is my only source of information. thank you so much.

[suzannm 0]

Been banded since February 2007. I've lost 81lbs. It's been interesting. After 1st fill I wasn't restricted, but boy after that second one....restriction kicked in and it's a whole lot different than post-op swelling. Sometimes I get a bit burpy and sick if I don't chew well, if I don't take small bites or if I eat too fast. As far as complications...NONE. Things are going pretty well. Love my band.