Does any one have regrets on being banded?

[slim2be 0]

Hi All!

Wow BIGPAPA, good for you and congrats on your weight loss! I too am so happy with my band....it is the best gift that I have given to myself and I thank God it's available. Anyone who reads this thread can see that almost everyone who has written is so happy with their band. Unfortunately, as with all surgeries, it doesn't always go as well for everyone and I'm sorry they've had problems.

Keep up the good work and good luck to you all!

[stevegoad 32]

OK...

I've had really good weight loss so far... and am happy with the way things are going.

But yes... I have regrets. Some big ones.

Some will say it's stupid, but I regret that, being a fantastic cook, I am not able to eat as much as I would like, and that if I do I PB.

I regret that I won't get to enjoy as many social situations in life where food is the centerpiece (I have been judge at some food tastings... there is no way I could do that again).

In essence, while I am very happy with the results, I don't like my band. While I like the feeling of being slimmer, I don't like the stomach rumblings, the gas, the giving up of diet coke, and the general discomfort that comes with it.

I got the band so that I could have a better chance than my father had of living a long life (he died of a heart attack at age 43). I did it because getting married at age 46, I didn't think that 2 years with the woman I love was enough.

I love the results, and I don't regret that I made this decision... but I regret that I got to the point of having to make this decision. It was the right decision, it was a good decision... but no, not a fun decision.

[thatDEgirl 1]

I have had a few minor complications (one overfill which was miserable and now I need my gallbladder out due to excessive rapid weight loss) but I have absolutely ZERO regrets. I feel great, can still eat pretty much anything, just less. I am a runner now...I would have never imagined that.

The band has been the very greatest thing I have ever done for myself...there is nothing that I personally miss enough to *regret* the band.

[TQUAD64 9]

I have heard many success stories and some complications due to the being banded. My question is do any of you regret your decision and if so why? Thanks for sharing.

Hi Gottaloseit, good to hear from you.

I did have some complications while is the hospital. My spleen tore from scar tissue from previous surgies and I had a terrible time with pain management, while in the hospital as well. However, I do not have any regrets.

I knew there could be the possibility of complications and I accepted the risks associated to the surgery. Today, I have lost close to 40 pounds. I am able to exercise now without the back, knee and ankle pain that I had when I was 40 pounds heavier.

My goal is to get healthy, so I can participate in my out-door sporting activities.

PM me and let me know how it is going with Dr. Brodderick. :tt2:

[health4life 0]

No way. I just wished I had it much sooner than I did.

[twiggysmiff 0]

The only regret that I have is that I waited so long to do it and that I spent so much time before the surgery worrying about it. I've had a wonderful experience with my band so far (not counting the 1st week after surgery...that was rough) I've lost 18 lbs since surgery 5 weeks ago and 32 lbs total. I love it!!

[rumpelstilskin 0]

I feel that way. You do the surgery thanking it will changh your life.Yes i'll be healther for it . I do miss the fat man at times.

Edited February 23, 2009 by rumpelstilskin

[miranda robinson 0]

i feel so sad that this has not been a success for you. Have you stuck to the half cup rule? putting hard Protein first, I it is so little food I dont understand how it cannot work, even with a band as a tool?

[nomebug 0]

I am looking to be banded this coming May and have some worries and questions for those have had it done.

How has it taken away hunger? Is the diet hard to follow?

Do you still have cravings or want sugary stuff, do u feel full quickly?

thanks

nomebug:confused:

[smsmithart 4]

YES! Banded on 11/19/08 still waiting to lose anything. I don't eat that much and still am not losing. Wish I never did it. Waste of time.

your still newly banded give it some time ...it took me 4 months to figure it out...and in 4 months i only lost 10lbs i thought i was a huge failure...

now im happy as a clam

[kiz 1]

I am looking to be banded this coming May and have some worries and questions for those have had it done.

How has it taken away hunger? Is the diet hard to follow?

Do you still have cravings or want sugary stuff, do u feel full quickly?

thanks

nomebug:confused:

Hi nomebug. I've been banded just under six months. My doctor gives fairly aggressive fills at first to help get you to restriction, and he's willing to increase a fill in two week's time if you still need more. Some doctors go a little slower, so it all depends. However, if you stay on top of getting your fills at the schedule your doctor recommends, you should get to the point that you are satisfied (full) with the meals that your doctor suggests.

My doctor recommends three 1/2 cup meals plus a snack. Before my first fill, I was eating three just under a cup meals, plus a 1/2 cup heavy Protein rich snack, to keep my hunger under control. I've lost weight, and have felt satisfied all along. My slowest weight loss period was over Christmas when I only lost two pounds.

Now, I'm at my "sweet spot". The surgery leaves a 4 ounce pouch above the band. Your nerves that sends a signal to your brain are at the top of your stomach. So, when you're at a good restriction level, a small amount of food is enough to let your brain know you've had enough.

I was not what you would call a "big volume" eater. I was a snacker and a grazer. I was a little concerned that the band wouldn't work for me, but it's worked beautifully. Because I'm not hungry between meals, food isn't on my mind. I don't crave all the junk. It's not like my sweet tooth is gone, but I just stick to my meal plan and fluids in between, and I feel fantastic.

Of course this required surgery and a big out of pocket expenditure (I was self-pay), but this has been the easiest weight loss I've ever had. I've been on Weight Watchers numerous times, I also was on phentermine with a weight loss specialist, and still, I never lost weight with this much ease. I seriously LOVE my band. :tt2:

[jfc193 718]

My only regret is not having the surgery sooner.

I have not been under 200 for 24 years. The last six months have been the hardest as we moved from the San Francisco Area to the Long Beach CA area as a result of a job transfer.

I have been gaining and losing he same 5 to 10 lbs for the better part of 7 months. Finally I am losing again.

As far as my health is concern I no longer take diabetic medicine. I no longer have sleep apnea and no longer need to be on a breathing machine.

I have gone from a size 56 pants to 38. I have gone from a size 19 inch neck to a 15 1/2.

I no longer have back and knee pain.

I find that walking or jogging give me a great deal of pleasure.

While the journey has not been easy it sure has been worth it.

My biggest advice is to see each day as a new beginning and do not be so hard on your self.

[Ms.Enigma 0]

Ive Been banded since 2-18-09... other than this constant craving for chocolate I have yet no reason to regret this. I read BigPoppas post, and cried. You need to thank the LORD for your will power and perseverance. You should be proud of how brave you are. God Bless you all... I hope all of our progress is blessing our lives one way or the other.

[texasnole 0]

I am looking to be banded this coming May and have some worries and questions for those have had it done.

How has it taken away hunger? Is the diet hard to follow?

Do you still have cravings or want sugary stuff, do u feel full quickly?

thanks

nomebug:confused:

I was banded yesterday. And anyone who tells you that it isn't going to be hard is a liar. But it's something that I think anyone can benifit from if you work hard at it. It isn't a miracle cure by any means, but it will make things so easy for you. I lost 57lbs pre op, and that was hard. I can't tell you how many times i went to bed hungy because I knew that I'd had all the food I needed for the day. But with this tool I can eat half that and be full.

I don't think the diet will be too hard to follow because I've been following it for 6 months already. Cravings don't seem to go away. I was laying in my bed yesterday right after the surgery and the nurse at the desk was eating chocolates ... I REALLY wanted one But in 6 months when I lose another 50lbs and I see how great life is .. I won't want that chocolate.

I think anyone who has this can lose the weight, but you have to really want it. It isn't going to do all the work. Suck it up and change yourself now. I know it's hard but it will be one of the best things you ever did for yourself.

[Irish10 0]

How much did you lose and how long did it take you? I am hoping to have my surgery in March and it is always so feels great to come across such success stories. You look GREAT!