7 Years since I had my Lap-Band surgery

I had my surgery in February 0f 2007 and I lost a little over 100lbs, I was able to keep that off for about 4 years and then I started having REALLY BAD Acid Refulx problems.  I new someone else that had the same problem with acid reflux and the Dr. had taken all the fill from her band and she had gained by a LOT of wieght.  So I was determined I was not going to the Dr....well after 6 months of almost no eating and no sleep, I collapsed and had to be rushed to the hospital and almost had to have a blood transfusion, at that point my husband was your not getting your fill taken out your getting that band removed!  I as like Oh HELL NO!!!!  I ended up having all the fill removed for about 3 months and gained about 30lbs...........as bad as I tried not to when I could eat I did.......so I went back and got two fills and when it reached a certain point the Dr. said that's it, I will never fill you past that.  I have to be very careful about eating to late and what I eat late, so that is a constant battle but I have pretty much learned to control the acid reflux for the most part.    I ended up losing all but 10lbs of the 30lbs I gained. I'm 53 years old and I look better than I have in my life I ended up getting a breast reduction and lift and a tummy tuck.  The only thing that I can really say that I need to do different is to eat more healthier foods, take my vitamins daily and make sure I get the protien I should be getting, I not good at doing ANY of that.  I notice because of not doing those things if I stay realy busy going a lot and traveling I tend to get tired a lot sooner than I used to and part of that is age but part is not taking care of myself like I should.  I'm happy to say that in 7 yrs., I have kept all the weight off but 10lbs and I would do it all again, now I would most likely do the sleeve if I was thinking of having it these days, but i have no regrets at all, so far it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I just need to take better care of myself!!!!

Did you have Acid Reflux prior to the band?  I didn't and when the band was removed the Reflux stopped.  I understand the fear of losing it as I went thru that when the insurance said they would remove it when I was at the point where your DH said get the band out. But, they said no other weight lose surgery as they are once in a lifetime WLS. I choose the other route and it worked best for me.  I did prove my case and got the sleeve paid for.  Good luck with your band I hope it keeps working for you.  

Bravo.

I can relate to what you said. I had some issues and had half my fluid removed, then went back a month later for a small fill and another month later to go back to where I was. I gained weight and was heading for a mental breakdown. I too fought going to the Dr and trying to deal with being tight and the reflux.
4 months later, I'm battling, I feel better, don't have as much restriction as before I went back 4 months ago, but don't have the stuck and reflux issues either. I have to remind myself it is a tool and not a magic spell. I have no regrets either.

I had my lap band done by Dr Brown in Cañon City, Colorado in September of 2008. At that time I was 359lbs. I lost over 100lbs the 1st year and to date 150 lbs and have kept it off. My only problem I ever have is if I eat to quickly or to big a bite and it sticks! I have never had to have a refill and have maintained my weight easily at 205lbs .. would do. again... Ed