looking to here from long term banders

Had my band 5+ years, no problems.

The best thing about being a long-term bandster is the "new normal".  I eat off a small plate and am satisfied.  Eating protein first and then a little bit of whatever there is becomes standard procedure.  When I go out to eat, I share a couple of dishes with my family and am satisfied and full and everyone has a good time and food is not the focus of what I'm doing.

I didn't really have a lot of health problems - other than being SMO.  But I had reached the place where I'd be huffing and puffing just by walking through the mall.  Now I get out and do whatever I want - love it.

As others have said, the key is research, research, research!  EVERY surgery has pros and cons and you have to be honest (really honest) with yourself about what behaviors you are or are not willing to change.  For me, I'm a volume eater (which is part of what made me a great lap band candidate).  I knew that if I got a RNY, I'd be the one stretching my pouch out in 2 years.  Not because I didn't understand the consequences and want to change but that's who I am and how I eat.  For others, sugars are really the issue and the lapband may not be much help to them (not that all RNY'ers dump) and so on.

Good luck with your research,

 I was banded 3 yearsago, lost all my excess weight and then some (got toooo skinny, a childrens size 12/14) regained abou 12 pounds to bring me to a size 0-ish.  My weight has crept up a bit in the last few months due to medication but at 5'6 and 138- 140 pounds and a size 3/4 I'm still a happy camper with my band!!  I had no issues other than a port that came loose from my stomach muscle and had to be re-attached (allowing me to get the less noticable low profile port).  I go in for my 3 year check up in a few weeks, will have a small fill to bring back my restriction, and try to lose the 15 pounds I gained on the meds.  If not I'm sure I'll do just fine at my current resting place :)

Kari

I'm coming up on 2 years banded, have lost 180 lbs (or a lil more..haven't done the math recently), and have little to no band problems.

I started at 383 and Monday at the doc's office weighed 198.  I can wear a size 16W jeans (a regular 16 also fits, but the W fits my hip/waist ratio a little better) and just bought a size 14 Dress for easter.. it's a teeny bit snug now, but by April it should fit perfect.  If not, there's always spanx.  ::smile::

If you want to hear more about my experience, lemme know.  Right now I must go get ready for the gym.  I eat, therefore I exercise!!  LOL