new to the group

HI everyone, i just found the website, i am looking into getting lap band surgery. I would just like hear from people who have had it done and if it works for long term weight loss and to maintain weight loss.  thanks

  Hi! I'm one of the "old timers": 7 years out.

did you have lap band surgery? are you maintaining your weight loss?

thats almost funny that you are asking that of Bette, cause she's basically famous around these parts!

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/4349348/Band-Parad e-lets-see-some-pictures/
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/4292436/Need-a-lit tle-inspiration-photo-parade-Lets-do-it/

 INfamous, woman! 

 Yes, I did, back in December of 2003. I have gained SOME weight back (would like to lose another 20) when I had to have my band emptied due to a hiatal-hernia caused slip. My surgeon also replaced my old band while doing the HH repair.

Here are some pics for you . . . 

 It is a tool, not a remedy.  But in one year I am down 65 lbs, have about 100 to go.  I am going slow because that seems to be the way I work.  I would recommend it that is for sure

 
Bands provide the slowest weight loss, the least weight loss, the highest regain, and the most mechanical problems.  Keep in mind that if you have a mechanical problem such as a flipped port, kinked tubing, disconnected tubing, etc., the only way to fix it is another surgery.

25% of people have their bands removed in the first few years.  Least invasive does not mean safer long term.  Banding has as many complications as bypass, just different complications.  Weight loss isn't great either according to studies the band maker posts on their website.

If you want the safest surgery type long term that would be the sleeve.  Far superior weight loss, many fewer risks and complications, no maintenance, no aftercare.

everyone is different, and what works for Patient A, wont necessary work for Patient B.

Do your research about the surgery, and just be honest with yourself about why you became overweight in the first place.

I was a binge eater... totally volume!  I knew the band was right for me because for me, it eliminated the ability to be able to eat a full pizza in one sitting.  Thats just one example, but the point is....   I knew why I ballooned to 330 lbs.  You have to figure out why you go to where you are, and what steps you're willing to take to get the weight off.

I'm 2 years post op, down 104 lbs, with 46 to go.   Its hard.  Yes.   Any surgery you choose will only be a TOOL to help you with the loss.   Its still difficult, no matter what road you choose to take.

Good luck to you!

I am three months post op and I have lost 40 pounds and 24 inches in them three months . I have skipped every single fill and my band is empty the day he put it in me .

I was very mentally  ready for this surgery when I had it done.  I knew going into this that one cup of food is all I need per meal, and I knew that it would keep me happy for three hrs at a time.

I eat 25 grams of protein per meal and I can stay statisfied for a good 4-6 hrs at a time it all depends that time of the month it makes a little harder and I do struggle but it happens .

I lose about 7-10 pounds every 4 four weeks that is when I go and see my doc for a check up .

I'm not perfect i have my slips I had tons of beef jerky yesterday that I made and I made meals out of that instead of a just a little snack and I'm up 2 pounds right now due to all the sodium I have consumed.

That is 100% my fault but I'm not going to sit here and beat myself up over it , it will come back off in a few days and some hard exercise .

I can eat anything I live the by the rule of moderation not deprivation !!  I still eat my baked potatoes, I will eat pizza once a month,  and I will eat out .  I watch how much of them foods I eat, I watch how often I eat them foods , and  when to eat them foods . I dont give up my carbs,  I just havent given up anything just cause I got this done but I do watch and make better choices that is what I wanted and that is what the band is teaching me :o)

I didn't get the band to tell me I cant eat that or this, that is not what the band is deisgined to do , the band is designed to help with portion control and to help control your hunger that is it nothing else you have to do the rest of the work.

I also keep my band on the looser side of things also . 

I am totally pleased with what I'M doing, I enjoy my past foods, I exercise, I drink my water and like I said no fills and I lose nothing less then 7 pounds every four weeks .