How much lost or how little lost and how much time since surgery

I was banded in Feb 2011, and have lost approx 84lbs.  I went from a size 26/28 to a 16/18 (so far).  Thankfully, I haven't had any problems.  Like everyone else, there have been good days and bad days, but when I chose to have WLS, I made a vow to myself to do this, and do it ALL THE WAY.

I was always a volume eater, which is one of the reasons I chose the band.  I also wanted to lose at a slower rate in hopes of not having so much sagging skin.  I work out 5-6 times a week (2x with a personal trainer who is excellent!).  I try not to go more than a day without a workout, and I vary my workouts.  I believe this is a key factor in my weight loss.

I'm not sure how much fill is in my band, but I've only had 2 fills since February.  I can pretty much eat anything I want, but I try not to go there for fear of opening the flood gates.

Getting the band was the best decision I could've made for me.  All the WLS are good ones, and all have potential risks.  I don't believe in bashing any of them, and I don't believe in telling anyone what they should do for themselves. 

What I will say is, just keep doing your research and ask your doctor as many questions as you can - not only about the surgery itself, but about the post-op life as well.  And going to a support group is very helpful.

So many on this site have helped me out many times, and for that I'm so grateful.  The mindset is the most challenging through this whole journey, so if you get freaked out, you may want to be choosy in what you read.  

Good luck!
~ Barbara

Thank you for sharing.   I know it's going to be a lot of hard work no matter which surgery I chose.   Rita

HI!  I had my surgery 9/6 and I'm down 16 pounds! So far so good!

There is no "normal" weight loss with the band. You can expect to lose around 1-2 lbs. per week. Some lose faster, some move slower, some just don't move for what ever reason. Many get along with their bands wonderfully and some have nothing but problems. You have to decide what risks/potential problems you can live with. You have to decide what hassles with fills, trouble tolerating some foods, etc. you can live with. You have to know that as Jean M. says, the band does about 20% of the work, after you reach optimal fill level, you do the other 80%. It is a lot of hard work, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Investigate all the wls types, both the pros and cons. Read independent research studies, read posts on the discussion boards for the different wls, then make your decision. Remember, most insurance companies have a 1 surgery per lifetime rule, so you can't change your mind. If your insurance company doesn't cover lap band fills take that into consideration, too. They can be very expensive and some people are very sensitive making them have to get unfills, as well. There is no real rush to decide. Take your time so you won't regret your decision.

My surgery was May 4, 2010. I lost to my goal of 63 pounds in 5 months. I had lost 21 pounds prior to surgery, and nothing for nearly 4 weeks after (inches dropped). I eventually went about 5 lbs. under goal, looked horrible and have gained to about 6 pounds over goal. I would like to drop about 4-5 to give me some some playing around room. Maintenance is the hardest part! I had never done it successfully before so it is all uncharted territory.

What ever wls you decide on give it your all out best right from the first day. Learn to live a new lifestyle and you will find that it will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself.
Good luck!

 2.5 years, 220 lbs.

I do my part, the band does theirs.  It's a partnership.  

The band doesn't drag me out of bed and to the gym..  I have to do that.  The band does remind me (gently) when I've had enough to eat.

Good luck on your decision.  All WLS have their good & bad points.  Investigate all of them and decide which limitations you can best live with.

I had my surgery Feb 2011 and I have lost only 35 lbs.  I've been trying to stick to the diet and excersise, but the weight is taking forever to come off.  If I had it to do all over again I think I would have the sleeve done.  Good luck in making the right decision for you...

On my second anniversary I lost a total of 152 lbs.  I still have 50 lbs to go.  I went from a size 30 to a size 16.  My BMI was 54 now it's 30  

Band works for some and doesn't work for others...but I think that's the case for all surgeries.   

I lost 115 lbs in the first year with the band.  For me the band has done what it was meant to do.  It helps control hunger and limits the amount of food I can eat per meal.  However, I made the decision to be very strict with what I ate and really changed my habits regarding what type of foods I ate.  No junk food, very little simple carbs, very few sugary sweets, etc.  While I didn't exercise strenuously I did make a conscious effort to move more than I did before and did walking, curves and Wii fit at least 3 times a week.

I have maintained my WL within10-15 lbs for 2 years but I haven't lost the last 25 lbs I want to lose.  I want to get below 200 lbs but if I don't it's o.k. because I am healthy, wear a regular XL, size 16 and morbid obesity no longer limits what I want to do.

My advice?  Capture the momentum of the first year.  Change what you eat as well as how much and move more than you did before.  I think it gets harder as time goes by, but others have taken a different route losing weight slower and over a longer time with the same results, so everyone is different.

If I had this to do over I would have seriously considered the Sleeve because there are no adjustments necessary.  Fills and unfills are a reality of banded life and it can get tedious.

I highly recommend you check out the book, Bandwagon.  It was written by one of our fourm memebers Jean M.  You can order it directly through her website:  [email protected].  It's a great resource for anyone considering WL surgery, especially the band.

Best of luck!

Lisa O.

I love my band. I'm into size 18 from 22-24 and lost 50 lbs since dec.2010. I used to think about food all the smae and what the next thing I was going to eat. With the band I use the tool as it was meant to be, There to memind me to eat enough to satisfy me. You have to change your mental attitude about food. The band doesn't change what you eat. You have to do that. During my journey I have learned alot about the band and continue to improve my thinking. I would like to lose 50 more lbs. by next summer and that would be my goal weight, but I know I have to eat small portions and not too many carbs. Good luck with with decision.

I lost 130+ lbs in the first year (from my heaviest).  I went from a size 24/26 to a size 6.  I have the realize band, not that it makes a whole lot of difference.

Some will say not to weigh daily, but I did and I made sure I continued to loose weight and adjusted my intake if it started to stay still.

I have maintained my weight w/in 2-3 lbs for the last year.  I love my band and would do it again a million times over.

Good luck...