just a thought..........since the band isnt working

whats wrong with tryingssomething different?  i believethat if i get unfilled and decide to try weigh****chers it would take an even bigger commitment, but oh yahhhh i wasn't all peachy with the band so yup im gonna get **** for trying to come up with something that could help me out.

 but it won't help you, most likely you will gain weight and the likely-hood of finding that "sweet spot" is unlikely. Ever thought about a revision? 

maria, that is exactly why i do it. i know i shouldnt , i am going to get unfilled

Well -- you asked for an opinion -- so here is mine.

I think that WW is a wonderful program.  I re-joined about 6 weeks post-op and have achieved goal/Lifetime and 11 months of Maintenance so far.

I think that an unfill sounds very reasonable since it appears that you have some significant issues with the band.

I do want to say, though, that from what I read, you have been non-compliant with your band -- so, I would question your comittment to following through with WW and an unfill.

According to my surgeon, once the band has been in place for a long period of time (2 - 3 years or longer), that an unfill does not allow the stomach to just 'pop back' into its pre-band state.

Think about putting a rubber band around a balloon --- when you release it, the balloon pops right back into original shape.

Now, think about putting a rubber band around a pillow -- and leave it there for a while -- when you remove it, some of the original shape comes back -- but there is still a 'dent' from where the band was.

There is evidence that the 'dent' remains in our stomachs, and that in the 6 months of being unfilled, that scar tissue can (and does) fill in that gap.  So that when you go back in and they try to fill you up again, you cannot get the same adjustment.

Please do not enter into this decision lightly ---- make sure that your surgeon thinks that a 6-month 'break' is a good idea -- and also thinks that after 6 months, it will be like you were first banded.

Many people appear to be disappointed because while the band is 'adjustable', it is not really designed to fill/unfill/refill/unfill over and over.

I remember you and your **** stirring posts.

I agree with you in that you should get your band completely unfilled and let it heal for a solid six months or maybe longer. If you continue to experience any problems then please check back with us. In the meantime....step on the scale everyday to make sure you don't gain any weight.

pumpkin, why it is because i say things about the band that arent prasing it to the almighty gods are they **** stirring? why is it that i cant say who things are with me without being a troll, ora hater or a **** stirrer.

not everyones journey with the band is a pleasant one such as mine. and for many it has been awesome an thats great for them

aand as usual ppl get all pissy when someone says something bad about the band... like i said, thats why this place sucks cause most of you are all ppl with problems with the band haters.

I hate the band more then anybody else on this board ( even Nicci and will challenge her to a duel if needed ), so my comment to you regarding "**** stirring " is not about the band, but rather your posting style, which I find amusing.

Many of us have had an unpleasant journey with our bands...matter of fact I'm in terrible pain today because of my band, and my band was removed 6 months ago !

Actually this place has been getting better and better in regards to supporting those with band problems. Kate is very supportive to those of us with failed lap bands and I see she has already apologized to you for thinking you were a troll.

As far as what some bandsters might think in regards to keeping your band too tight....it's dangerous, but I agree with Maria as to the "why" some people might keep a too tight band. I understand it, and I believe that the dangers of keeping your band too tight should be shared with those that keep a too tight band in a non judgmental way.

 Both Pumpkin and Maria have serious band problems, in fact Pumpkin no longer has hers. Both have answered you on here and yet you are accusing Pumpkin of abusing you because you are criticising the band??

Having already apologised twice for thinking your post might not be genuine, I am not going to do so again. But, like many successful  bandsters, I do not condemn or abuse those who have problems. In fact, I tried to help by offering advice. If the advice was not to your liking - fine! Ignore it!

Kate

If you had been spending any amount of time here, you'd see you re barking up the wrong tree. Kate is one of the most helpful vets here and Pumpkin is right next to her in that dept except she is anti-band.  You need both sides and BOTH sides are represented on this site. This place USED to "suck" but it doesnt anymore, thanks to people like them.

well thats good to know then. thanks