Failure? (X-Post)

I was a member on this site several years ago, but have gotten out of the habit.  Actually, a lot of things related to getting my Lap-Band in August of 2007 are no longer "habits".  Admittedly, I haven't been the best WLS patient.  I started at 284, and lost 60 pounds in the first 8 months, and not another ounce since.  That loss was purely through restriction and diet -- no real exercise initially.  My question is this:  Since I have maintained the weight loss for 4 years, is it still considered a failed WLS because I have only lost 26% of my excess weight??

I'm curious for personal reasons (considering revision in the near future), but I'm also writing a paper for a class and would like to give some real-world examples and arguments.

Thanks for any input!
Sonja

Oops - my percentage posted above is wrong... I never claimed to be a math wiz!  I have actually lost 41% of my excess weight.  My goal weight is 140 and I still have 84 pounds to go.

Sonja

I wouldn't call you a failure. How many people, without WLS, lose 60 pounds and maintain that loss for 4 years? 

This!

Very much a matter of opinion. I don't consider getting WLS and remaining MO to be successful, but that's just my opinion.

How do you feel about it???

 i don't think your a failure at all losing weight and keeping it off is a sucess no matter how much you lose and the lapband is a tool and we must work it.  Mostly the lapband helps us mind over matter if we don't wrap our minds around our band and follow the rules and be a good bander then its not the bands fault.  I have not been a good band patient either and just got back on the band wagon so to speak and am starting to lose again and you can lose the rest of your weight if you set your mind too it.  to be successful i don't think you have to lose all of your access weight .I think the band helps us change our bad habits.

 
~ the lapband is a tool and we must work it. ~

I am so sick of hearing this! What a bunch of B.S. *SOME* get a tool when they get the band. *MANY* do NOT!

~ am starting to lose again and you can lose the rest of your weight if you set your mind too it.  ~

Yes. That's true. She can. But WTF does that have to do with having the band?! If she loses her weight by diet and/or exercise ALONE..................then why did she need the band to begin with.

STOP BEING JUDGEMENTAL! Stop telling her what SHE needs to do and what SHE is doing wrong instead of addressing the issue that her band is not working for her!

I think you are a huge success in my eyes. To lose 60 pounds and to keep it off for four yrs that is a awesome job so I wouldn't be selling yourself short at all !!!

If you didn't have the band you could be the 60 pounds plus alot more right now .

You was a huge success before and have admitted you ha vent been the best band patient which we all fall off track been there done that . Why are you considering a revision then ?

You have done so well and I think if you got your mind back into the game you would start losing again unless there is a medical reason why you need to revise .

I have been banded about a year and half now and some people think I  haven't been successful because I have only lost 70 pounds .  Well the way I look at it is I would probably be close to 400 pounds and I would still be smoking 2 packs of smokes a day so even though I have lost slowly (and like you I am not the best band patient either ) I still think I have done good .

Yes, the lapband is a failure.

You lost and maintained 60 lbs.; the claim for gastric banding is you only lose 40-45% of your access weight, so I think you're right on target.   I don't think its a failure. 

If you go through with the revision, then I wish you tons of luck!!

Keep in mind, there are always exceptions to every rule.  Some folks lose all their access weight and some never lose any--or very little.  I just came back from  a 7 night cruise, and lost weight!  I love the band!  Maybe you should have an adjustment before going the route of a revision.  Just a thought!

Good luck with your paper!!