Size of abdomen and waist

I had lap band surgery about 18 months ago and lost 40 pounds in about six months.  Since then it has been a struggle and I have gained 10 pounds.  My question is even though I lost weight all over the rest of my body, my waist line and belly didn't seem to go down.  In fact it sticks out very large and is very firm at the area of my actual stomach.  The other people in my group who had other surgeries are wearing waistbands with buttons and I am having problems with elastic. Is this normal?

I don't think it has anything to do with being banded. Maybe genetics. But you never know, I would ask your Dr next time. Could be something else. Hope all is well and good luck!

Since your stomach is actually kind of tucked behind the bottom of your ribcage I doubt it is from the band. I'd say it is probably just the way you are shaped but if it concerns you feel free to ask one of your docs, it could be something else causing it. We all lose in different areas and sometimes in the oddest areas so you just may be unlucky that way.

Thanks for your replies.  Before I became so overweight, I had a nice waist line and not this hard place here in the area around the surgery area.  I guess I am just shaped this way and need to loose 40 more pounds to see a difference.

I think I know what you mean.  My stomach seems more protruded since surgery.  Infact where the top hole from the lazer is seems to stick out.

We are all so different!  Good luck to you!

That is where mine really sticks out and is very frim.   Thanks I need luck.

Unfortunately, I think it is just body shape.  Once you lose the weight you have just a hanging skin stomach so it is still there.  At least that is what I have experienced.

Maybe if you are young enough it might go back flatter but mine didn't.

Is there any pain? If so you need to check out the failed lap-band forum.  She stated a similar thing and it was an infection. If no pain, I agree with all the above posters.

Sometimes I do have pain, but mostly not.  I think the other posters are probably right.

When I gain weight I put it on in my midsection. When I lose weight I lose it in my butt. Not fair! I haqve found that to a small extent going low carb helps me take it off the middle sometimes, though. Mostly there is nothing to be done.