Considering Lap Band Surgery

When I go out to dinner with my husband, he'll start saying, "Boy, I'm full. I couldn't eat another bite." And I look down at my plate to see most of my dinner gone...  and I realize that I should be feeling the same. But I don't. And I stop eating because I feel like I SHOULD be full. But I never am.

I'm always so hesitant to write anything negative here.  I am not trying to discourage you, only share my experience.

I, too, have had my band for 5 years.  I feel like it was a mistake. It does not help me with hunger. For the first year-year and a half, I felt full with smaller portions...at times.  Most of the time I was hungry but not able to eat anything except slider foods (cookies, chips, ice cream).  I lost 35% of my excess weight. (60 lbs) and have regained all of it.  I am approved for a revision to sleeve, but after my failed band ordeal, I am very cautious. I am seriously thinking about removing the band and foregoing the revision.  It's is no fun having a failed WLS.  Of all the bandsters that I've met (at support groups, work, surgeon's office),  only 30-40% of them have been successful.  Some studies show this, too,  I have a great surgeon and he did a great job placing my band. My band has not slipped or eroded.  It's just that I was never able to find the proverbial "sweet spot".  I was either too loose or too tight. 

I agree with the person that advised you to go to support group meetings.  You gain so much from talking to people in person. Good luck on your journey.

I want to thank you all for your responses.  I am going to continue to research.  I live outside the Ottawa, Ontario area.  I have decided to talk with my family doctor, I have found out The Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus has a Bariatric clinic, that will do 

complete assessment, and you talk with the surgery about what is best for you.  I am now reconsidering my initial choose of Lap Band surgery, and thinking more about Vertical Sleeve surgery.  I really want to do what's best.  I am really concerned that Lap Band are not a long term solution. 

Again thank you all.

This advice really does help

Nora

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/on/

Nora, did you know that there's an Ontario forum here on OH?  Feel free to join us!