If anyone wants me....

I am on the members list, just PM me.

This isn't a farewell cruel board post, it's just that there is no point coming here any more. Very few posters asking for support of any sort and very few old friends. So I am not going to come any longer. I still use a private board here with some long time friends but I am going to stick mainly to my UK board.

But always very happy to hear from people via PM. I count both pro- and anti- band people from OH as being among my friends.

Kate

Sorry to see you go, Kate.  I think that this board is pretty quiet, but the few posts we get are responded to in a supportive and concerned way, regardless of the topic.  I think also, that the predominance of posts about revision, complications, failure is just an accurate reflection of the direction AGB is going.  

While I'm delighted at your success, I'm very disappointed with the outcome of my band journey.  As you probably remember, I was one of the "band cheerleaders" (according to Maria) and stood firm in my belief that if I followed the "rules" I would probably live out my life with my band.  Sadly, it's not going to happen and the damage caused by my band most likely will preclude me from revising.  In addition, I'm left with a poorly functioning GI tract, requiring dozens of doctor visits, tests and additional medications to manage my condition.  If I had just gotten the sleeve in the first place, I could have saved myself so much pain, $$$$ and anxiety and be off enjoying my retirement, instead of being tied to my doctors.  Instead of spending the month of March in Arizona as planned, I had 3 Dr visits (90 min away) and two tests requiring a half day each.  

While I agree that some posts are over the top dramatic, I think it's good to look past all that and see what the message is.  More and more of us are ending up in the same place...Jean, Lisa O, Dev...the list goes on.  The failed band group is at 694 members today and I get notified 2-5 times per day with new member requests.  The stories are heartbreaking.  The whole reason for creating that group was to provide a safe place to share stories and resources and not be told we failed our bands on this forum.  I joined long before I had problems so I could be aware of the subtle signs that my body was becoming incompatible with my band, and I'm glad I did.

I hope you stay, you're a great person and I wish you continued success with your band.

Steph

Thanks for your kind words. I know I have been lucky with my band journey but i feel more at home now on the UK board I follow. We have successes and failures, newbies and vets, people who love their bands and people who have had such issues they have had to have them removed. But it is as this board was a few years ago. Whatever people post it is supportive and friendly. This board is not as nasty as it was a year or so ago but the trouble is that in the "bad times" people left in droves! And I think it is now too late, it will never get back.

I can't comment on the Failed Band board, I am glad it has helped you. But I was refused entry! I only wanted to sign up so I knew what problems to look out for but apparently being a happy bandster disqualified me!  Pumpkin did tell me to apply again but having been refused, II lost the urge!

I am still in touch by other means with many of those who were banded a long time ago and who became friends when I first started posting on OH. So I will still have my old friends, both those who still love their bands and those who don't! 

I will still see you on Raise Your Glass board.  i am not leaving OH, just this is the last thread for me on this particular board.

Going to miss you Kate.  I'm happy the UK forum is positive.  Hope this one comes back someday.  I check every few months and feel bad for the newbies that do not have the support I had when I started the journey 3.5 years ago.  What a shame.

Amy

AND, you're STILL welcome to join us Kate.

Hi Kate  I'm new to the board.  Possibly you could help me.  I have had my band since August 2011.  I am within 10 lbs of my goal. I'm having trouble getting and staying on a good nutrition plan (that would get me to goal) because my band, allows me to eat little amounts of what I really enjoy. For instance.

a thin waffle for breakfast

taco (from taco bell lunch)

cheese and 2 crackers for lunch

small vanilla cone from Mc Donalds

I'm sure you get the picture.  I never was a healthy eatter. and never had weight loss success. I'm a carb person. Consequently, although, I try to get a protein shake in etc., I find myself eatting the foods I enjoy in very small amounts.  Thus, I have lost 47 lbs.  I started at 189 and now weigh 142.  I would like to get to the high 120's.

I would appreciate some advise.  I think I know what you are going to say. (smile)

Oh, also, I'm considering a tummy tuck.  Have you known of people that have gotten Tummy Tucks and did their bands remain functional etc;

Congratulations to you on your success and thank you for your help.

Janis

Those last few pounds, I can't help from experience as I just kept going and go too thin and had to put weight back on. But I wonder if, given your food tastes (!!) you might find the method I am using to maintain might help as it allows for a slightly(but ONLY slightly) more relaxed approach much of the time.

Buy the Mosely/Spencer book The Fast Diet, 5:2. It has totally taken off in the UK to the extent that far from being a fad diet, a lot of family doctors are recommending it.   I have no idea if all the health benefits have any reality! But I find it means I can eat a much more normal diet (the phrase feast day is totally NOT accurate) most of the time. 

I do know some docs say it is a fad. But the point is that it doesn't rely on cutting foods out, it is simple and easy to follow, it allows you to be much more relaxed. And as we bandsters can't easily have big blow out meals, it is easier for us not to go mad on one meal on the two reduced calorie days.

if you need to contact me, send me a PM. I saw this because I am still getting replies on this thread but I am not looking at any others.

Kate

I honestly don't see the point of the Band Forum anymore. They should just call it "The Failed Band Forum." Oh, wait. There already IS one of those.

It would be ridiculous to ban people with problems! They need support and those without problems need to be aware. No-one has ever been banned for having problems!  You heard wrong!

There are lots of reasons this board is quiet. It used to be so busy it was difficult to keep up with posts but a lot of different things happened.

Some people without problems were aggressive towards those with problems.

Some people with problems were aggressive towards those who were happy with their bands

Threads from here were published on Facebook

Moderation patterns changed

New boards opened.