I'm a "Long Term Success"

If you define success by how much weight I've lost in the last 3 years...95 lb!  I followed the rules, kept my band loose and have lost 25 pounds since having my band emptied 11 months ago.  Sounds good, doesn't it?  I would post pics, but since OH overhauled their site, my uploader is disabled and they cannot figure out how to fix it.

Now for the flip side:  I can't eat most of the time.  I've lost 3 lbs in the last week, not because of restriction, but because of achalasia .  It's hopefully going to improve once my band is removed, but if not, I may need an esophectomy.  Look it up.  I know several others who are experiencing this 1:100,000 people complication and they all have or have had bands.  It's debilitating, painful and life-altering.  It's progressive.  If you are researching lapband or gastric sleeve surgery, insist on an esophageal manometry test, especially if you have a hiatal hernia that needs to be repaired.  It might save you years of misery and tens of thousands of dollars.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophagectomy

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000267.htm

I too was a "long term success, 3.5 years".  I lost ~50 pounds the first year.  I was the centers "perfect band patient".  I attended all the support meetings and follow up. I did ever single little thing I was told as I was determined to be one of the ones that beat the odds given to me.  I was doomed from the start and didn't know it as my body was not going to allow it.   During the third year of having the band, while it was being emptied I lost all the regain plus a few more for about ~60.  As they would empty the fluid, it would slowly tighten back up to liquids only.

Now with the sleeve, I just wish I had been able to have done this the first time around.  If revisions lose slower and are more at risk, I sure would have kicked butt with a virgin.  I just packed up my band low cloths.  All I wanted from the sleeve was to get back to were I had been with the band. (42% EWL which made me a band success.)

Whoa.  scary!  no perfect system is there.  I am 2.5 years out, lost 70 and can't get past that.  bulging esophogas to boot.  

Good luck and to your good health.  I have so much to think about!

I lost 25 after my unfill 11 months ago.  

I feel for all of you. I've been very lucky. When I'm too tight I get an unfill. I am not happy about getting an un fill but I get it done for safety. I've had my band since 2007 and I've had my ups and downs. I can honestly say without my band I would be a very unhappy person right now. I have lost 90lbs with the band. It did not come easy. Most of the time I hated it, but this last year, I've come to appreciate that it has helped me maintain my weight and has got me healthy and well. I know there are a lot of complications out there with the band so I know it isn't the perfect choice. Good luck to you all.

Hey, I have a question :) I am not considering Lap Band, but I noticed something you said and I didn't understand. I am kind of between RNY & Sleeve (leaning more towsrd RNY). You said insist on Esophageal Manometry Test, especally with a hiatal hernia. I have a hiatal hernia & have had an Upper GI done (where they knock you out & stick the camera down the esophagus. Is this proceduce kind of the same as what you're talking about ?? Thanks !!!

No, it's where you're wide awake and a narrow probe is threaded thru a nostril ( lidocaine gel is administered nasally) through the throat into the esophagus and stomach.  It's taped to your nose, once positioned correctly and you swallow small amounts of saline  when told to.  It measures pressure in the esophagus and contractions and is the only way to detect asymptomatic esophageal dysmotility.  It was described to me as similar to swallowing a zipper, but didn't hurt and was mildly uncomfortable.  My GI doctor told me that within his peer group, no bariatric surgery or hiatal hernia repair without this test, since it affects decision making as to which procedure should be done.

Ahhhhhh ok, Thanks !!