Hi! Remember me? I see a few faces I recognize from 7 years ago!!!

Wow...I can't believe how long it's been since I logged on to OH!

 

 

Hey gorgeous! I remember you...good to see you, I hope more long timers pop in more often, I am trying to get my goove back, it's tough but doable....

Same here! Great to see you!! You look good.

I can't believe I've had this thing 7 years!!

I will have to check in often...

I know you had some babies, I know they are as cute as their mom...I hear many have issues with reflux after pregnancy with their bands, sometimes it may require repositioning the band. ..Wow 7 years , it's been a long time, going on 8 years for me, I had my band replaced about 6 months ago, I started to have some burning after I had eaten some salsa and chips while on vacation last Labor day weekend, I had gotten a recent fill about 6 weeks prior and the pain got worse and did not let up.

After several tests, I learned I had a hiatal hernia that was causing the chest pain/reflux and coughing, that was the first time I had issues with my band and the symptoms did not let up, I did not get my band totally emptied, but I got most of the saline removed and I still had the back burning and pain.

I was thinking about just removing the band altogether and do nothing, I researched the Sleeve as an option, my  previous surgeon suggested that I revise to the Sleeve, but after researching it in-depth I decided against the Sleeve due to high incidence of Reflux and GERD and burning and risk of long term Hypoglecemia. I can't stand pain or misery so I did not want to risk getting a surgery that I can't reverse.

So...I changed surgeons and got a second opinion and he told me that he would try to salvage my old band and fix the hernia if he could, but when he went in, my hernia was deep down buried in adhesions, so he had to end up replacing my old 4cc band, repairing the hernia and installing the the AP lap band system all in one surgery.

I did not really have much pain, my recovery was much smoother than my first band surgery and I no longer have reflux or take PPi's and I am grateful for that, this new band take a lot more saline than the older bands. The older 4cc bands are no longer being used in the US due to being more prone to slippage and dilation.

This new bands feels softer and easier on my body than the older band, but the older band I felt very tight restriction quicky, it takes time with this new band to start feeling restriction, but I now have a good amount in my band, I have not yet PB'd or slimed with new band and I have great restriction so I am happy about that, but I still get occaional back pain, I am thinking I am still not totally healed from my hernia, but I will take it one day at time, but overall I am very happy with my new band.

If I ever have to get this band removed, I will not get any more weight loss surgery, this will be it for me.

If you need to stay on track post more we can help each other regardless if we keep our bands or not.

Well I admire your ability to stick with it and persevere Naomi. You have been very faithful to posting here and I think that is a key to success. Especially for maintaining weight.

My aunt recently got the sleeve and has lost a good amount, but said she has done it all on her own through dieting for the most part.

My weight never gets really out of hand, and though I fluctuate up and down the same 20 pounds over the last 5 years, it's not to the extreme of qualifying for another surgery. So I have come to terms with the fact that I might stay curvy and a few pounds over "ideal"

Thanks for the support, you've always been so positive it was so much fun back in 2006-2009 then when the band board was more positive and we all had the moral support of losing weight..the band bashing took over the last few years and ran a lot of people away, I am hoping by me posting will bring more of my long lost friends back if they see I am posting often.

Yea sometimes the longer we get out, we get complacent and forget about the rules and the weight creeps up, but it seems like you are doing good overall, I am happy to hear you are still doing well, I use to have over 350 friends here, but I deactivated a few years ago when the band bashing got out of hand, and I created a new account and you were on my friends list too.

Yes, I am a warrior and never get up, you have to keep at it, I am trying to turn this board back around to being more positive and hopefully will slowly bring people back, it does not matter which surgical tool we choose, the bottom line is that we are here to support each other and get healthy.

 

Hello..

I remember you. I had a leak and now a hernia so am deciding if I want to get re-banded or switch to the sleeve. How are you doing? No problems with the band?

 

Hey there Donna!

 

After baby #2 I started having reflux issues for the first time whenever I tried to fill it back up. So I've done the last 5 years on my own. When I get a tummy tuck I just want it removed.

My weight fluctuates, but not as high as it was pre banding. 

 

I was looking at my "friends" list the other day and saw your avatar........was wondering how you were doing.  So good to see you!!

Hi Melly! Great to see you too dear! How is the revision...do you like the sleeve?