4years banded and still grateful

I realized yesterday that it was my 4 year anniversary of my Realize Band.

I called and scheduled a visit with my surgeon in 2  weeks jut to touch base and catch him up on my life.

overall, I am still happy with my choice and my band.  I have no medical issues other tha tendinitis in my right ankle, but it isActually better than before the surgery since there are 120 fewer pounds it has to support.

I have an active, healthy life for a 55 year old.  I am training with my husband for a 200km (120 mile) walk/hike across northern Spain in 3 months.

i am grateful for the health I have gained and the weight I have lost thanks to a skilled surgeon, great follow up care and a strong commitment to my lifestyle change.

i am one of the (few) lucky ones whose body seems to tolerate the band well and I am going to ride it until the wheels fall off!!!

I am so thankful for a positive oujtlook on the band. I have been reading posts and I am scared now. You made me feel better.

Really not meant to discourage you but your BMI is very high.  Why not set it and forget it.

Good luck no matter what you do

If you're really in the mood to scare yourself, you can check out the WLS Regrets forum and there you'll find people who've had all the different surgeries and came through that with some regrets.

I don't recommend purposely scaring yourself, but I don't like horror movies, either.

Making a WLS choice is a big deal, and most of us wonder from time to time, "Did I make the right decision?" There's no one-size-fits-all, risk-free, 100% effective, guaranteed, completely wonderful surgery available in the USA at this time. And no bariatric surgery cures obesity. Surgery just treats it.

Jean

Like the others I don't intend to scare you ..... But given all options, I would nor choose banding again.

I have had success and luck with mine, but I also believe that it is only a matter of time before I will need a revision of some type due to failure rates of the band.

Please consider all of your options carefully and take heed to those who have had significant health issues that are band related.

Don't be scared but be very aware that the band is a difficult surgery to succeed at. I think even Kath admits she is the exception rather than the rule with a band and even she doesn't advise getting a band if you have an option for something else. The follow up care can be very expensive if your insurance changes and you lose bariatric coverage. Plus the fact that the band is not a life long surgery, eventually it has to be changed to something else, even the manufacturer says that. Just be well informed so you can go into any surgery knowing you are comfortable with it.

I am happy for you.

Congratulations on a job well done!

Congrats, Kath!

I past my 4 year mark back in March and I too consider myself one of the lucky ones.  I don't know what it is about my anatomy that makes me so uniquely tolerant to this band but I am thankful every day for my success and my luck that I am not one of the unfortantant ones that have had so many problems. 

I'm so glad to hear you are doing good and I wish you continued success.