Any lap-band graduates willing to share their experiences...

Hi. I am due to have my lap band surgery in about a weeks time. I wonder if there are any old-timers out there that are willing to share with me their long-term experiences with the band. I wonder especially how it has worked for those of you that are/were diagnosed as "sweet eaters". As a sweet-eater, my surgeon recommended me to have a gastric bypass, but I have not manged to build up the courage for that and I'm therefore opting for the lap-band. I'd very much appreciate if you could share with me how the band has worked for you in terms of weight loss and in terms of general comfort-discomfort in the long run best Kristy

Hi Kristy,  I have been banded over 15 months.  I lost 117 lbs in about 7 months. I have been maintaining for 9 months now.  I am a sweet eater NOW.  I budget my calories to allow myself chocolate every day. I would never have the RNY.  I love food and the band is made to work with food don't drink your calories.  IJust stick to the rules and you will be fine.  NEVER drink when you eat!  Thats the best advice I can offer.  Make sure you keep your body moving and watch your cals. Email if you need anything!  My hubby has a band too, 1 year on Tues.  Down over 100 lbs!  He works out like a maniac! Good Luck Jen

Hi Jen, Wow - I am very much impressed with your acomplishments and those of your husband. Thank you so much for sharing with me your experiences. It certainly inspires to get going and I very much look forward to my surgery. I am so happy for having been able to congure up the courage to insist on what I think is best for me. I hope it indeed will be and that with sufficient self control, the band will allow me to loose as much as you have. best Kristy

Kristy: I had lap-band surgery 2 1/2 years ago.  My biggest piece of advice is to NOT stretch out your pouch.  Everyone in my group who is more than 1 1/2 years out seems to have stretched theirs at least a little.  Those who have consistantly eaten to the point of feeling stuffed instead of full, have been the ones struggling to keep their weight loss off. If you are following the doctor's rules, by the time you have had your meat, vegetables, and fruit, you won't have room for anything else. Once you're a year out and start feeling the urge for a snack, keep your doctor informed so he can help you by adjusting the band.  Being a woman, I know about chocolate cravings!  It's ok to indulge in them occasionally, just don't make a habbit of it. It is easier to not begin a habbit than it is to break one. Try looking for low-carb. dessert recipes for those special occasions when you know you'll want a dessert.  There a lot of good ones out there. Finally, find an activity you enjoy doing to distract yourself.  A craving usually goes away if you can keep busy with something fun for a while. I hope that helped. KimM

Hi Kim Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Much appreciated. best Kristy

Hi Kristy.. Well.. I hate to say it, but I  had lap band 18 months ago and have ups and downs with the sugar.. right now I am really down.. for the last 5 months.. sugar sugar sugar. I am considering a revision (that is why I am online now) Email me if you want to chat more.. Good luck Catherine