Anyone 4 or more years out with a lapband?

I was wondering if there is anyone out there 4 or more years out with the lapband?  If so how is the experience going?  Is the band still very effective for you and have you had any complications with the band?

I will be 4 yrs this 12/23 and I know there is an 02 vet on here going strong. I maintain my wt of 125-128 easily. My complication has been mild gastritis/heartburn, which I treat with protonix. Feel free to visit my OH blog!

Here is Mona U. an 02 surgery vet!  http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/monymony/

Julie, Thanks for passing the info.  I read the profile and I also read  your profile.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/a,messageboard/action,replies/board_id,5357/cat_id,4957/topic_id,3468215 Here is a copy of a thread on the DS forum from  Zsflower...she's had the band since 02 and use to work for a Lap band surgeon...apparently she's had severe complications and is seeking out a revision. Scott

The person you mention was scheduled for a RNY.  I told her she should look at the DS.  She is not BSing.  She is honestly seeking a revision.  You guys need to stop shutting people down over there!!!  It is sickening already.  Why do some of ya'll believe that people who do not have the DS are there to do something  negative?  It is sad to have to be suspicious and paranoid about people all the time.  Some people don't have the courage to stand so they give up. I don't have the DS and I've sent many people in that direction - many.  The only reason that I could do that was because I was informed - let people continue to be informed!!!  You will hear nothing fowl from me about the DS.  Praise God that you all are healed from obesity and the ailments that are connected.  Praise God my friend. Your Big Ugly Mouth friend who claims to be nice to those truly wanting information said that it appeared that I was trying to collect some Lab Rat data when I asked for info the other day.  Guess what, she did not contribute to what I sincerely wanted to know - others did.  No sweat off their backs.  They helped me.  Life is like that.  You'd like others to like you and even when they don't you'd like them to be happy - that's me.  I believe that every move that I make dictates a move on me - the movement of energy into the universe and its return to its source. The Dark Side is getting down right scary.  I don't care if you do have cookies there.  I've lost my sweet tooth  in the laden darkness. Best, L

We've had a rash of people on the DS forum recently asking lots of questions, not for their own personal use, but to write books, or for their surgeons.  It's one thing to post questions to gain information for your own use...it's another to have the appearance of doing that but to be using those same answers for personal/professional gain. This particular person was a former advocate of thelap band, and worked for a surgeons office, her questions would lead anyone to believe that she was asking for a surgeon....not for her own self.  No one shut her down, but we simply asked why she wanted the info.....I personally do not like to be a lab rat for anyone without my express consent.  I do not like my words reprinted in books for peoples personal gain without my consent, and I certainly do not shut anyone down that is trying to seek sincere information. Honestly, perhaps you should consider rewording your post, because you've just attacked one of the greatest groups of people on the internet.   The "dark side" just collected over 2000 dollars plus a ton of presents for one of our own, who is having severe complications after a RNY to DS surgery. , Some of the ones you are calling ugly and big mouthed...were the spearheads in that collection....and actually started to sell some of their own homemade crafts to raise even more money so Lyndia and her family can have Christmas.  If you don't like someone on OH, there is a block button, please use it.....insulting people is really a bad karma. I'm sure not everyone likes me....I tend to be a bit of a loud mouth myself....but hey, you can't be liked by everyone....the most important thing is that you like yourself. Scott

I'm thinking one person in particular and yeah, she is downright nasty to some people and there is never an excuse for that.  I didn't make her that way so I am not guilty.   There are plenty of wonderful people on the DS forum but me calling a spade black isn't an attack just a fact!  Sometimes when you are part of a group (please do not thing that I am say "the Renegades" - please! - I ain't startin' **** - ok!) so when you are part of something sometimes you can't  know what it is like not to be part of it.

Scott you know I thought you and I were "cool".  Obviously, we are not and don't need to be but as we both have agreed, we can't be liked by everyone.  That doesn't mean I don't wish you well.  I don't even wish things on people who I feel have done me wrong.  Life has a way of frowning upon you on its own - ya know? And you write the book Scott - you get together with other DSers and tell your story from your perspective.  You all have so much knowledge.  Don't worry about someone stealing knowledge,  share it.  No one can have your experience - it is yours.  No bariatric surgeon knows what is like to live specifically through what an individual has.  Your knowledge is golden. I wouldn't care if someone took some of my words for a book; especially a book or an article that would be of benefit for someone who was experiencing a suffering that I had endured and conquered.  I have infact submitted my experience with the Band for publishing.  The credit that I've gotten for it has only been in my heart.  I want someone to know that they are not alone. No apologies - been there, done that, and will do it again if deemed necessary.  It isn't now. Don't know Lynda nor her story.  I certainly would have contributed had I known of the necessity. Bless the "Light Side" for embracing her and making her Christmas Special. With that I am out of here. Good Day.

Leila...I don't have any issues with you...I don't know what would make you think I do.....at least to my knowledge I've never said anything negative to you.......I will however question why you are bringing this topic up here?  I mean this is the WLS grad forum, the OP is looking for long term post op Lap banders.....she's not interested in the DS forum (overall) and the dramas that have popped up there recently.   As for being a "part of something"...i love the people on the DS forum, most of them are like family....and it's not a bad thing...we generally tend to stay to ourselves...and get eachothers back with a lurking troll enters the room....thats not a bad thing.   What you deem an attack, might just be someone defending themselves.     Again, I highly recommend that you edit out your post...because it's very offensive. Scott

It's unattractive to keep patting yourselves on the back. The best giving is done without fanfare, and touting your own virtue all over the place.  There are many people who frequent this site who give when it's needed, and don't feel the need to put up a post about it every day for a week. (  Every day for a week an exaggeration?  Probably, but not by much)