Lapbandster

Yes exactly,
For me, the barium swallow exam showed zero problems and I was worried that insurance wouldn't cover removal since "everything looked perfect".
But then I told the doc that I was feeling discomfort, tightness, throwing up at times, and had some reflux. Insurance covered it and I am so relieved. Having the band removed has been the best thing I've done in many years. I literally feel like I'm walking on clouds! Such a large weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Hey everyone!
Haven't been around here in a while (mainly because I couldn't stand the negativity- But that's a whole other topic for a different time )
Just wondering out of curiosity- Do any of you have weight loss surgeons that are morbidly Obese?
I have seen two surgeons (one did my LB surgery and the other one i switched to recently because he's closer to where I live so he has been doing my fills) and both of them are morbidly obese! I don't judge at all, I just find it sort of funny!

Hey everyone!
Haven't been around here in a while (mainly because I couldn't stand the negativity- But that's a whole other topic for a different time )
Just wondering out of curiosity- Do any of you have weight loss surgeons that are morbidly Obese?
I have seen two surgeons (one did my LB surgery and the other one i switched to recently because he's closer to where I live so he has been doing my fills) and both of them are morbidly obese! I don't judge at all, I just find it sort of funny!

Hi all!
Soooo my story started a few years ago (I think 6).
I was morbidly obese and felt disgusting. HW was about 244 lbs (and I'm only 5 feet tall!!). I didn't have the willpower to lose ALL that weight on my own and began to realize that I needed help.
My mother had RNY a few years earlier and, while she DID lose like 75% of her excess weight, she never looked healthy to me. She suffered with anemia and Vitamin deficiency, never worked out, had very saggy skin etc.
When deciding on a bariatric prodecure I felt attracted to the lap band due to its reversability and low operating risks. The first surgeon I went to was VERY pro the LB- in fact I think he only performed this procedure. The second surgeon I consulted with was vehemently against the band and strongly advised me against it. This was years ago when then "anti band" sentiment was just starting.
I ultimately decided on the lap band because I'm a nervous person in general and wanted the "easiest", lowest risk, and most reversable procedure performed.
The surgery went well and there were no problems. I was able to go back to work within a day or two.
I've heard some people say they have a "love hate relationship" with the band. For me it was a "want to love, yet fear relationship" meaning I WANTED so BADLY for the band to work. But I was constantly afraid of it slipping... Or eroding.. Or food getting stuck (in public!) ... Or suddenly feeling tight when traveling and I didn't have access to a doctor... Or not being able to afford the fills and fluoroscopys... Esaphageal dysmotility, distended pouch... Etc.
My doctor had a strange way of doing fills. Unlike using fluoroscopys to help me find my "sweet spot" he would just put in the needle, fill the band, have me sit up, chug Water, and then release some Fluid. Once I felt the water go down he would remove the needle and tell me that im in the perfect zone.
Boy did that cause issues! Getting lukewarm sink water down is simple... But getting in Proteins and/or veggies down was much harder! I was constantly running back and forth to the doctor for fills/unfills (which wasn't cheap or easy! He was located 1.5 hours away from me and fills we're $50 plus insurance copay. So i was constantly taking off a half day of work and shelling out $80 for this.)
When I'd see him he was thrilled! After all, I WAS losing weight... And getting fitter... But it sadly it had nothing to do with the band. I was just too ashamed to admit it. Rather, I worked out every day, ate under 1200 calories/day, and carb cycled. I was on a mission to prove to the world that I COULD lose weight, and that I didn't get cut up and have a foreign object placed in me for nothing.
It was sad for me, and I really did feel alone... But I made it work and got used to chewing my food up a ton, taking tiny bites, drinking a lot to get the food down. I went from 244 to 178 and was happy. I was far from skinny... But I really felt good.
Fast forward about 5 years!!...
I got married, moved to NY and mostly forgot about my band. I actually gained some weight back after the wedding, but started Medifast/optavia and lost 40 lbs. I was good... Until the heartburn started.
My previous doctor warned that any heartburn can either be the symptom OR cause of a slipped band. I went to a new NY surgeon the next day to get all the fluid removed. A day later I felt mostly better but still tight. Foods were getting stuck and being that there was no fluid in there I was nervous.
Bands that are too tight can cause a slip.
My husband and I are trying to get pregnant and when I asked my surgeon what happens if the band slips/erodes during pregnancy, she just said "things can get complicated and more risky for both you and the fetus"
That's when i just realized that I'd HAD IT WITH THE BAND!! I could no longer live with device that caused me so much stress, fear, and didn't even work in the first place!! (that night I went to a wedding and took a bite of chicken which got stuck and had me dashing to the bathroom and vomiting. This was simply no way to live, yet a common occurrence for me).
Long story short, today I got my band removed and I FEEL SO RELIEVED! I am in practically zero pain and feel like a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders. I'll do another post about the removal process because this is already wayyyyy too long!!
TLDR:
Didn't have any MAJOR complications with the band, but very relieved to have it removed! It may be a less risky, reversable procedure on the outset, but the long term risks of complications are fairly high and can be nerve racking.
Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

This is a very good point!

Every story is different and people come here having lap band meltdowns without giving the whole picture.

Were they banded properly? Did they have good follow up care? Did they follow their doctors instructions? Did they have the older problematic band put it?

There are many factors that can cause lap band complications, so please just realize that it's best to take these posts with a grain of salt and realize that their situation is not necessarily "proof" that "you made a mistake"

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Wow what a saga! I'm glad to hear the band is out and that chapter in your life is over. What an experience!

Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi all!
Soooo my story started a few years ago (I think 6).
I was morbidly obese and felt disgusting. HW was about 244 lbs (and I'm only 5 feet tall!!). I didn't have the willpower to lose ALL that weight on my own and began to realize that I needed help.
My mother had RNY a few years earlier and, while she DID lose like 75% of her excess weight, she never looked healthy to me. She suffered with anemia and Vitamin deficiency, never worked out, had very saggy skin etc.
When deciding on a bariatric prodecure I felt attracted to the lap band due to its reversability and low operating risks. The first surgeon I went to was VERY pro the LB- in fact I think he only performed this procedure. The second surgeon I consulted with was vehemently against the band and strongly advised me against it. This was years ago when then "anti band" sentiment was just starting.
I ultimately decided on the lap band because I'm a nervous person in general and wanted the "easiest", lowest risk, and most reversable procedure performed.
The surgery went well and there were no problems. I was able to go back to work within a day or two.
I've heard some people say they have a "love hate relationship" with the band. For me it was a "want to love, yet fear relationship" meaning I WANTED so BADLY for the band to work. But I was constantly afraid of it slipping... Or eroding.. Or food getting stuck (in public!) ... Or suddenly feeling tight when traveling and I didn't have access to a doctor... Or not being able to afford the fills and fluoroscopys... Esaphageal dysmotility, distended pouch... Etc.
My doctor had a strange way of doing fills. Unlike using fluoroscopys to help me find my "sweet spot" he would just put in the needle, fill the band, have me sit up, chug Water, and then release some Fluid. Once I felt the water go down he would remove the needle and tell me that im in the perfect zone.
Boy did that cause issues! Getting lukewarm sink water down is simple... But getting in Proteins and/or veggies down was much harder! I was constantly running back and forth to the doctor for fills/unfills (which wasn't cheap or easy! He was located 1.5 hours away from me and fills we're $50 plus insurance copay. So i was constantly taking off a half day of work and shelling out $80 for this.)
When I'd see him he was thrilled! After all, I WAS losing weight... And getting fitter... But it sadly it had nothing to do with the band. I was just too ashamed to admit it. Rather, I worked out every day, ate under 1200 calories/day, and carb cycled. I was on a mission to prove to the world that I COULD lose weight, and that I didn't get cut up and have a foreign object placed in me for nothing.
It was sad for me, and I really did feel alone... But I made it work and got used to chewing my food up a ton, taking tiny bites, drinking a lot to get the food down. I went from 244 to 178 and was happy. I was far from skinny... But I really felt good.
Fast forward about 5 years!!...
I got married, moved to NY and mostly forgot about my band. I actually gained some weight back after the wedding, but started Medifast/optavia and lost 40 lbs. I was good... Until the heartburn started.
My previous doctor warned that any heartburn can either be the symptom OR cause of a slipped band. I went to a new NY surgeon the next day to get all the fluid removed. A day later I felt mostly better but still tight. Foods were getting stuck and being that there was no fluid in there I was nervous.
Bands that are too tight can cause a slip.
My husband and I are trying to get pregnant and when I asked my surgeon what happens if the band slips/erodes during pregnancy, she just said "things can get complicated and more risky for both you and the fetus"
That's when i just realized that I'd HAD IT WITH THE BAND!! I could no longer live with device that caused me so much stress, fear, and didn't even work in the first place!! (that night I went to a wedding and took a bite of chicken which got stuck and had me dashing to the bathroom and vomiting. This was simply no way to live, yet a common occurrence for me).
Long story short, today I got my band removed and I FEEL SO RELIEVED! I am in practically zero pain and feel like a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders. I'll do another post about the removal process because this is already wayyyyy too long!!
TLDR:
Didn't have any MAJOR complications with the band, but very relieved to have it removed! It may be a less risky, reversable procedure on the outset, but the long term risks of complications are fairly high and can be nerve racking.
Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Congrats! I'm also pleased I had mine removed. I was revised to the bypass and I honestly could not be happier with my decision!

Hi all!
Soooo my story started a few years ago (I think 6).
I was morbidly obese and felt disgusting. HW was about 244 lbs (and I'm only 5 feet tall!!). I didn't have the willpower to lose ALL that weight on my own and began to realize that I needed help.
My mother had RNY a few years earlier and, while she DID lose like 75% of her excess weight, she never looked healthy to me. She suffered with anemia and Vitamin deficiency, never worked out, had very saggy skin etc.
When deciding on a bariatric prodecure I felt attracted to the lap band due to its reversability and low operating risks. The first surgeon I went to was VERY pro the LB- in fact I think he only performed this procedure. The second surgeon I consulted with was vehemently against the band and strongly advised me against it. This was years ago when then "anti band" sentiment was just starting.
I ultimately decided on the lap band because I'm a nervous person in general and wanted the "easiest", lowest risk, and most reversable procedure performed.
The surgery went well and there were no problems. I was able to go back to work within a day or two.
I've heard some people say they have a "love hate relationship" with the band. For me it was a "want to love, yet fear relationship" meaning I WANTED so BADLY for the band to work. But I was constantly afraid of it slipping... Or eroding.. Or food getting stuck (in public!) ... Or suddenly feeling tight when traveling and I didn't have access to a doctor... Or not being able to afford the fills and fluoroscopys... Esaphageal dysmotility, distended pouch... Etc.
My doctor had a strange way of doing fills. Unlike using fluoroscopys to help me find my "sweet spot" he would just put in the needle, fill the band, have me sit up, chug Water, and then release some Fluid. Once I felt the water go down he would remove the needle and tell me that im in the perfect zone.
Boy did that cause issues! Getting lukewarm sink water down is simple... But getting in Proteins and/or veggies down was much harder! I was constantly running back and forth to the doctor for fills/unfills (which wasn't cheap or easy! He was located 1.5 hours away from me and fills we're $50 plus insurance copay. So i was constantly taking off a half day of work and shelling out $80 for this.)
When I'd see him he was thrilled! After all, I WAS losing weight... And getting fitter... But it sadly it had nothing to do with the band. I was just too ashamed to admit it. Rather, I worked out every day, ate under 1200 calories/day, and carb cycled. I was on a mission to prove to the world that I COULD lose weight, and that I didn't get cut up and have a foreign object placed in me for nothing.
It was sad for me, and I really did feel alone... But I made it work and got used to chewing my food up a ton, taking tiny bites, drinking a lot to get the food down. I went from 244 to 178 and was happy. I was far from skinny... But I really felt good.
Fast forward about 5 years!!...
I got married, moved to NY and mostly forgot about my band. I actually gained some weight back after the wedding, but started Medifast/optavia and lost 40 lbs. I was good... Until the heartburn started.
My previous doctor warned that any heartburn can either be the symptom OR cause of a slipped band. I went to a new NY surgeon the next day to get all the fluid removed. A day later I felt mostly better but still tight. Foods were getting stuck and being that there was no fluid in there I was nervous.
Bands that are too tight can cause a slip.
My husband and I are trying to get pregnant and when I asked my surgeon what happens if the band slips/erodes during pregnancy, she just said "things can get complicated and more risky for both you and the fetus"
That's when i just realized that I'd HAD IT WITH THE BAND!! I could no longer live with device that caused me so much stress, fear, and didn't even work in the first place!! (that night I went to a wedding and took a bite of chicken which got stuck and had me dashing to the bathroom and vomiting. This was simply no way to live, yet a common occurrence for me).
Long story short, today I got my band removed and I FEEL SO RELIEVED! I am in practically zero pain and feel like a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders. I'll do another post about the removal process because this is already wayyyyy too long!!
TLDR:
Didn't have any MAJOR complications with the band, but very relieved to have it removed! It may be a less risky, reversable procedure on the outset, but the long term risks of complications are fairly high and can be nerve racking.
Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi all!
Soooo my story started a few years ago (I think 6).
I was morbidly obese and felt disgusting. HW was about 244 lbs (and I'm only 5 feet tall!!). I didn't have the willpower to lose ALL that weight on my own and began to realize that I needed help.
My mother had RNY a few years earlier and, while she DID lose like 75% of her excess weight, she never looked healthy to me. She suffered with anemia and Vitamin deficiency, never worked out, had very saggy skin etc.
When deciding on a bariatric prodecure I felt attracted to the lap band due to its reversability and low operating risks. The first surgeon I went to was VERY pro the LB- in fact I think he only performed this procedure. The second surgeon I consulted with was vehemently against the band and strongly advised me against it. This was years ago when then "anti band" sentiment was just starting.
I ultimately decided on the lap band because I'm a nervous person in general and wanted the "easiest", lowest risk, and most reversable procedure performed.
The surgery went well and there were no problems. I was able to go back to work within a day or two.
I've heard some people say they have a "love hate relationship" with the band. For me it was a "want to love, yet fear relationship" meaning I WANTED so BADLY for the band to work. But I was constantly afraid of it slipping... Or eroding.. Or food getting stuck (in public!) ... Or suddenly feeling tight when traveling and I didn't have access to a doctor... Or not being able to afford the fills and fluoroscopys... Esaphageal dysmotility, distended pouch... Etc.
My doctor had a strange way of doing fills. Unlike using fluoroscopys to help me find my "sweet spot" he would just put in the needle, fill the band, have me sit up, chug Water, and then release some Fluid. Once I felt the water go down he would remove the needle and tell me that im in the perfect zone.
Boy did that cause issues! Getting lukewarm sink water down is simple... But getting in Proteins and/or veggies down was much harder! I was constantly running back and forth to the doctor for fills/unfills (which wasn't cheap or easy! He was located 1.5 hours away from me and fills we're $50 plus insurance copay. So i was constantly taking off a half day of work and shelling out $80 for this.)
When I'd see him he was thrilled! After all, I WAS losing weight... And getting fitter... But it sadly it had nothing to do with the band. I was just too ashamed to admit it. Rather, I worked out every day, ate under 1200 calories/day, and carb cycled. I was on a mission to prove to the world that I COULD lose weight, and that I didn't get cut up and have a foreign object placed in me for nothing.
It was sad for me, and I really did feel alone... But I made it work and got used to chewing my food up a ton, taking tiny bites, drinking a lot to get the food down. I went from 244 to 178 and was happy. I was far from skinny... But I really felt good.
Fast forward about 5 years!!...
I got married, moved to NY and mostly forgot about my band. I actually gained some weight back after the wedding, but started Medifast/optavia and lost 40 lbs. I was good... Until the heartburn started.
My previous doctor warned that any heartburn can either be the symptom OR cause of a slipped band. I went to a new NY surgeon the next day to get all the fluid removed. A day later I felt mostly better but still tight. Foods were getting stuck and being that there was no fluid in there I was nervous.
Bands that are too tight can cause a slip.
My husband and I are trying to get pregnant and when I asked my surgeon what happens if the band slips/erodes during pregnancy, she just said "things can get complicated and more risky for both you and the fetus"
That's when i just realized that I'd HAD IT WITH THE BAND!! I could no longer live with device that caused me so much stress, fear, and didn't even work in the first place!! (that night I went to a wedding and took a bite of chicken which got stuck and had me dashing to the bathroom and vomiting. This was simply no way to live, yet a common occurrence for me).
Long story short, today I got my band removed and I FEEL SO RELIEVED! I am in practically zero pain and feel like a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders. I'll do another post about the removal process because this is already wayyyyy too long!!
TLDR:
Didn't have any MAJOR complications with the band, but very relieved to have it removed! It may be a less risky, reversable procedure on the outset, but the long term risks of complications are fairly high and can be nerve racking.
Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I am also having issues with my band.
What I find interesting is how OVERLY CONFIDENT the surgeons are when discussing a surgery that there isn't THAT much research on. (I think we have maximum 15-20 years of research, and we didn't have real reliable data until about 10 years ago since it was such an uncommon surgery. That's my opinion at least)
My surgeon was so pumped for me to get the lapband and minimized the risks
-Now I am reading that 40-50 percent of lapband patients get the bands removed within 10 years (easy to believe based on the amount of posts in the complications forums)
-It is linked to esophageal dysmotility
- Scar tissue builds up around the band making the removal surgery much more complex than the insertion
- The scar tissue can build up so much that it can cause permanent restriction even once the band is removed
I went into this thinking that it was GREAT because it can be "reversed" if needed. That is not the case.
I personally doubt I will recomend this surgery, and am hoping to get my band removed because the more i read the more I feel that my band is a "ticking timebomb" and that something will eventually go wrong. Why wait until it becomes an emergency?

Personally, if I were you I would get a complete unfill and then SLOWLY scale up until you find your sweet spot
If you're still not feeling well then I personally would have it removed- but not before arming me with the proper tools for weight loss. These include 1)a support system 2) a nutritionist 3) a counselor to help you modify your eating habits
If in a year you cannot keep the weight off/gain weight THEN I would start thinking of other surgeries, but as you said you can't remember what it feels like to eat normally and I don't think you can bounce to another surgery so quickly if you got banded so long ago at such a young age
Take time to rediscover your body in a healthy, you just might like it

Hey everyone!
I haven't posted in a while but I got my Lapband about 3 years ago. Needed to lose about 100 lbs and at one point lost almost 70. Recently I have gained some weight, and although still down 50 lbs since presurgery, I still feel like my lapband is failing me BIG TIME.
First of all, I never ever felt what other people have described as the "sweet spot" of restriction. I felt the same hunger i've always felt and could get everything down. Still, determined not to fail, I carb cycled, worked out like a beast and lost the weight. I kept asking myself if the band was worth it, but felt that i would still do it again if I had to choose. If nothing else, it was an internal reminder to get my act together!!
It is now 3 years later, however, and suddenly, a week ago I felt reflux... I didn't feel tight (everything would go down) but there was definitely burning in my chest. I emailed my surgeon who told me to come immediately. He was upset that I gained some weight and said that my band was likely too tight. He removed 0.3 cc's (or was it 3.0 cc's??) and sent me home after making me promise that I would keep him updated on my heartburn. (he made sure i was able to chug down a full cup of Water with no difficulties before sending me home, which I had no problem doing. it went straight down)
The next day I continued to feel heartburn and he emailed him immediately. I told him I want a COMPLETE unfill and then we'll slowly scale up from there. He found that acceptable and also said it might be a good idea to even get some xrays of the band
Suddenly I am nervous- after a quick google search on lapband heartburn it led me to horror stories about lapband removals. it is clear to me that it is NOT such a simple procedure- there seems to be much greater complication risk, scar tissue buildup around the band, and many many people still feel restriction post band removal. It started to make me feel like this band is poisonous and will destroy my body.
Sorry to sound all dramatic but you should see what people are writing! sheesh!
I know I have to take all things found on the internet with a grain of salt, but I am legitimately horrified
I just feel like I want this thing out of me before it causes me more damage, and especially since I have never seen any real positive effect. Now there is only negative effect (the heartburn/reflux)
Am I totally nuts?!?!
And advice/replies would be really appreciated
PS, aside from the heartburn this lapband always leaves me with a nagging feeling, for example everytime I travel there's this little voice in my head wondering what I will do if it slips/gets too tight.
Does everyone feel this way? Or am I the only neurotic nut??!!

Thanks for sharing
Yeah, your story sounds familiar. I haden't had a fill in 18 months and suddenly heartburn. Got some Fluid out and still not better.
I am terrified of surgery to get my band removed but even more terrified of having serious complications.
Many people opt to have a revision done at the same time they get their bands removed. Ask your MD because I completely understand the fear. I am 50 lbs down (at one point was 70) and am terrified to see the scale go much higher

I'm truly happy for all successful banders, but even though some of us have issues not caused by slippage or erosion, does not mean we have "behavioral" issues with our bands. We are all different and there is NO "one size fits all" bariatric procedure!

Almost 3 years for me....No complications until now!! Band suddenly got super tight along with reflux at night...getting an unfill May 9th...if it doesn't get rid of my problems...Upper GI will be next to rule out a slippage! I love my band and I can't imagine not having it....I have not gained any weight...I Have lost more than half of my beginning weight...whoohoo!!

If he is unable or unwilling to change his eating behaviors then certainly he should get the band removed.
He is at major risk of a slip/pouch dilation/esophageal problems.
The band is no longer considered safe as long as a patient is not compliant
And on top of that he seems to be miserable with it.
I know foot addiction is a tough thing to watch, but I don't think keeping the lapband is a solution
Just my .02
Hope everything goes well!

I've seen worse than people eating hot dogs in a swimming pool, and it's kinda nasty.
One time there was a girl eating (more like shoveling down) a burger (the bun looked like mush because it was wet, omg)
Anyhow- the Tomato slipped out and off the plate right into the water- instead of tossing it out she Fished it out and ate it.
The lifeguard should have made a rule about not eating in the Water because it's kinda dangerous

I am also having issues with my band.
What I find interesting is how OVERLY CONFIDENT the surgeons are when discussing a surgery that there isn't THAT much research on. (I think we have maximum 15-20 years of research, and we didn't have real reliable data until about 10 years ago since it was such an uncommon surgery. That's my opinion at least)
My surgeon was so pumped for me to get the lapband and minimized the risks
-Now I am reading that 40-50 percent of lapband patients get the bands removed within 10 years (easy to believe based on the amount of posts in the complications forums)
-It is linked to esophageal dysmotility
- Scar tissue builds up around the band making the removal surgery much more complex than the insertion
- The scar tissue can build up so much that it can cause permanent restriction even once the band is removed
I went into this thinking that it was GREAT because it can be "reversed" if needed. That is not the case.
I personally doubt I will recomend this surgery, and am hoping to get my band removed because the more i read the more I feel that my band is a "ticking timebomb" and that something will eventually go wrong. Why wait until it becomes an emergency?

I've seen worse than people eating hot dogs in a swimming pool, and it's kinda nasty.
One time there was a girl eating (more like shoveling down) a burger (the bun looked like mush because it was wet, omg)
Anyhow- the Tomato slipped out and off the plate right into the water- instead of tossing it out she Fished it out and ate it.
The lifeguard should have made a rule about not eating in the Water because it's kinda dangerous

I got it taken out. Instant relief. Wish I had gotten the sleeve from the get-go. I'd say it was a Waste of 15 grand if I didn't lose any weight- but I dropped 130 lbs, so it wasn't a total waste. If I could have done it over again- even knowing all the pain, I still would have done it- Cuz it changed my life. Now it's up to me to work out consistently and not overeat so that I can keep this weight off

Hey there!
PS
3 years later I do wish I wouldn't have done the lapband, but thankfully I am having no serious complications (Heartburn, that's all)

Can I ask why you wish you wouldn't have done the lapband? 3 years and no serious complications is great!

Have you lost a lot of weight with the band? What would be the alternative method if you could choose again?

I know it's hard work in the beginning but hopefully rewarding in the end...hopefully
Well to be entirely honest I wish I hadn't done it because it never worked for me.
Did I lose weight? Yeah! I did! BUT If i was entirely honest with myself, the weightloss had nothing to do with the band, other than being a constant mental reminder that I better get my act together.
Got my band 3 years ago and went for fills, never felt restriction, everything went down- Except for the rare time that something would just get totally STUCK and I would be in literal agony until it came up. 2 years ago I started having heartburn and my surgeon got very nervous. He unfilled my band and took xrays. Everything looked and he sent me on my way. It was sad for me to have no restriction AND be told I was too tight!
After that I got one or two tiny fills and, but while I still didn't have restriction, I was scared of being more aggressive with fills because i was afraid of it becoming too tight. (which is dangerous, as we all know)
Suddenly last week I started feeling heartburn AGAIN, out of the blue!! I was so sad! I ran to my surgeon and he unfilled me a little bit and had me chug 12 ounces of Water. The Water went down just fine and I went home... but now I'm still having heartburn and i'm so sad
Sad that I never hit that "sweet spot" that i've read so much about
Sad that everytime I travel (which is about once a month) I am terrified that my band will tighten up and i'll be alone and screwed (actually, when the heartburn started and i was told it was too tight I was lucky I was home because I was supposed to be out of town at that time)
Sad that everytime I read about a lapband removal it is usually accompanied by a horrifying story. (permanent esophagus damage, scar tissue, etc)
BUT-
I am happy I am still down 50 lbs. (at my lowest i was down nearly 70 lbs) I cannot even IMAGINE where I would be without having lost the weight. I would probably be 300 lbs by now- and i'm only 5'2!!
And I am trying hard to TRULY not live with ANY regrets!!!
So would I recommend the band? not necessarily, but I cannot go back in time, so no point in regretting getting it
BTW the reason i'm questioning removal is because if it's not doing it's job anyways, why keep it? Long term there are potential complications that could really compromise my health, so i figure why not just take it out when i'm healthy, BEFORE it becomes an emergency (i'm only saying this because as stated above, i just simply have no benefits from it)

Here's how I chose my surgeon.
I saw two different ones, one close to me and one about 40 minutes away.
The one closer to me (which wouldv'e been more convenient) seemed to keep trying to steer me away from the band. I felt like I was consistently justifying my decision of the band vs. RNY
His NP (who does fills) was obnoxious as well. She really turned me off!
The second surgeon, the one farther out, ONLY does lapbands. He seemed to TRULY beleive in them and believe in me as well. I just got a better feeling from him, which is why I ultimately chose him.
Sometimes you just have to trust your gut... Even if it means choosing an MD thats further away.
Ironically, its 3 years later and I use the surgeon closer to me (the one who I met with but didn't choose) to get fills. I will NOT use his NP
PS
3 years later I do wish I wouldn't have done the lapband, but thankfully I am having no serious complications (Heartburn, that's all)

Interesting topic.
Some people claim that the rate (how fast) we lose weight has absolutely no signifigance on if we will have extra skin or not (I think jean McMillan says this)
There is a member on this site who lost 100+ lbs and says he has no extra skin, he is in his 60's I believe. He said he thinks its because he was VERY active, drank a LOT and spent a lot of time in the sauna.
I am 23, had 100 lbs to lose, lost 46 of it now, and so far I don't really notice any excess skin. Fingers crossed that it will stay this way

Yes you will do it!
just understand that it will take a very long time. It will get tedious at some points... but don't give up!