Julie norton

Yes!! Never give up... I’m not willing to weigh 250 again.... I’ll keep going and when my band gets fussy. I’ll drink protein drinks until... I’m banded since 2006 and it is a dance to get everything working right!! Best of luck

Often, wls people have an on/ off record of eliminating. I think that means occasionally, ahem, things get very firm. And unusually larger. At the risk of tmi... some of us need a tool to “break up” these eliminations to flush. I have exchanged info and learned: some use chopsticks (easier to toss), tongs, skewers, plastic utensils..... you get the idea ... use your resources and happy flushing! ( what a strange post!)

For me. Liquids , protein drinks and yogurt till it is better. Hope you have relief.... you can call and usually talk to staff at your Drs... they schedule an appt for you usually... but maybe ask questions. Best of luck

Best of luck... yes yes yes Bands are adjustable and that is why they can work well.. even after an unfill takes place It is hard to get the right point of not rejecting food..... and to just stopping eating sooner. It is a difficult dance with your band ....and I’m still on the dance floor 11 years later. Yes ....with too tight or too loose fills For me. I just keep trying. And it is reversible in the long run, which no other wls is ( not counting balloon) Try try try again... I’m behind you.

Much more talk and info sharing on the lapbanders site....

Some of us old bandsters are here... Just more in the minority obviously. I’m like many on here, THANKFUL for my band. Yes up and downs....yes. Fills and unfills....yes food sometimes not cooperative ... mostly ok I’m over 11 years (this year will make 12). Kept off 80 lbs. going for those elusive last 10 .... again. I must mention I’m sad that my “Mentor” Alex, starter of lap band chat. ..has converted after 15 years... I’m always listening to others stories as nothing is guaranteed, except change. Well, many of us are here and fairly successful.... just fewer... best to all that try!!!

Glad you are here again May After 11 years banded, I did have most fluid removed... just as you said, with mindfulness and work outs... eating well....25 lbs came marching on....!! 7 mos later got a couple of small fills and much poundage did drop again... I now know I CANNOT maintain without help.... Still working on the same habits today Just closer to where I want to be ...10 stubborn pounds to work on. Following you.....the future is never guaranteed I guess.. sigh ( I thought I “got it”... sadly no without assistance) Please keep posting. It truly helps us veterans. And I want you to fit into your gear to ride!!

Well. Not too many happy banders here. (After 11 years I was Unfilled and have recently had 2 small fills). It is still working!! Which means I am trying.. And why does food taste better at 10 at night? This underfill works for me most often. Best to all that try.

JWM. There was no explanation with Alex’s statement and picture of a perfectly intact band that was out of his body. I kinda looked up to him at 15 years banded as a great example. I continue to try to stay underfilled, yet effective. Balancing act, huh?

Lovely to see other banders! And one from 06..... makes me hopeful Some of you may know our founder of this site, Alex, who has had a band for 15 years, just had his removed. Sigh. He was the leader of the band pack!! I’m another happy bander going on 12 years. Yikes. I have hope.

Hi! Banded in 06 and enjoying it. Central California coast

Please... I just want one thread that has good things to say about lapbands... There are many horror stories on other posts. Just not here please. I’m happy 11 years later.... lost about 90 lbs. kept off 70... I need my tool. Emptied, I put on 25 and didn’t change too many habits. I’m back with fills and life goes merrily along!!

I don’t think of myself as obese anymore.... just a tiny fluffy. I do shop religiously... work out 2x. Hard per week. Cook home 90% try to drink all my water. Good gig for 11 years, yet fat head entered an her I am with 15 extra unwelcome lbs. oh well Nothing in life is perfect

Thank you Kathy Life just goes on and we all try our best It is so nice to see a cheerful note. Yes I poke my head up to say lap band works for some ..... so many long term WLS people move on. Not us. Still hangin around...

Happy I found a BariatricPal surgeon to fill me within a week. It is a small fill. I really try to not overfill as it is too hard on my 60+ body .... I’ll go back in 4 weeks

??? August 2018??

My take is that scheduling dr appts helps me to stay on track. Wishing you well

Oops. Premier protein. Many flavors. Gotta search til you are sorta content

My take is you need to keep trying both protein options (shakes and bars) it is a personal treasure hunt! My 2 cents: Quest is good. “One”brand are good. Oh yeah are more calories but fill you up Pure protein, Candy like to me as are other bars BariatricPal powders vary Pure protein drinks help me As they are 30 grams each Try health food stores or vitamin stores or online ordering til you find what you do best with Wishing you great luck!

Wow. Quite a vent section! Amusing that the two continuous, massive posters (in many sections) Are the ones that joined 2 1/2 MONTHS AGO! Not so much time spent adjusting to different posts and diets! Just my rant today.... a comment is fun 1000 +Literally ! isn’t so amusing or informative

I still have to peel hot dogs and sausage. 11 years out. Just got used to it I guess

Well. Counterpoint: I lOVE my band. . 11 years later and tho we argue at times... it does work for many. Some. Not at all

I have read in this forum that many people gain when their band is deflated. Although my unfill was for 7 months, (and I thought foolishly that in my 11th year post band that I surely “got it”). I gained about 2 + Pounds per month. Tiny additions/no restrictions add up fast! Not enough water... still good protein and work outs ... Thankfully I finally got a small fill and am better. Best of luck on your Water issue... Jules

Great reminder of the basics. I stumble on fluid intake. Thanks Alex!!