Thats All Folks

See your doctor. That isn't band related.

I'm sorry you had problems, but saying "it's not even a long term device" simply isn't true. Just because you had problems doesn't mean all of us will. Statistically speaking, it IS a long term and successful device with a very low rate of non-patient caused complications: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/

I met a lady that has had her Lap Band since 2001, so 12 years. She was one of the first to get her band after the FDA approved it for use in the US. She's kept off all her weight for a decade and zero problems. I look at like this: There is a 5% chance of serious complications by no fault of the patient. The chances I'd die from obesity related diseases and/or complications was almost guaranteed. For me, the choice was a no brainer. Best wishes.

I was on Depo about 17 years ago, when it first came out. I went on it after having my daughter and gained a ton of weight, too.

Talk to your Gyno to figure out what's best for you. There's a lot more than weight gain when making birth control decisions. For instance, if you're a smoker over 35 then any hormonal birth control is a risk. I can tell you from my own experience: My Gyno said absolutely no Depo-Provera. She said it is notorious for rapid and severe weight gain.

You look amazing! Congratulations!

You will lose weight in the area around it, yes. Some women even get a "mons lift" because it can actually get a bit saggy/loose skin.

LOL ok I had to do this

I am so so sorry It's not common but sometimes people do have serious complications by no fault of their own. You seem to be one of the unlucky 5% that do. If I were in your shoes, I'd get a second opinion from another bariatric surgeon. The reason being is, if the problem is something like the original surgeon didn't place it correctly, you'll want a non-biased second opinion to tell you. I'd also want a second opinion on the scar tissue and possibility for a revision surgery. Just my opinion. Again, I'm truly sorry this happened to you.

Unfortunately if your insurance requires it you must have one. They'll deny you otherwise. I know others who've changed PCP because theirs wouldn't write the letter of necessity.

Guy has given really good advice. It's wonderful you were finally able to have the surgery- but I think counseling is absolutely necessary if you're going to be successful with your band. We have a saying around here "the band goes around your stomach, not your brain". While the band is great for controlling hunger, it can't and won't change food addiction. Because the band isn't meant to stop you from eating- it can't control food addiction either. It's sad but we see it happen here all the time. As you are painfully aware- food addiction is very real. Sometimes, we need real professional help to deal with it. Best wishes to you. I hope you have great success!

Before I was on blood thinners- I did the same. In fact, my doctor has the same logic as yours that the liquid doesn't sit in the pouch so much less risk. I never had a problem swallowing the pills so I did take them. I can tell when a pill gets hung up above the band and the little Ibuprofen tablets never have for me. Ugh I can't wait until I can take Ibuprofen again. 4 1/2 more months.

You'll have to ask your doctor because you'll get a wide array of answers here. Whether or not he allows you will likely depend on your specific medical history and needs. My doctor allows me to take NSAIDS. His logic is if I never had ulcer issues before the band (and I took lots of them) then chances are good I won't after either. But again, his decision to allow them is based on my personal medical history. With that said- I can no longer take NSAIDS because now I'm on blood thinners. It sucks really bad because Tylenol is totally useless for me. I know you don't want to take a narcotic but that's what I do now because I have no other choices. I take a Vicodin when I have a lot of pain.

LOL ok that made me literally laugh out loud!! If it makes you feel any better, I had similar happen in the grocery store. I had my cell phone in my pocket and was wearing pants that were way too big. The phone was apparently weighing them downward. I guess I didn't feel it slipping but suddenly my sarcastic smartass daughter whispers "nice butt mom, wanna cover it now?" (yeah she's totally my daughter lol) Congratulations!!

You look gorgeous!! That is such an awesome NSV!! What was your hubby's reaction to seeing you in the dress again?

I couldn't agree more!

It seems to me from your post that your problem isn't your band, it's a lack of a good doctor and information. Losing your records? That's inexcusable- and it's also something that can get them in a lot of trouble legally. Being embarrassed to go out because stuck issues isn't normal. Neither is reflux. It sounds like you spent the majority of your banded life too tight. I'm sorry you have had a bad experience, but the band IS a great tool when used properly. I've lost over 220 pounds in 18 months and my band is definitely in the "sweet spot" and has been for a long time. The band has never disrupted my life- it saved my life. Saying the band doesn't work is completely untrue- I'm living proof it does work. But, it only works when the person with the band actually does what is necessary to be successful with it and they have good aftercare. Best wishes.

My boyfriend (whom I live with) knows about this site but he never comes on here. It's "my thing" and he respects that. So, I am free to post here without worrying about prying eyes. The only time he sees what goes on here is when I walk over to him with my lap top going "baby, you gotta see this!" to show him a post or picture. Truth is, this site has helped me to inform him too. Before I had my tummy tuck, I read about a lot of other people's experience with it on here and read a lot of the posts to him. When I found before and after pictures, I'd show him. It really helped him know what to expect from my surgery.

My ticker isn't from this site. See, we used to be able to use outside ones but they bogged down the server so now we can't. But, I don't care for the styles on this site so I still use my old ticker and just screen shot it to post on my signature line here. I know, tedious and time consuming, but I like my ticker lol. The quotes are in my signature, too. If you go to "edit profile" then under "settings" you'll see a tab for "signature". That's where I put the quotes

"This comes from the fat ass secret code book. (Don't tell anyone I let you in on it.)" Seriously, I almost spit my water on my screen laughing. Congratulations on your weight loss and NSV's!

I say to do whatever works: Low carb, Paleo, low fat, no carb restrictions, South Beach, Atkins, or Weight Watchers. If it's healthy and it works for your needs than go for it.

Stick to your daily calorie allowance, measure your portions, and exercise. If you do these things you'll lose weight. Nothing to fear starting solid food- it's a good thing.

Bandster Hell is the time period between when you're banded and when you have adequate Fluid in your band. The reason is, it take most people multiple fills so before they hit that "sweet spot" you get little help from your band...hence bandster hell.

LOL a bear? Dear Lord, I freak out if we see a fox. I think I'd cry if I saw a bear! I have problems with the extreme temp days, too. Heat makes MS go into an immediate flare. It's actually kinda weird. I can be just fine, walk outside into the heat, and be instantly a mess. Dizzy, weak, and every single MS symptom I have is suddenly increased tenfold. But, the minute I go back into the A/C, I'm almost instantly fine. Extreme cold makes me really sore- my muscles spasm really bad and my whole body just aches. In fact, we just hit a heat wave here. It totally sucks because I'm now house bound because of it.