labwalker

A full seems odd for those symptoms!! I'd expect they would be removing fluid and running tests.

Brussel Sprouts. The veggie from hell for lap banders!! If anything will give me an problem, it is a Brussel sprout! But I'v found that there is no food that gives me problems so long as I chew it thoroughly and eat slowly. Everything else has been fine, but my band is not as tight as it could be adjusted to.

I'm also a long hauler, LOL! Banded around 10 or 12 years ago. The weight loss was about what the doctor predicted... I do manage to go up and down 20 pounds when I fail to keep a food chart... but the band makes it easier to get back on track. I think it is very important to pick the best doctor possible, and to do the follow up visits! My doctor insists on 6 month to yearly visits to ensure that any problems are quickly resolved before they turn the band into a horror show. So far no problems. But if the band ever needs to be removed, I will be happy with what it accomplished for the time I had it. It allowed me to enjoy life, do cruises and travel and enjoy life.

I had my band placed around ten years ago. It has worked perfectly. Absolutely no issues, and the weight loss has been satisfactory. Only around 8% of gastric bands have been removed. Surgical procedures have improved. I am happy with my decision.

I've been banded for several years and have zero problems with the band and there are no foods I cannot eat, so long as chew properly. I've lost more weight than expected, and it is still coming off slowly. I have no regrets having the band. If it comes out, there are other options that I will explore. But, the band gave me my life back and it works for me. I've learned how to eat and how to control the quality of what foods I choose to eat.

Yeah, Wow.

In most cases the failure is not on the device. Luck has little to do with it.

They are falling out of favor because they require follow up with the surgeon and that leads to problems when a doctor folds up his tent, or when insurance changes, or when a patient receives substandard surgery from a quack. Bands require some effort.

I'm just curious if any other guys have noticed the same issue I am dealing with. I had my lapband surgery back in 2011, and I've managed to lose quite a bit of weight, which is still thankfully dropping at a slow, but steady, rate. I'm now where I was back when I was in my mid twenties, at least as far as weight. But, my waist size seems to be several inches more than I recall what it was when I was at the same weigh when I was fifty years younger. Am I shrinking and compressing? LOL! My pants size is down considerably, but it is not where I think it should be. Is this normal?

I had my surgery back in 2011... I've learned that the band is a tool that helps to control my weight, but in the end I have to carefully count my calories, carbs and protein intake. I went through a few years of having the band tightened and loosened. Either I was getting stuck all the time, or had no restriction. The magic spot for me was when I had a fill that allowed me to eat one slice of pizza in comfort (a rare treat these days!) without feeling the need to eat the whole thing! I have had years where I've gained some of the weight back, but that was due to my lack of diligence. At this point there are no foods I cannot eat as long as I chew properly. I've learned that counting carbs was very critical when I hit a stall. I've managed to lose weight continually by carefully monitoring and controlling the quality of what I eat. Giving up sugar and switching to fat free Half and Half in my coffee was enough to cause noticeable weight loss. Little things add up. That means I have to keep a computer log of my daily food intake and activities. I've learned that becoming complacent leads to weight gain. I've learned a lot reading these forums. In my humble opinion too many banders think the band is going to do all the work. Living with a tight band and being in discomfort IS not what the band is about. I have not been stuck if over five years. I don't have any sensation that the band is there, except that I know I feel satiated sooner because I do have the band. I am now averaging about .7 lbs a week weight loss, which is pretty good for a guy in his seventies and who is several years post surgery. I want to lose another 20 pounds before I leave this earth, makes it easier on my pall bearers. Good luck on your journey, it is worth it.

I live on coffee and diet root beer. If there is enough carbonation in a beverage to cause belching or even mild discomfort I would avoid it. I have not had a problem with diet sodas and I am several years post surgery. I am also constantly losing weight--even this far out. So long as your doctor is fine with the beverage, I would also be comfortable... but I would avoid gulping it down to avoid problems with internal gas pressure. But the doctor's rule.

Every morning. Keep a running log in a notepad.

Lean deli meats--turkey, chicken, etc. Can you handle low fat Greek Yogurt? If you shop for yogurt you will find products that have around 100 calories, 15 grams of protein and 7 grams or less of natural sugar. Yogurt has become my go to for snack foods. It is also a tad less expensive than deli products.

Mr. doctor had me tested for Vitamin D, and advised that I needed supplements. I took them, as prescribed. This was based on my bi annual blood work. Personally, non peer reviewed information as presented above is pure BS! I listen to my doctor, not a wanna be internet specialist with no credentials. Sorry, but that is the bare truth. What the hell is a Nrd??? Goodgle searches bring up nothing! Is that a recognized medical degree??

Quite frankly, some (a very vocal and small minority) of the VSG members of this forum have been as ignorant and hurtful as those expressed on the View, far beyond the damage done by Rosie. This is a support group. No one cares what your surgeon opinions are or were. From some of the comments that were allegedly made by surgeons, I'd seriously wonder why anyone would ever consider having surgery done by that group or practice? Dated opinions based on archaic surgical practices and devices has nothing to do with efficacy of lab band procedures being done in this current decade by competent surgeons. As I noted, I can quote questionable sites that diss other procedures... what does that prove?? I honestly think Alex made a major gaff in combining the various WLS platforms into on group. It is painfully obvious that a fEW VSG patients chose to be smug and ignorant and are here to demean anyone who has chosen alternative surgeries, regardless of there effectiveness. I wonder if it is even worth bothering with this site... if anyone can recommend a site that only deals with lap band patients, I'd appreciate the link.

My doctor is in a "Circle of Excellence." I wanted a sleeve, he strongly recommended the band based on my age, health and on his experience. My wife wanted a band, and because of some medications she had to take, he advised her to have the sleeve. The band works... if someone goes to a "freeway clinic" and has problems, the fault most likely lies with the surgical group, and not the procedure.

Yep.... crickets... she doesn't seem to have much to say off camera.

Alex, it says the thread no longer exists?? Is that a broken link, or has good old Rosie pulled the plug?

Well said Alex. Your key points hit the nail on the head.

It could be worse, Roseanne Barr could join the cast.

Wow, fantastic! Way to go!

Oh Please.... give it a rest. I can find lots of internet sites that spread fear and nonsense... You had a sleeve? Maybe you should read this. It has as much value as any other internet news blurb. http://gastricbypasskills.blogspot.com/2013/02/think-gastric-sleeve-is-safe-think-again.html They claim a 1 in 50 mortality rate. I guess you beat the odds? Surgeons don't like the band because it commits them to years of follow care. If the patient is on Medicare, they don't get a dime for follow post surgical care. It is a lot more profitable to cut and slice, and forget.

You have to consider that the band has been given a bad rap by the NY Daily news in their feature on Cristie... the reporter stated that band adjustments require an operation. Who peer reviews that crap? Same for the PhD who dissed the band on the Dr. Oz website, who claimed bands only have a 10 year life before they erode and need to be replaced. Tens of thousands of people read these sources.

Jessi-- back that up with facts. Any elective medical procedure with the failure rate you claim would not be practiced. No doctor needs that failure rate, nor the risk of dealing will a sullied reputation. So, show us facts for lap band failure rates for procedures--excluding the archaic 4 CC band which is no longer used in the US. Surgical techniques have also improved. Your research?? I suggest it is flawed, and myopic. I did my research, and was aware of the risks. My doctor could have done any procedure, but strongly advised the band based on my health, age and other parameters. Why would he risk my health if the band was a failure? And his practices credentials are above reproach and has a very high success rate with the band.

Facebook? Naww... what is wrong with social networking on here? Alex, you left out the best resource that is far ahead of Twitter and FB!