BeautyLocs40

I was banded in 2009 and lost 50 pounds, 40 of which I've kept off. Though I still have restriction, I haven't been able to drop anymore weight. I regret not being more successful with the band. Having surgery to lose weight is an extreme measure, and when I chose it, I wasn't expecting to fail. On the other hand, I'm very grateful for my band because it's helped me maintain my weight for the past five years. Without it, I'm certain I'd be quite a bit heavier than I am today.

I was banded in 2009 and lost 50 pounds, 40 of which I've kept off. Though I still have restriction, I haven't been able to drop anymore weight. I regret not being more successful with the band. Having surgery to lose weight is an extreme measure, and when I chose it, I wasn't expecting to fail. On the other hand, I'm very grateful for my band because it's helped me maintain my weight for the past five years. Without it, I'm certain I'd be quite a bit heavier than I am today.

I was banded in 2009 and lost 50 pounds, 40 of which I've kept off. Though I still have restriction, I haven't been able to drop anymore weight. I regret not being more successful with the band. Having surgery to lose weight is an extreme measure, and when I chose it, I wasn't expecting to fail. On the other hand, I'm very grateful for my band because it's helped me maintain my weight for the past five years. Without it, I'm certain I'd be quite a bit heavier than I am today.

Hi, Lauren--
Thanks so much for your comment. When I had the scope, the doctor said it wasn't uncommon for a stricture to recur, but he didn't say it might take more than one procedure to clear it. I'm still experiencing fullness in my esophagus and often have to fight the urge to vomit. This may sound strange, but I find it comforting to know my symptoms aren't normal! I'll contact the dietician on Monday and tell her I'm still having problems.
Thanks, again!

Hi, Lauren--
Thanks so much for your comment. When I had the scope, the doctor said it wasn't uncommon for a stricture to recur, but he didn't say it might take more than one procedure to clear it. I'm still experiencing fullness in my esophagus and often have to fight the urge to vomit. This may sound strange, but I find it comforting to know my symptoms aren't normal! I'll contact the dietician on Monday and tell her I'm still having problems.
Thanks, again!

Thanks for your kind words, JLMet. Another poster on this site who's also gone through a revision said my experience is neither normal nor acceptable, and I should definitely check back in with my dietician. I'll give her a call tomorrow. In the interim, I'm going to take a page from your book and stop weighing myself every day.

Hi again, Kimberly--
Thank you so much for your follow-up. In spite of your current challenges, you've made amazing and inspiring progress. I hope you feel proud of yourself. My best wishes as you continue to heal your relationship with food.
Continue to take good care!
Bridgett

Hi, Kimberly--
I'm so glad you found this site, and I hope others having your challenges find and respond to your post. While I'm not one of them, I felt compelled to comment because I was recently revised from a lap band to a bypass and am having quite a bit anxiety around food and eating. As a result, two months after my surgery, most of my meals are still Protein drinks or Soup. My anxiety is the result of a rough recovery following surgery and lots of ongoing vomiting and stomach issues. I'm very apprehensive about eating because I don't know what's going to make me throw up or sick. Fortunately, I'm aware of this and working with a therapist and my doctors to get past it.
Would you consider seeing a therapist? Do you know when you lost your appetite or if it was related to a specific event? Could you at least stomach Protein shakes or teas or even smoothies while you're getting to the bottom of your eating issues? Does your insurance company employ a nurse practioner or some other professional you can speak with about your challenges and who can help you connect with another doctor covered by your plan? While those "friends" shouldn't be your primary concern, a therapist or support group might also help you to deal with any feelings of betrayal or loneliness, which could also be impacting your appetite.
I wish you all the best, Kimberly. Please take care of yourself!
Regards,
Bridgett

Hi,
I was revised from band to bypass last Tuesday and have been having regular movements, two- to three-times-a-day since Saturday. I haven't had to rely on softeners or laxatives, the consistency is normal, and I don't experience any discomfort.
Good luck with your decision!
BL

I wanted to respond to a couple of your questions about living after RNY since so many of the others have been answered. I am 5 months post op from RNY and doing fantastic. Best decision I ever made!
I can pretty much eat anything just in much smaller amounts. I happen to be one of the lucky folks who does not get bouts of dumping syndrome. I have tried sweets (just a taste) but have found I no longer care about that stuff. They say, you crave what you eat. I have worked hard to focus on eating primarily Protein and vegetables. My pouch loves those foods!
Occasionally I will have a bite of potatoes or rice just to get a taste. I do not worry too much about fat, i eat cheese, Jerky, nuts, real butter, olive oil. The thing is, if you stick to your measurements it all works out. It truly is about eating the right things. I DO NOT eat junk food of any kind.
As far as supplements go, I thought they would be a pain as I hated taking Vitamins pre surgery. Having this surgery has allowed me to get off all other meds with the exception of thyroid replacement. Trust me, I was on a lot of meds! Taking Vitamins daily for me is no big deal and less costly than my prescriptions. I purchase in bulk from costco.
I wish you the absolute best with your upcoming decisions. Don't be afraid of taking the steps to RNY, it works! You still have to do your part but there is a reason it is the gold standard.
I only wish I would have done it sooner. For the first time since I was in my teens, I feel fantastic. I have more energy and stamina!
I have been given a whole new life!

Hi, lesliesnavely--
I was initially considering a sleeve and did quite a bit of research before my doctor told me the RNY would be a better choice given the GERD. Have you checked out the band to sleeve forum on this site? It's a very active group, and I think you'll get a lot of insight. All of the procedures carry some complications, but it seems former bandsters that have been revised to the sleeve have good success.
Good luck!

Hi, Jschultes
Over the course of many years of working with behaviorists and nutritionists, I've picked up a few practices that work for me most of the time. When I'm dealing with a lot of stress, I remind myself to stay in the moment because it's all that exist. Then I try to focus on only what I can do in that moment. I find these help me to prioritize and give me a sense of calm.
If I'm still feeling stressed and am tempted to turn to food, I try to get a sense of why I want to eat what I want to eat. If it's ice cream, for example, what I want is the comfort and satisfaction that comes from the cool, sweet, fatty characteristics of ice cream. I then think of what other food is better aligned with my health and fitness goals, but also has similar characteristics.
Also, J, remember no food is bad or off limits; you can choose to eat whatever you want, and you are in charge of your choices. If you find yourself drawn to something that isn't the best choice, try saying, "I'm not going to eat that today. Maybe tomorrow or next week, but not today." When I do this, I'm reminded that I'm in charge of my choices, and if the day comes that I do choose to eat something less than healthy, I've thought about it, and I'm in control, not the food.
I hope this helps just a little. Hang in, and be kind to yourself. Remember you're in charge, and try to be mindful of your choices.
Best!

i know my insurance said once in a life time. I have a friend who had bariatric surgery years ago with a different insurance and just recently she tried to get the sleeve since it had been almost 15 years and her new insurance company picked it up and denied her cause they seen where she had already had one and denied her 3 times. good luck girl1! I'm just forking out the dough cause i'm tired of fighting with UHC, after 3 appeals and the dr sending in all kinds of stuff, i'm just done. It's been a week since my band has been out yesterday (Monday) and i have to wait 3 months for total healing before i can get my sleeve. Got to let stomach heal or i'll more likely have a leak.

I was banded in 2009 and lost 50 pounds, 40 of which I've kept off. Though I still have restriction, I haven't been able to drop anymore weight. I regret not being more successful with the band. Having surgery to lose weight is an extreme measure, and when I chose it, I wasn't expecting to fail. On the other hand, I'm very grateful for my band because it's helped me maintain my weight for the past five years. Without it, I'm certain I'd be quite a bit heavier than I am today.

I was banded in 2009 and lost 50 pounds, 40 of which I've kept off. Though I still have restriction, I haven't been able to drop anymore weight. I regret not being more successful with the band. Having surgery to lose weight is an extreme measure, and when I chose it, I wasn't expecting to fail. On the other hand, I'm very grateful for my band because it's helped me maintain my weight for the past five years. Without it, I'm certain I'd be quite a bit heavier than I am today.

Hi,
What a blessing to find this thread! I haven't been on Lapband Talk in a couple of years in part because I have had such little success with my band. On the day of my surgery in February 2009, I was 325. Today, I weigh 300. I am devastated, sad, and embarrassed by having lost so little weight and still being so large. I, like, Juan, told people that I was having surgery. To still appear mammoth causes me great shame. As I write this, all I want to do is cry.
In spite of periods of real hopelessness, I haven't stopped trying. Today, I sent an email to my surgeon's office asking for an appointment. I didn't have the courage to call. In all honesty, I still feel hopeless; I do not believe it's possible for me to reduce my weight. Perhaps I can find some hope in seeing the doctor and continuing to work on changing bad habits.

Hi, Mrsinto--
Thanks so much for your concern and comments. I see a therapist and work with a behavior counselor who specializes in weight-related issues, both independent of my doctor's office. Admittedly, I have a lot of bad feelings about myself, which I'm sure has contributed to my lack of success. It's validating to connect with people who can empathize with what I'm experiencing.
Thanks, again! I wish you all the best on your journey.

Hi,
What a blessing to find this thread! I haven't been on Lapband Talk in a couple of years in part because I have had such little success with my band. On the day of my surgery in February 2009, I was 325. Today, I weigh 300. I am devastated, sad, and embarrassed by having lost so little weight and still being so large. I, like, Juan, told people that I was having surgery. To still appear mammoth causes me great shame. As I write this, all I want to do is cry.
In spite of periods of real hopelessness, I haven't stopped trying. Today, I sent an email to my surgeon's office asking for an appointment. I didn't have the courage to call. In all honesty, I still feel hopeless; I do not believe it's possible for me to reduce my weight. Perhaps I can find some hope in seeing the doctor and continuing to work on changing bad habits.