sunnysidega

I've been banded over 14 years and still it happens on occasion. Sometimes it feels like there's actually a knot or kink when I bend over a certain way. It goes away. Then sometimes the pain (not severe) does radiate up into my left shoulder. You may be on to something about not going to the bathroom regularly. That's something that I have dealt with so I take Dulcolax to help with that. And I drink a ton of water! If in doubt or really worries you be sure and check with your band doc.

I am curious if there are any lap-band patients still active on the site. I was banded 14+ years ago. My band is still in working order and it never lets me forget it's there. My band was an Inamed 4 cc. band. I actually go for a follow-up visit July 24th which will be the first time in many years. My surgeon no longer performs WLS but the practice still exists. I did reach my goal weight for a short time but gained quite a bit of weight back. It's no fault of my band. Like we "hear" (do we really listen is the thing) it is a tool. Hope to hear some feedback from some oldies but goodies.

10 1/2 years post and very thankful for my band. Not to say I haven't had my issues with some weight gain and difficulties but I attribute that to me learning about the reasons for being overweight, emotional eating and learning to life a healthier lifestyle. I am very blessed to say I have had no issues with my band such as reflux, etc. My band keeps me in check but a lot of the weight loss success has to do with me keeping up my end of things with exercise, making good food choices and not reverting to emotional eating.

Well, B-52 you sort of got what I said right even though you did post the direct quote. I said not to TOTALLY depend on fills and gaining weight is possible if you don't stay on task speaking of my personal experience. It sounds like you have been very diligent with everything. That is awesome! What I was meaning by the less fills the better is I know many people who are constantly getting filled, then un-filled and have lots of problems. They don't seem to give their bodies and minds time to make the adjustment to the help the band is affording them. I should have been more specific saying to give the adjustment a chance and continue doing the things we know we should. I would still maintain that there are no magic bullets and that the band is an extremely useful tool. It sounds like you have totally used the band the way it is designed to be used. I really believe we are saying the same thing only in a little different way

You may want to check with your gastroenterologist rather than your band doctor or get them to consult with each other. My experience is that I have had some dandy what I call "band burps". Long and loud. Hiccoughs, too. The hiccoughs are usually a soft stop sign. The band burps are random. I was having some reflux issues prior to banding and in the 10+ years since, I could count on one hand anytime I have had heartburn. And those times were relieved with a few antacids. So it worked for me like your doc had hoped it would for you. Good luck!

I am banded over 10 years and am alive and healthy and have had no problem with my band. The only "band" problem that I have encountered is the same one anyone would have if you choose not to stay on task of weight re-gain. I would hope everyone does their pre-surgery research to decide what kind or even IF WLS is the way to go. There are no magic bullets! Repeat NO MAGIC BULLETS. I lost weight well and steadily and reached my goal and then hit an emotional rollercoaster and tried as hard to put the weight back on as I did to take it off a few years into my journey. I totally believe that the band is an excellent tool to assist with good eating habits and exercise. No matter what a person decides it takes dedication andd focus. A lot of us are more familiar with being a caretaker than taking care of ourself. I have addressed the emotional component to my weight gain and am back on track. My long term caution to anyone considering the band or newly banded is to NOT DEPEND ON FILLS as being the total answer to losing weight. I believe the less fills the better. Using your band as a tool, listening to your body's "full" signals (and you will acquire some with the band) and staying focused on living a healthy lifestyle will take you where you want to be. Seriously, don't waste your time on any "haters".

Got in a nice hike at the Chickamauga Battlefield on one of the trails today. Forgot my pedometer. Almost 70 here, too today but going to get that nice cold front move through. Brrrr... Hubby didn't walk as far as the dog and I did and on his way back a 4 point Buck about took him out! Trust me, those deer know they are on government land. Daughter in Farmington MO said it was supposed to get down to like 13 degrees there, Catfish in the next day or two. CG, I know you will get to show off those blue toes again this year. Front won't stay although we may be in for a hard winter this year. It's flip flop season most of the year as far as I'm concerned.

CG-you're so purdy

Well hello bariatric pals! I believe I am back to the world of the living PTL! Now if I don't get back coughing from working outside I had a good day lifting and loading limbs from 2 trees we cut down and blowing and raking leaves. That leaf raking sure is good for my core (I THINK I have a core somewhere) Good to read everybody's posts. Puts a smile on my face or a chuckle in my belly

Not being a slave to the scale and taking care of yourself just as a normal part of life is the way it should be. I'll give it a hell yeah for sure! Old habits are hard to break and I was always such a black and white thinker. It was 100% gung ho or nothing at whatever I was trying. Now I'm living life and taking things in stride. We all just need to keep moving forward and being the best me we can be. Accept our flaws and live a healthy, productive life.

For some reason the edit feature isn't working for me. I apologize, Khelm 32, I was speaking about Bandista's surgery being tomorrow. Sure sorry to read of your struggles getting insurance to approve your surgery. I know it's easier said than done not to get frustrated and discouraged (no doubt) but keep doing whatever you can to stay on the healthy track. Best wishes to you.

I knew your surgery was scheduled soon and actually hopped on the forum to check the date. So I assume this means your surgery isn't tomorrow? I'm really sorry to read you have had insurance problems. Keep being the squeaky wheel and keep the faith.

On a good note, I am down a few pounds.

You guys rock! I am still getting over being sick. I did get out in the yard yesterday and pick up black walnuts (geez probably 10 gallons). I feel like I lost most of the month of October and it sucks. Trying to get my strength back and plan on going for as much of a hike in the woods as I can tomorrow and raking leaves (with a mask). Sorry the blog feature isn't working but sure glad to see everyone continuing to post. Accountability and encouragement! That's what we all need no doubt.

Back home. It was a very emotional week. Caught a nasty cold while I was in the show me state. Only got one hike in before I got sick but hope to be back on track ASAP. Totally LOVE coming back here and reading all the accomplishments. You guys are awesome! And thanks for the support. I really appreciate it. AND...now that the government opened the parks back up I'm good to go at the battlefield.