PrtyAntOvrYt

no, I was planning to keep my Band forever and ever! I had lost so much and had not one problem until last March, I started having problems eating anything. I even tried protein drinks and I would get stuck! It was horrible. It turned out to be the massive scar tissue. It caused my band to be super tight even though I hadn't had an adjustment in over a year and a half. I was compliant with every rule and had few fills and not one unfill or even a small unfill. I went into have it removed and the insurance approved me for a revision.

I hit the 323 lbs lost mark and then gained a little - it was my first gain in almost 5 years of Banding. My band was causing me a lot of problems so I had to have my first unfill! I revised to the Sleeve so that I don't regain all of that weight back! My band was a mess inside me. The tubing was wrapped around my internal organs and the scar tissuew as massive.

Everyone is different. I had no pain with my TT or my LBL. My Doctor uses the epidural and twilight sleep. If I had not had an incision, I would have never known I had major surgery - except for my extremly flat and beautiful Tummy!

for the best result and the chance of not having to have a revision, it is best to be at goal and to be stable at that weight for 6 mos to a year. You can have it done earlier and I did due to mobility issues, but I knew going in that I would need a revision. I was fine with that. After losing 270lbs I had 19 lbs of excess skin to remove from my tummy and arms.

drinking while eating can also increase the size of your pouch, you're adding food and adding liquid, it will flush your food through, you'll eat more and not sat as satiated as long. My doctor's rules were no drinking for 60 mins post meal, but you could drink up until your first bite. AND no drinking during your meal. This has been one rule, I have followed to the letter since I was banded 2008. I have lost over 270lbs and I think this is a good rule to follow.

If you're doctor is one who uses drains, I'd suggest getting several Lanyards. I had two that I attached together for my drains. My last surgery - I had 11 drains. I used two for my shower and two during the day. It makes it much easier if you have something to hang your drains on.,

I've had my band for almost 4 years. I've kept it on the looser side because I want to continue to be able to eat solid proteins without having sliming and stuck episodes. I've lost over 250lbs and have truly been able to eat anything and everything. I can eat brown rice, whole grain pasta, all breads toasted and not. Steak and chicken (as long as it's very moist) Raw brocolli and cooked carrots have been bad but I was hungry and ate too fast. I can however eat raw carrots and cooked brocolli! Insane! Everyone is different, what you may have issues with, others may not. To be successful, I advise logging every bite you take, everyday. I have! I use www.fitday.com and I have since the day before my banding. I also follow the rule of measuring my food and eating my protein first. You have to be mindful of what and how you eat. Liquids are for immeidate post op only. Drinking your meals is the worst for banders because they just flow through the band and you're hungry right away. Be strict with not drinking with your meals. The banders I know who have had slow weight loss, drink with their meals. They push that food right through the band and they are able to eat more. I, on the other hand have done it once and I got so stuck! PM me if you have any other questions!

I haven't ever had problems with bread of any type, Soft, toasted or tortillas. I do think most do much better with crackers, flat breads and wraps. It's a matter of not keeping your band too tight and eating slowly with tiny bites. I get stuck when I rush my meals because I've waited until I'm starving to eat!

I absolutely looked much older after having lost over 250lbs. I had a total facelift and that helped a lot. I never lost any hair and my skin and nails are lovely. I do notice that most RNY patients look very pale and sickly. I think it depends on the LapBander's nutrition. Do they eat crap? I don't. I eat mostly protein and good whole grains and fruits and veggies. It's being wise with your food choices!

I have a really good friend who had plastics the same time I did - she had lost 100lbs and she was 22 years old. she had to have a lower body lift, thigh lift and breast lift. her arms looked pretty good, however, but she said she never carried any weight in her arms. it all depends on your genetics and how you carried your weight, If I were you, I'd start saving your pennies now for some tucks here and there! Believe me, it is the icing on the cake!

Cazzy! We should do a thread for people who have lost over 200! I have lost 278lbs since my highest and 228 since the LapBand was placed! I plan to lose 300 lbs since the band and 350 from my highest. I used to wear a 6xl and now I wear a Large. I've had plastics done - and I am in better physical condition today than I was in my 20's! I love my LapBand!

Skin doesn't weigh much at all. My TT was 13 and my arms were 6. I just had a LBL and Thigh Lift with full face in May and it was another 13 lbs. The thing that is cool about plastic surgery for some patients is that it increases your metabolism. I was starving and ate a lot post operatively. Mostly protein because I wanted to aide with my healing. And I lost 24 lbs the first time and 18lbs the second time. I was really swollen due to all the collateral circulation. I am so happy with my work. I had it done in Monterrey with Dr Francisco Sauceda, He's the best! Very experienved with Massive Weight Loss patients, all inclusive, full service hospital and two week stay at the Hampton Inn with an RN who visits every morning to help you shower and redress your incisions! I'm going back for my breasts and upper body work soon. I've lost over 250lbs with the Lap Band and I am a whole new person! BTW, the best part about Dr Sauceda besides his bedside manner and excellent skills - is he charges 1/3 of what I was quoted here in the states!

Hey anything is possible! I've lost over 250lbs with the Band and I still have 40lbs to go! I want to be 170! A normal BMI for me since I am 5-10! I'd love to be 150's and maybe I will try for that once I get to 170! I hate people who tell me it's impossible to get to your goal with the LapBand! It's not! I am proof and so many others are here to tell you that it is totally possible! You have to work hard, yes! But if you're willing to follow the rules and listen to your body, you will reach your goal! Don't listen to this blowhard! Go for it!