Maincat

I was 50 when I had my band operation and I've lost 146 pounds since November 2007. Sure, losing 100 pounds is possible, so long as you remember to change your lifestyle, exercise, eat healthy foods, have a great support network and know that your band is a tool, not the answer in itself. It took me 8 months to lose 100 pounds. Just go for it!

I've had my band for just over a year, but I'm interested in your situation. How would you say your lifestyle has changed since having the band? Have you been able to maintain your weight loss over that time?

At my first fill, it was discovered that the tube between band and port was detached and that the Fluid was leaking into my chest cavity. I had a second operation which replaced the tube and resited the port. I had 4.5 ml fill at that operation, and another 1 ml fill about six weeks later. All is now well and the band works perfectly. The second operation was easy and nowhere near as big a deal as the first one. I had mine done on the NHS here in the UK, so I can't comment on your insurance position, except to express the opinion that you shouldn't have to pay for something that didn't work in the first place.

What are you doing eating a freaking cheeseburger and fries when you're supposed to be losing weight? Didn't you take any notice at all of the nutritionist? You really do need to take a good long look at yourself if your weight loss journey is to be a success. You need to encompass a change of lifestyle if the band is to stand a chance of working for you. I'm not talking about the amount of food you can eat, but eating healthily.

I'd like to say thanks to the people on this forum who came to the Derby support group meeting and heard my presentation. I really enjoyed it and hope that you found that what I said rang bells for you. Please keep in touch and good luck on your weight loss journeys.

Josee, You don't have a lapband and a bypass - it's one or the other. There has to be a reason for the situation. It's better to examine what that is and get it fixed. The bypass is a once and for all operation. It isn't reversible as the lapband is. It's also a much bigger operation. Perhaps in the end that will be your solution. All I'm saying is that you should look to see why the band isn't working for you first.

Hi Josee, Sorry I've been a while replying - I've eye problems at the moment. I had a second operation because when I had my first fill, it was discovered that the tube that links the band and port had become detached, and the Fluid was leaking in to my chest cavity. So I had the port and tube replaced - no big deal and much easier than the first operation. When I had the new port, they put in a 4.5ml fill. A few weeks later, I had another 1ml put in and that made all the difference. So now I have 5.5ml in a 10ml band. For me, that's perfect. In fact, I cancelled a fill that was arranged because I didn't need it. As for your fill levels, all I can say is that a small amount of fluid can make a big difference. I would talk to Kay and suggest another 1ml. It may take a while for the perfect fill level to be reached - it's not an exact science. Having said all of that, before my second operation I lost a lot of weight without the band's help, just due to portion control and exercise. Given that you're putting weight on, I would suggest you visit your GP as it may be a sign of other issues. Are you retaining fluids? Are you grazing between meals? It's great that you're coming to the support group meeting and I look forward to meeting you there - please come and introduce yourself. I just hope that you find what I have to say useful and not too boring! Take care.

Hello Josee, Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry that you haven't had success - yet! Can you give us some more information about you and the band - have you had fills, your diet, exercise, why you think you haven't lost weight? There are many people on this forum who have experiences that they can share with you and are happy to give advice. Try not to get downhearted, although that must be difficult. The band by itself is not the answer - it's a tool to help you make significant changes to your lifestyle that enable weight loss. Looking forward to hearing back from you.

Hi all, Just to let you know that I'll be doing a talk and presentation at the next Derby support group meeting on the 26th November. If you can come along, please do and introduce yourself.

Thank you all for your kind words. Strange how you look forward to something so much, then when it comes it's a bit of an anti-climax. I gave myself a year to lose the weight, so now what? It's hard to break habits, especially when they've been good and successful ones. I still can't bring myself to eat any bread, biscuits etc., even though I can 'afford' to eat them. Any ideas welcomed. Thanks again.

Hello Alfie, Good luck with your band and the weight loss journey. I too was a BMI of 41 so I can relate to that. Work hard, eat healthily and stay focussed. Remember the band cannot work on its own - it needs you to change the lifestyle that made you overweight in the first place.

I tried the gym, but never felt as if I belonged there. I have an exercise bike (eBay £26), a 15 year old cycle and some exercise videos. My outlay on kit is about one month's gym subscription. Now I've met my targets, the exercise will go to one day on, one day off. Even better reason to be a home exerciser.

That's really good Ann - I'm very pleased for you. Swimming was never my sport of choice (cycling is), but I'm really glad that you can see the progress you're making. Keep it up xx

Hi all, Today is my bandiversary, so here are my before and after images. It's been a very successful year, way beyond my hopes and expectations. Thanks to all of you that have given me support and friendship along the way.

Hi all, It's my Bandiversary today, so here are my before and after images. I'm feeling very proud of myself, but I couldn't have done this without the support of my family, friends and health professionals.

Good luck with the surgery. I had my port replaced and moved and it was far easier than the original operation. Nowhere near as much pain or discomfort. I hope that's the same for you.

Hi all, This may sound silly, but it's not meant to be. I had my lap band almost a year ago and I've lost a humungous amount of weight - great. The best thing is that I've changed my lifestyle in terms of eating, exercise, activity etc and it feels very natural now. I like who I am and feel the benefits all the time. I've now come to the point where I don't want to lose any more weight. But's it's not easy to switch from a weight loss mentality to something else. I've been used to NSVs and scales telling me how successful I've been and now it seems I'm saying goodbye to that. I guess it means I should eat more, but I really don't want to because I don't feel the need to. I don't want to eat for the sake of it - that's what got me into trouble in the first place. I'd appreciate any insight you may have. Thanks.

The changes in my face are perhaps the most dramatic of my weight loss. I expected to lose the belly, but the face changes took me by surprise. I'm told I look years younger, happier and healthier. Check out my signature - what do you think?

That's brilliant Ann. Well done. You see, success isn't just a number on a scale, it's all those NSVs that come along as well. Just flaunt it now!!

Hi Ann, I guess the grapevine works really well. This is big news to some people you have told and they could't keep it to themselves. If you ask your friend who told her, she may feel under some sort of pressure. I wouldn't bother. Don't get upset by it. For my part, everyone who knows me has seen me lose weight over the last year and has asked how I did it, so I told them. No big deal. They know what I went though before I had the band - diets, pills etc. - and they know they weren't successful for me. They're just happy for me and very supportive. If you felt that you should not tell your family that's your choice, but I guess that it's almost impossible to keep something like this quiet for any length of time. If I were you I'd tell everybody and if they have a problem with it, well that's their problem, not yours.

Hi all, I have 5.5 cc in my band and it is perfect - the real sweet spot. I used to have 4.5cc in, and the extra 1cc made all the difference.

Kick in the pants time. You should look to change your lifestyle, not just what you eat. That includes exercise. Sometimes, I don't feel like exercising, but I just grind it out, because I want to get fitter bad enough. How much do you want it? How determined are you? How much support do you get from your family and friends? Don't see exercise as a chore, but part of your normal activity. It's fun, and as you get better at it, the more fun it is. How much are you doing? Start small and slowly build up. I started with a minute a day. Look to NSVs to reinforce your progress. It's remarkable how much effect doing up your belt one more notch can have on your confidence. Come on, you can do this. Every minute you do is money in the bank.

Just thought you would like to know that I'll be on BBC Radio Nottingham on Wednesday 5 November at 9.30am to talk about my weight loss. Tune in if you can.

Hi, First of all, welcome to the forum and I hope that your operation goes well for you. As for pre-op, I had to go on a liquid diet for two weeks before the operation. This wasn't as bad as it may sound, as I love soup! Also, spend the time getting as much information as you can about the procedure and how it works. Get your support network in place if that's possible - family, friends etc. Life is going to be very different and change can be stressful. Really though, be happy with your decision, excited about the future and prepare as well as you can.

Yep, I'm on Facebook. Name is Steve Milward, Rainworth Nottinghamshire. I used to be a teacher and some of my pupils keep in touch this way. I've only really used it for two days!