Jodie_G

Hi, everyone! I can't believe I found this forum after 8 years banded! Looks like a lot of wonderful info and people are here!
I'll try to be brief with my overview.... Heaviest was 364. Banded Dec. 2008. Currently, 258-264 (depends on the scale's mood). Lowest weight was 200 in 2014. After reaching that lowest weight, I had 4 major knee surgeries within 2 1/2 years (long history of knee issues after an accident at 9 years old). Those surgeries included 2 knee replacements and a full revision of one. I've lost range of motion with one knee and can longer do some of the things I once did. Thankfully, I can walk again and workout every single day. I also still journal and even weigh/measure my food.
So, here I am... 60 pounds heavier than my lowest weight and the scale is just NOT budging. What the french toast??? I made an appointment with my surgeons office to see the NP and the nutritionist. I still feel restriction but could probably use a tiny fill since I no longer have the morning tightness. I have been eating 1400-1800 calories a day because I'm quite active. After a brief telephone conversation with the nutritionist, I'm going to alter my intake to 1200-1400 calories until I see them early next month. I keep my Protein 75-100 grams a day and am doing all the things I'm supposed to be doing... with one exception. I drink Water or unsweet tea with some of my meals. I'm a big water drinker and I eat healthy, natural foods. It's rare that I consume anything processed.
I love my band and have not a single regret at all. I know that my metabolism is a bit wonky and I'm trying to get it fired back up again. For those that workout, are you working out in the morning? Evening? Are you eating before you workout? After? I'm trying to switch to early morning workouts before I eat. That seems to have worked for me in the past and hoping it does again. I'm open to hearing and trying new things!
I'm also curious to know if anyone still journal's and if so, what is your caloric intake daily?
Any thoughts, comments, suggestions are welcome! Thank you for listening and I'm looking forward to contributing anything I can to help others!

~ Jodie

I know I'm new here... but I've been banded for over 8 years and just found you guys!
Personally, I love my band. I've had some hiccups along the way. Stress at one point affected my band; my band got tight and I had to have Fluid removed for a short period. Then, I've gained weight due to temporary lost mobility. (I've gained back 60# of the 164# I had lost and am working to get those nasty hitchhikers off again.)
We all test the band. (We bander's quickly learn about sliming and bypass patients quickly learn about dumping syndrome.) The band has worked for me. Other's it hasn't. Same goes with the sleeve, RNY, and other various forms of WLS. Some work for some, some don't for others.
Each have risks and each have benefits. Just as I felt for myself, weigh the pro's and con's of each for you. Arm yourself with knowledge, facts, and make the choice you feel is best for you. Shop around for the surgeon that is best for you too. Some surgeons offer little information or support; others are magnificent! Some surgeons are nothing more than salesmen and want to push you into one surgery over another.
Just remember, not one single WLS is a magical quick fix and you can regain weight no matter which one you select. Surgery isn't the sole solution. Used properly, each is nothing more than a tool to assist you in losing weight and keeping it off. In the end, be 100% confident in your decision and stick to what the doc says... you'll do awesome!

I know I'm new here... but I've been banded for over 8 years and just found you guys!
Personally, I love my band. I've had some hiccups along the way. Stress at one point affected my band; my band got tight and I had to have Fluid removed for a short period. Then, I've gained weight due to temporary lost mobility. (I've gained back 60# of the 164# I had lost and am working to get those nasty hitchhikers off again.)
We all test the band. (We bander's quickly learn about sliming and bypass patients quickly learn about dumping syndrome.) The band has worked for me. Other's it hasn't. Same goes with the sleeve, RNY, and other various forms of WLS. Some work for some, some don't for others.
Each have risks and each have benefits. Just as I felt for myself, weigh the pro's and con's of each for you. Arm yourself with knowledge, facts, and make the choice you feel is best for you. Shop around for the surgeon that is best for you too. Some surgeons offer little information or support; others are magnificent! Some surgeons are nothing more than salesmen and want to push you into one surgery over another.
Just remember, not one single WLS is a magical quick fix and you can regain weight no matter which one you select. Surgery isn't the sole solution. Used properly, each is nothing more than a tool to assist you in losing weight and keeping it off. In the end, be 100% confident in your decision and stick to what the doc says... you'll do awesome!

I know I'm new here... but I've been banded for over 8 years and just found you guys!
Personally, I love my band. I've had some hiccups along the way. Stress at one point affected my band; my band got tight and I had to have Fluid removed for a short period. Then, I've gained weight due to temporary lost mobility. (I've gained back 60# of the 164# I had lost and am working to get those nasty hitchhikers off again.)
We all test the band. (We bander's quickly learn about sliming and bypass patients quickly learn about dumping syndrome.) The band has worked for me. Other's it hasn't. Same goes with the sleeve, RNY, and other various forms of WLS. Some work for some, some don't for others.
Each have risks and each have benefits. Just as I felt for myself, weigh the pro's and con's of each for you. Arm yourself with knowledge, facts, and make the choice you feel is best for you. Shop around for the surgeon that is best for you too. Some surgeons offer little information or support; others are magnificent! Some surgeons are nothing more than salesmen and want to push you into one surgery over another.
Just remember, not one single WLS is a magical quick fix and you can regain weight no matter which one you select. Surgery isn't the sole solution. Used properly, each is nothing more than a tool to assist you in losing weight and keeping it off. In the end, be 100% confident in your decision and stick to what the doc says... you'll do awesome!

I know I'm new here... but I've been banded for over 8 years and just found you guys!
Personally, I love my band. I've had some hiccups along the way. Stress at one point affected my band; my band got tight and I had to have Fluid removed for a short period. Then, I've gained weight due to temporary lost mobility. (I've gained back 60# of the 164# I had lost and am working to get those nasty hitchhikers off again.)
We all test the band. (We bander's quickly learn about sliming and bypass patients quickly learn about dumping syndrome.) The band has worked for me. Other's it hasn't. Same goes with the sleeve, RNY, and other various forms of WLS. Some work for some, some don't for others.
Each have risks and each have benefits. Just as I felt for myself, weigh the pro's and con's of each for you. Arm yourself with knowledge, facts, and make the choice you feel is best for you. Shop around for the surgeon that is best for you too. Some surgeons offer little information or support; others are magnificent! Some surgeons are nothing more than salesmen and want to push you into one surgery over another.
Just remember, not one single WLS is a magical quick fix and you can regain weight no matter which one you select. Surgery isn't the sole solution. Used properly, each is nothing more than a tool to assist you in losing weight and keeping it off. In the end, be 100% confident in your decision and stick to what the doc says... you'll do awesome!

I know I'm new here... but I've been banded for over 8 years and just found you guys!
Personally, I love my band. I've had some hiccups along the way. Stress at one point affected my band; my band got tight and I had to have Fluid removed for a short period. Then, I've gained weight due to temporary lost mobility. (I've gained back 60# of the 164# I had lost and am working to get those nasty hitchhikers off again.)
We all test the band. (We bander's quickly learn about sliming and bypass patients quickly learn about dumping syndrome.) The band has worked for me. Other's it hasn't. Same goes with the sleeve, RNY, and other various forms of WLS. Some work for some, some don't for others.
Each have risks and each have benefits. Just as I felt for myself, weigh the pro's and con's of each for you. Arm yourself with knowledge, facts, and make the choice you feel is best for you. Shop around for the surgeon that is best for you too. Some surgeons offer little information or support; others are magnificent! Some surgeons are nothing more than salesmen and want to push you into one surgery over another.
Just remember, not one single WLS is a magical quick fix and you can regain weight no matter which one you select. Surgery isn't the sole solution. Used properly, each is nothing more than a tool to assist you in losing weight and keeping it off. In the end, be 100% confident in your decision and stick to what the doc says... you'll do awesome!

Frios, you are far from a failure. So, you had a setback. Stuff happens. You caught it before you gained it all back and then some. What do you do now? Exactly what you did and we alllllll do.... we have our meltdown, and pity party. We keep it brief and don't camp out there. Then, we pick ourselves up, put on our super woman britches, dust ourselves off, and roll up our sleeves before we dive right back to doing what we know we should do. Life is messy and filled with potholes and detours... just hold coarse and barrel through it. You'll reach your goals! ((((( Sending positive energy and vibes your way! )))))

It's crazy, I think no matter the surgical route, we all seem to have those potholes and detours reaching our weight goals. (I'm certainly no exception and I still have yet to reach my goal. I'll touch on that in a moment.) I haven't had any issue with my band... no leaking, no slipping, and I seem to still be in my sweet spot. I don't overeat like I did pre-band. However, I was eating more than I should for my band. My hiccup was my knee surgeries. I had been in such a groove and rhythm too! I was no stranger to knee issues... one knee underwent numerous outpatient surgeries from an accident at 9 years old. Fast forward to age 39, then I had a microfracture on what was the good knee. Six weeks later I had a knee replacement on what was the bad knee. Bring on the complications from a surgeon that made an error in placing the implant... fast forward two years to a knee replacement on the good knee (dubbed Robot Knee) and then a revision on the bad knee (dubbed FrankenKnee). Prior to the surgeries I was nearly a gym rat and worked out so much. I felt great and the weight was flying off... I had lost 164 pounds. After the surgeries, it took all my energy just achieving the most mundane daily tasks. I had such bad swelling in FrankenKnee it was shutting my muscles down and I now have some atrophy in that leg. Yay. Here I am, 2 years later and finally in a groove. I still can't ride my road or mountain bike and probably never will because I don't have enough flex for the rotation. But, you know how the saying goes... when life gives you lemon make lemonade. Now that I've learned to adapt to what I can do and stopped feeling sorry for myself, I'm back in my groove. I've got 54 pounds that I'd gained to shed... and then it's back to where I left off on my journey prior to my "detour". (I started out the year 74 pounds heavier... so 20 pound loss in 2 1/2 months is something I'm happy with!) Wouldn't it be nice if it was just a straight shot from surgery to goal? We're all strong and resilient and we can do this!!!

Shared this in other threads, but.....

Banded in 2010.... got down 100 lbs. Had an issue in April 2017, lost all Fluid, gained 50 lbs, now back on track. Looking to lose another 30 before the wedding in Sept.

I’m scheduled to be banded on 4/9. I’m both excited and scared but I know I have to do something to get my weight down.

Great post. Literally just joined like... 3 mins ago. Not sure how to do any of this. Wanted to say I enjoyed reading this. I too get understand the getting comfortable and then gaining back, then losing, then gaining. Vicious cycle. So helpful to know others came feel where you come from and REALLY understand the struggle. Thank you for your words.

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NanaJoy, you CAN do this! Our bands are working with us, not against us! So, stay strong and know that you have this!

Thanks for sharing this Desdemona! I’m very encouraged now that my band will take me to my goal too even after a couple of years of struggling ( my own fault ). I went in a very strict diet also and I can relate to my band “ kicking in again”! Finally feeling hopeful again

I got my band in 2012 also. I live in Northern Virginia

Are you still happy with it? I am working hard to get back to goal after a year and a half off the wagon. And I mean fell off and got dragged behind the wagon! Lol! I saw my surgeon today after a fill 2 weeks ago. Lost 11 pounds following the post op diet again. Wasn’t easy but getting easier. Seems everyone is going to the Sleeve and it’s hard to find too many other lapbanders.

I am happy with the band itself but not happy with my current status. I've been on and off the wagon over the past 5 years but am currently trying to stay on. I have an appointment with a behavior modification therapist in a couple of weeks and hope to get my head back into the game. Who knew that getting a lapband was like taking on a new hobby? Meanwhile, I'm anxious for summer so I can hit the pool again. I'm ready to convert to bypass but I won't pursue that until I can say I've given the band my best effort which I have not yet done. Good luck getting back to goal!

Was banded in May 2010 by the guru Paul O’Brien in Melbourne. Didn’t follow his golden rules and frequently overate, vomited and cheated with shakes and lollies. Had revision surgery yesterday to correct pouching, and ready to go again.....this time with a better attitude towards the tool! 93kg, BMI 35.4

You can do it!!! Good for you

Banded 10 years ago in central NY. Happier than ever. Lost 65 lbs out of the 90 lb goal shortly after banding but then stopped losing and hovered there for 5 yrs. Then -- slowly gained 30 lbs by gradually eating bigger portions and too many goodies. Tried several times to get a hold of myself but just couldn't. I really couldn't feel my band much anymore. Finally - went on a medically supervised 800-calorie liquid fast a year ago. Whoa!-- that good ole' band just kick right in there again! I'm not sure I could have done it without it - but all of a sudden - my band said -- HELLO THERE!!!!!! Lost the 30 lb regain and then just kept going till I got to the original goal. I learned a lot losing the 65 lbs after getting the band but I learned a lot more this past year about how to get to 25 BMI and maintain it. Just finished my plastic surgeries ------so far - so good. Whew! What a 10 yr journey!

I noticed a lot of people are reading peoples posts, but few are commenting. So, I figured I would break the ice for some to speak up and break their silence.
Where are you from? Are you banded or hoping to be?
I've been banded for 8 1/2 years. I'm from Northwest Indiana and am sooooo ready for warmer weather to return and stay! LOL :-)

Same for you! You can do it! I keep visualizing summer, beaches , etc. it’s coming

I know I'm new here... but I've been banded for over 8 years and just found you guys!
Personally, I love my band. I've had some hiccups along the way. Stress at one point affected my band; my band got tight and I had to have Fluid removed for a short period. Then, I've gained weight due to temporary lost mobility. (I've gained back 60# of the 164# I had lost and am working to get those nasty hitchhikers off again.)
We all test the band. (We bander's quickly learn about sliming and bypass patients quickly learn about dumping syndrome.) The band has worked for me. Other's it hasn't. Same goes with the sleeve, RNY, and other various forms of WLS. Some work for some, some don't for others.
Each have risks and each have benefits. Just as I felt for myself, weigh the pro's and con's of each for you. Arm yourself with knowledge, facts, and make the choice you feel is best for you. Shop around for the surgeon that is best for you too. Some surgeons offer little information or support; others are magnificent! Some surgeons are nothing more than salesmen and want to push you into one surgery over another.
Just remember, not one single WLS is a magical quick fix and you can regain weight no matter which one you select. Surgery isn't the sole solution. Used properly, each is nothing more than a tool to assist you in losing weight and keeping it off. In the end, be 100% confident in your decision and stick to what the doc says... you'll do awesome!

Hi Jodie. I was banded in 2012. I lost 90 lbs. I’ve had several major back surgeries so I struggle a lot with exersize. I gained back 35 lbs but am working hard to get it off. I went back to surgeon. Got a small fill and started back on the very strict post op diet to try to jump start things. It was hard but it’s really working. It’s been s week and I’m down 6 lbs in one week. 2 Protein Shakes and one small healthy meal a day until goal. . No carbs or sugar. I feel better already. Good Luck!

Hi! Banded in 06 and enjoying it. Central California coast

I’m banded since 2012. I’m from NJ