I was banded March 14, 2006. I lost 70 pounds in 7 months with no problems. I started having issues shortly after that time with my band being too tight. All the Fluid was removed from my band. I still had a lot of restriction and had to be careful with what I ate. About 2 years ago, I developed bad reflux. I have been on medication since this time.

I lost 20 more pounds in the last 4 months, because I could not tolerate anything but liquids. Yes, I should have not waited to see my doctor. I occasionally had this problem before, but never for 4 months. Bad news. Band has to come out. I was at first upset, scared, mad at myself, and many other emotions. I came to my senses and told myself healthy trumps skinny.

I had removal March 17, 2011. I awoke from the surgery and took a swallow. OMG, I could already tell the difference! I did not realize just how bad off and totally sick I was!

I have been on full liquids for a week now. Tomorrow I start mushies. I am looking forward to oatmeal. I have not been able to eat Oatmeal in...well I can't remember... years!

I have already started using Lose It! on my iPhone to track what I eat... drink. I know I could easily go back to my pre-band old ways. I am and allways will be an Optimist! I can do this!

Good luck! Seems like you've made the right lifestyle change to be successful without the band.

Thank you... I can use all the encouragement I can get. You have done great I see!

Good luck! Seems like you've made the right lifestyle change to be successful without the band.

Good luck!!!!! YOu are brave!

I was banded March 14, 2006. I lost 70 pounds in 7 months with no problems. I started having issues shortly after that time with my band being too tight. All the Fluid was removed from my band. I still had a lot of restriction and had to be careful with what I ate. About 2 years ago, I developed bad reflux. I have been on medication since this time.

I lost 20 more pounds in the last 4 months, because I could not tolerate anything but liquids. Yes, I should have not waited to see my doctor. I occasionally had this problem before, but never for 4 months. Bad news. Band has to come out. I was at first upset, scared, mad at myself, and many other emotions. I came to my senses and told myself healthy trumps skinny.

I had removal March 17, 2011. I awoke from the surgery and took a swallow. OMG, I could already tell the difference! I did not realize just how bad off and totally sick I was!

I have been on full liquids for a week now. Tomorrow I start mushies. I am looking forward to Oatmeal. I have not been able to eat Oatmeal in...well I can't remember... years!

I have already started using Lose It! on my iPhone to track what I eat... drink. I know I could easily go back to my pre-band old ways. I am and allways will be an Optimist! I can do this!

I am battleing with the thought, do I have it taken out or have the replacement. I have pre-op tomorrow for a Hiatal hernia and my Dr. said he would have to take the old one out and replace with a new one and I am scared to death. My husband and son wants me to have it taken out and I am scared to death about gaining 54 pounds back. A lot of friends have lost weight through the Thrive program and says I can to but can I? I have lost about 10 lbs but have my lap band to fall back on. I was banded in 2005 and didn't start having any problems until appx 2 yrs ago.

Thank you for sharing your story, best wishes for the future!

Good day today. Oatmeal for breakfast was yummy! Protein Shake for lunch. Olive Garden for Dinner for Daughter's Birthday. I had the Chicken Gnochii Soup and the Tiny Dessert. It felt strange to be able to eat without pain or vomiting. A very good strange. Logged into my Lose It!