Hello August All Stars 08,

We are approaching our third band-aversary in three months. I'm getting reflective and wanted to reach out to the support group that helped us get through the most difficult period, our first year. I am guilty of not keeping our site active and supporting each other. My band journey is still very positive.

I had complications with my port cord about 6 months ago and needed to have the cord repaired in a 30 minute procedure. I noticed a lot less restriction. The nurse couldn't get any fluid out of my band. The doctor did a fluoroscope and saw the cord was damaged with no explanation how it happened. I gained about 12 pounds before the port was repaired. I am back on track with decent restriction. 30 minutes every day on the treadmill. I am down about 60 lbs total and working to ad to that number. I still love my band and would do it again without question.

On a personal note, I turned 51, my dear wife survived a cancer scare last year, my oldest son graduated college last week. I wish everyone good health and continued success with your band journey.

Sincerely,

Gary B

I am also an August All-star, banded 29 August 2008! I have had success with my band. I have lost 129 pounds so far. I am 25 pounds from goal. This has sparked some fire in me to reach that goal!!! I have had set backs. I had gastritis in July 2009 and had to be unfilled. I gained 22 pounds but I pulled it together and got my fills and got back on track. I exercise regularly. I do many different types. I'm now a gym rat!

Right now, I'm going to have my gallbladder removed and my doctor will reposition my band as it has some slippage. I am now unfilled but I'm okay with that. I went straight back to liquids. I've lost about 10 pounds so far. My surgery is Wednesday, 25 May 2011. I will get back on track and reach my goal by summer's end! I knew before getting this surgery that there were risks and I won't whine about them now. I'll just pick myself up and re-committ to my health and not complain. I have no regrets!

I feel so much better since getting the majority of the weight off. I cannot imagine going back so I will continue to work hard to keep my success a success.

I am also an August All-star, banded 29 August 2008! I have had success with my band. I have lost 129 pounds so far. I am 25 pounds from goal. This has sparked some fire in me to reach that goal!!! I have had set backs. I had gastritis in July 2009 and had to be unfilled. I gained 22 pounds but I pulled it together and got my fills and got back on track. I exercise regularly. I do many different types. I'm now a gym rat!

Right now, I'm going to have my gallbladder removed and my doctor will reposition my band as it has some slippage. I am now unfilled but I'm okay with that. I went straight back to liquids. I've lost about 10 pounds so far. My surgery is Wednesday, 25 May 2011. I will get back on track and reach my goal by summer's end! I knew before getting this surgery that there were risks and I won't whine about them now. I'll just pick myself up and re-committ to my health and not complain. I have no regrets!

I feel so much better since getting the majority of the weight off. I cannot imagine going back so I will continue to work hard to keep my success a success.