Today is my first bandiversary. It's hard to think of the entire process as successful at this point. I lost 40 lbs in the first 3 months, and have lost and gained the same 10 lbs since then several times.

However, I have another fill scheduled for next week, and this fill should give me real restriction -- I haven't had much restriction at all since my slip/unslip, and I realize that like many tools, the band is a tool that doesn't work if it's not properly calibrated. So I'm looking forward to being back where I should be.

Of course I'm not happy that my band slipped, but I'm so thankful that it slipped back, and that there was no damage as a result. Further, I lost 40 lbs this year. Even though it's not the 120 lbs I might have lost with bypass (or the ~80 I could have lost in a "perfect lapband world") it's still 40 lbs. And that's my goal for this year -- another 40 lbs. If I lose more, great, and I hope I do lose more. But if I lose only 40, then I *will* consider this whole thing to be on the "success" track.

Anyway, here's to another year. Cheers.

Jonathan

Congratulations Jonathon,

Today it has been a year for me. I kinda feel a bit like you in that the band

has not exactly been what I had hoped for. I have not had a slip or anything like that. I have been too tight and needed to have an unfill and that certainly slowed the weight loss down. I have lost 40 pounds and then gained 10 and keep gaining and losing those same 10 pounds. I have not exercised, I have not always followed all the rules. But I am still very glad I have my band.

I need to begin today as if it was a year ago and abide by the rules and exercise and put this tool to good use.

I say none of this to discourage anyone. I would be banded again today in a minute. I do think that it is a tool, and like all tools it is how you use it. It is not magic. But it is fantastic.

Hugs to all

Way to go!! I am coming up on my year of being banded--it was by far the best thing i ever did-so keep plugging on