Strugglers, do you regret getting the Lap Band?

I am 2.5 years out, haven't lost anything much to speak of. I am so depressed and disappointed in myself, but I am also pissed off at this industry. I think the weight loss lap band industry holds back a lot of the truth.

Putting this thing inside me was a bad, costly decision. I feel bad, I think I just look bad.

I never lost my hunger. I throw up from different things at different times. I still have nasty dark scars on my belly that probably won't ever go away.

I am struggling the exact same way I did before I had the lap band, going on diets, trying to control my eating, same old roller coaster. Right now I am Low-Carbing it, if I lose weight on low-carb, why did I not do low carb without the lap band???

This is just a rant session for me, but I am wondering if I am the only one that feels this way???

Hey, I'm sorry about your struggles, do you mind if I ask you how much weight you've lost? Have you had any fills, if so how much is in your band? Tell your story maybe we can help or at least offer suggestions. .

My stats:

October 2009 Banded, weighed 236.2. My "normal fat" range had always been between 200 - 220 thoughout my adult life.

I am not sure exactly how much I have in, been told it was adequate last time I went in. I have had a number of fills, it's never felt too tight or that it's not there.

When sold the Lap Band, I was supposed to get "fills for life" with the cost of my self-pay. Well, the doctor left town. Now I went to the doctor that took his place, cost of $100.00, he did NOT give me a fill. He just scolded me for eating carbohydrates.

I feel tight sometimes in the mornings, or if I go for a long period without food, I can feel chokey with dry Proteins, and sometimes vomit if I am not careful.

I am probably eating less than pre-band, and I contribute that to not gaining weight. Because before I would gain weight easily, now its been pretty steady.

Lap Band is not effortless, I am now on a Keto diet plan. Since Friday I have cut out all wheat, most all other grains, and sugar. From reading a book called Wheat Belly, I am convinced that I need to stop eating carbs (like the 2nd doctor said my last visit).

My stats:

October 2009 Banded, weighed 236.2. My "normal fat" range had always been between 200 - 220 thoughout my adult life.

I am not sure exactly how much I have in, been told it was adequate last time I went in. I have had a number of fills, it's never felt too tight or that it's not there. Only YOU know when the amount in your band is "adequate". Someone else telling you that it's adequate is sooo wrong. You read here again and again how 5 cc's takes one person to their sweet spot, while it takes 7 cc's -- in the same size band -- to bring another to their sweet spot.

When sold the Lap Band, I was supposed to get "fills for life" with the cost of my self-pay. Well, the doctor left town. Now I went to the doctor that took his place, cost of $100.00, he did NOT give me a fill. He just scolded me for eating carbohydrates. This would have pissed me off to no end! I am so sorry this happened to you. Did the doc that took your original docs place "buy" the practice from your original doc? If so, he may have to honor your original doc's contracts. I would consider looking in to that. If, in fact, the new doc does not have to honor the original doc's contracts, I would find a new fill doc -- if possible. You don't need scolding, you need encouragement and a FILL!

I feel tight sometimes in the mornings, or if I go for a long period without food, I can feel chokey with dry Proteins, and sometimes vomit if I am not careful. Many of us feel tight in the morning, it is usually because we are dehydrated. Staying hydrated is key (and easier said than done for some of us) to being able to get and keep food down, for many of us. Steer clear of the dry proteins when you can ... not worth the G&A ("grief and aggravation").

I am probably eating less than pre-band, and I contribute that to not gaining weight. Because before I would gain weight easily, now its been pretty steady.

Lap Band is not effortless, I am now on a Keto diet plan. Since Friday I have cut out all wheat, most all other grains, and sugar. From reading a book called Wheat Belly, I am convinced that I need to stop eating carbs (like the 2nd doctor said my last visit). It is absolutely NOT effortless and yes, you are right, many docs do not give a clear picture of what and how the lapband actually works. I am sorry you feel duped, I am sure you are not alone. But, the good news is you can learn how the band really works and make it work for you.

I am a slow loser and I am currently experiencing some very traumatic health problems related to my lungs and my ability to breathe out (asthma) and in (restrictive lung defect). These problems have set me back a bit, with all the drugs I am on (steroids... ugghhhh). Still, I do not regret my choice to get the lapband. I really, really, really (did I say "really"? have to change my eating drastically. I have been reading a lot about nutrition and how foods are processed in the body. Low carb works great for me except ... my blood sugar drops like a rock sometimes causing other problems. Before lapband I was diabetic, but stopped taking metformin after about 3 months. My numbers are consistently good and my endo says my AC1 is non-diabetic. But, even when I was on meds I often had problems with low blood sugar. So, I have to be extra careful with what I eat. Due to my breathing problems I am tired ALL the time and the last thing I want to think about is what I am going to eat and when. Yeah, it's no party, but hey ... I have my good days, and that's when I SHOP! LOL

Hang in there. This may not be what you expected and I totally understand your anger and frustration, but you can make this work for you ... you really can. I can't breathe, but I still get up at 5 to walk 2-3 miles ... sometimes I can only do 1 mile because my lungs demand that I stop, but I won't give up ... ever!

All the best to you. Rant whenever you need to ... we are here for you.

~Fran

When was the last time you had a fill? It sounds like you need one. Carbs can stall your weight loss (so I suggest backing off from them for a while), but once you get going you can slowiy add small amounts back in, so you don't have to give them up forever. I would suggest you talk to your doctor and ask for a fill . I know this is eaiser for me to say becasue I'm not self pay, but try to save up for it until you can get one. In the mean time please don't give up. Get into an exercise program that you enjoy. Get back on the wagon..... Track what you are eating and when you are exercising so when you go for your fill you have someting to show him. Are there any nutritionist in your area? If so they are a great resource for healthy eating habits. Good Luck too you! I hope others will offer more suggestions.

Youre right the band is not "effortless" .......It's not supposed to be

I am 2 years out and I lost about 65 pounds total. I have been stalled for the last year and I have been going in for fills but end up having to go back in for an unfill every time. It has been so frustrating because I am self pay and it's costing me a fortune! I do track everything I eat plus exercise but it seems like my body is fighting me all the way. I guess I should be grateful that my blood pressure is normal and not on any meds anymore. Hopefully one day I will get there.

I am 2 years out and I lost about 65 pounds total. I have been stalled for the last year and I have been going in for fills but end up having to go back in for an unfill every time. It has been so frustrating because I am self pay and it's costing me a fortune! I do track everything I eat plus exercise but it seems like my body is fighting me all the way. I guess I should be grateful that my blood pressure is normal and not on any meds anymore. Hopefully one day I will get there.

I am right there with you. Since last Friday I have been tracking my food dilegently and have given up all bread, sugar, Pasta, etc. - really this is the first time I've done so good. I haven't eaten bread for 6 days, this is a first for me.

My calories are between 1100 & 1400, I have been doing light exercise, BUT I haven't lost a pound. Not a pound!

Guess I am destined to be a slow loser forever and ever.

Still I feel good, and I am not giving up.

Hey there mangojoy,

I was reading your last post where you talked about the number of calories you eat a day. Well, I know we all have been given different instructions regarding food from each of our Surgeons/Doctors/Clinics, etc. and I know we should all listen to our own respective Surgeon's/Doctor's/Clinic's advice to caloric intake. So please take what I say with a grain of salt. Well, I wonder if maybe you are eating too many calories? Between 1100-1400 calories a day seems a little high.

The clinic that performed my surgery tells everyone - regardless of weight to stay at 800 calories a day - at least until we get to the maintenance stage. (and let me just say...OMG!...I was quite shocked at first) But, I have to say, that it definitely has been working and I HAVE been losing weight.

I know all diets and Doctors are different...so ultimately you need to do what works for you.

I was told about 1000-1200 cals a day....so each doctor is different, I suppose.

I consider myself a struggler. I had thought I would be at goal by now for sure (losing 80 lbs in 18 months? No problem with the band!). However, I am only down 35. And it is mostly my own fault (although I keep getting too tight and needing de-fills which doesn't help but I'm definitely guilty of not eating what I'm supposed to all the time). However, I know I'd be even heavier than when I started, if I didn't get this. So I'm grateful for that. Just wish it wasn't such a struggle!

The clinic that performed my surgery tells everyone - regardless of weight to stay at 800 calories a day - at least until we get to the maintenance stage. (and let me just say...OMG!...I was quite shocked at first) But, I have to say, that it definitely has been working and I HAVE been losing weight.

800 Calories is not enough - I mean, I will loose weight with only 800 calories. But it is not possible to feel satiated on 800 calories for any length of time - for me personally, and probably for most anyone.

I am counting calories on MyFitnessPal.co, - and that helps me remember. If I am not tracking my food I tend to snack and overeat easily.

I am curious about what you are eating daily with 800 calories, could you tell me?

Thanks!

I was told about 1000-1200 cals a day....so each doctor is different, I suppose.

I consider myself a struggler. I had thought I would be at goal by now for sure (losing 80 lbs in 18 months? No problem with the band!). However, I am only down 35. And it is mostly my own fault (although I keep getting too tight and needing de-fills which doesn't help but I'm definitely guilty of not eating what I'm supposed to all the time). However, I know I'd be even heavier than when I started, if I didn't get this. So I'm grateful for that. Just wish it wasn't such a struggle!

First your dog is cute: I have a white fluffy dog too!

Is he a maltese? I have a bichon.

That is how I feel too: if I hadn't had this done I may have been 30 pounds heavier. It is so easy to gain weight for me, but very difficult for it to come off.

I can remember when I was in my twenties, I'd go on a diet and lose 20 lbs in three weeks! Now not so much hehe. I guess that's another great thing that comes with age!

First you need a fill and you should already know what is in your band and if its still in there and might have leaked out. Two, I hope no one told you this would be easy and that you wouldnt have to change your ways.

For your long term health you need a decent doc who can get you to the green zone and get use out of your band.

I had my first green zone at 6cc in a 10 cc band which was three fills. I lost weight and it loosened and I plateaued. I got another fill to 7.7cc and lost more weight. I plateaued again at 155 with 145 being goal for first normal BMI. I got a 0.3cc fill which I thought was too tiny to matter but I got to 140 in about 6 weeks. I have never exercised or dieted but I do eat protein first and very few carbs. The only meat I eat is fish.

I can only eat about 1/2 cup or maybe 3/4 cup of any food at atime. I eat any time I am hungry and that might be six times a day. I am too tight in the morning so I have a Premier Protein which starts my day with 30 grams of protein.

PLEASE...get a good doc to help you use this band! (you have not failed at all unless you quit)

First your dog is cute: I have a white fluffy dog too!

Is he a maltese? I have a bichon.

That is how I feel too: if I hadn't had this done I may have been 30 pounds heavier. It is so easy to gain weight for me, but very difficult for it to come off.

She's a Westiepoo! Keeps me on my toes!

My worst nightmare as I think about gettin the band

800 Calories is not enough - I mean, I will loose weight with only 800 calories. But it is not possible to feel satiated on 800 calories for any length of time - for me personally, and probably for most anyone.

Yes it IS possible to stay satiated on 800 calories. IF you are at a proper restriction.

First off, I think you need to go in and have your fill level checked and add more if you feel like you cannot stay satiated on small quantities of food. Before you do that though, you really need to measure your food intake and pay attention to how long you are staying full.

I am a struggler and have had my fair share of complications. I just recently re-committed myself in an effort to save my band. I was just DX'd with a hiatal hernia and severe esophagitis and was so fed up I told my surgeon I wanted it out. Then I sat down and REALLY evaluated what I was doing and whether or not my expectations from the band were realistic.

And you know what. I don't think they were. I am FOUR years post op and I am JUST figuring this out. Talk about a slow learner. So I decided to re-commit. I have spent the past few weeks drastically altering my diet, following the band rules, measuring and weighing my food... and you want to know what I am discovering.. my band works when I work with it.

I was doing all the wrong things for too long. Eating slider foods, downing waaaay too much ice cream, snacking, drinking with meals, etc etc. I wasn't chewing well enough, getting stuck and frustrated.

Now I am making good choices and paying attention. That was the hardest thing for me. PAYING ATTENTION. I actually think my restriction is pretty good right now. Some nights I can eat more than I should, but other nights I am too tight. I still HATE that part about the band. It is damn finicky. Salmon is great one night, and a no go the next.

Anyway.. I digress. My point is, YES, this is NOT an easy journey. It takes work and commitment. Some people have a sickeningly easy journey, and some people, like us, struggle. But right now, in this moment, I truly believe it is what you make of it.

Today my calorie intake was approx 825 calories (I didn't finish my dinner) and I am satiated physically. Mentally, not so much. Mentally I still want more. Head hunger is a byatch. It takes time and practice and WILL POWER to listen to those stop signals. You are retraining your brain.

Sorry if my post is all over the place. I feel your pain. I have been there. I lost 100 pounds and gained 56 back. I am on my way back down right now and feeling positive. I hope some of the positiveness rubs off on you.

Find a doctor who will work with you. I am VERY fortunate to have found an amazing Dr who took me on as a patient even though he did not perform my surgery. I am self pay and my fills cost me $100 and my office consults without a fill cost me $50. He check my fill level when I request and he always tells me what he is putting in. ADVOCATE for yourself. Sometimes he wants to add more than I am comfortable with... and I will request only .25cc vs .5cc. A SMALL fill can make a huge difference.

I have a lot of money invested in this as well. I paid $9995 for my surgery, countless more in followups over the past 4 years, and $1300 for a port replacement. Sometimes I wonder if it was a sucky investment. Could I have done this on my own? Yes... I could have made these food choices before... but the small amounts of food I eat now would not have kept me full.

Get your band checked out. Really evaluate what you are eating. I wish you tons of success!! Hang in there.

Here is my meals for today... just to give you an idea of what I ate and stayed FULL on. I wasn't even able to eat all of my dinner... my dog got half my quinoa and asparagus.. lol. I try and stay under 1000 calories. My Dr recommends 1200.

TOTAL

825 kcal ... 66.5g Protein

Breakfast

Peach Chobani w/Kashi Go Lean Crunch

235 kcal ... 18.5g protein

lunch

Protein shake w/lactose free milk

240 kcal ... 29g protein

Dinner

Scallops w/quinoa and asparagus

250 kcal ... 16g protein

Snack

Skinny cow ice cream bar

100 kcal ... 3g protein