Hi,

I got my band January 8, 2003. I am 5'0" tall and weighed 276 lbs. My doctor, Robin Blackstone, had never done a lap-band before, only gastric bypass...but I had done my research and knew I wanted the lap band and that I wanted her to do it. She and her team, Melissa (you rock), worked diligently over all these years to help me achieve my goals. I weigh 151 right now and still want to loose 10 more pounds. It has been such a ride of a lifetime! I can still remember how much time I spent on the boards trying to find someone to help me, someone who had the same things going on as me, someone who was worse off than me, someone who had "made it". When I had my surgery in AZ, the band had only been approved in the US for a year or so. Everybody was going to Mexico to get it done. Some even to Europe. I am forever thankful that when I was ready for my band, Dr. Blackstone had been studying and was ready to do one. Also, that my insurance paid for it. Each step of this journey is long and not at all what I expected, but I would do it all again tomorrow to learn all the amazing things I have learned about myself, to be able to be living in this moment, not sitting on the couch watching my family live life all around me. The lap band is a life-changing experience...if you are ready to really change, one day at a time, it can be the best decision you will ever make! Good luck to all of you!

Stories like yours give me great hope---thanks for posting!

Can't thank you enough for posting! It's good to know that there are people beyond 5-8 years that have not had their band removed. I'm sure you've had your ups and downs, but for now, you are our hero!! Mine anyway. Thanks again for sharing this.

What advice can you give us to be as successful as yourself with keeping the band this long?

I'm going to year 6 of being banded and so far no issues. I'm actually below my goal weight.

I still get weighed in every month with my family doctor and I meet a group of "bandsters" every month for coffee.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Started with a 54" waist now 32"

I'm going to year 6 of being banded and so far no issues. I'm actually below my goal weight.

I still get weighed in every month with my family doctor and I meet a group of "bandsters" every month for coffee.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Started with a 54" waist now 32"

Awesome!!! I knew there were more longer term successful bandsters out there. Dang going from a 54" to 32" waist is incredible. You are truly an inspiration to the guys!!! Thanks for posting!!! Jake