Hi,

I'm looking for people who've had LB surgery at least 5 years ago (or more). Has it worked for you? Complications? Basically, I'm looking for long term success! .... Would you do it again??

Thanks!!

Hi this is kk iam three yrs out and yes I would do it all over but differently.when I was banded they had just become a big to do but my md was very slow adjusting me which means I lost a lot slower then most people today.now a days people r reaching they sweet spots in less then a yr which is great! But I love my food and my band and iam able to loss and at the same time just a little at a time.

It will be 6 yrs this December

I will be having mine taken out sometime soon and possibly convert to bypass.

My story maybe different the others but I have had complications from te start 3days after being placed was back in the hospital. Gas outlet syndrome ( basically all the gas they use was collecting in my stomach and felt like it was going to explode). Tube down the nose to suck it out. Found out that morphine makes me puke.

2 weeks later back in the hospital. Was dry heaving and puking found out had an ulcer. Feeding tube in the nose. I did loose the most wght (50 ibs) with the feeding tube

Now I have had reflux for over 2 yrs and recently has gotten worse. The dr deflated the band as had a upper gi. Nothing bad showed up but the Dr said the band is pissing my stomach off so he recommends removal. Will talk to him in a week for options

My wife asked me back when I got it put in if she should do it. I said sure we all have different issues She had hers done and no issues

The wght loss has been up and down and up same for my wife. Over the years I gave up for a few months as I was frustrated

Then got back to following the band. So has my wife

The dr has pulled up several studies about the effectiveness of the band (you can pull them up with a google search). The most recent was out of Europe (they have been doing the band longer then the USA)

I know some people on here will dispute the studies but they are not doctors and they love the band which is thier opinion

So to answer ur question I guess of I would of known then what I know now I probably would not get it. Back then I thought the bypass would be tooo drastic with the cutting of the stomach but I sure there are bad experiences with every procedure

I have had my band 3 and a bit years. Got to goal weight in about 6 - 8 months and have been maintaining around there ever since. I did have some reflux at the beginning of the year but since having some Fluid removed that has disappeared.

I do find that now there is less motivation to eat and exercise the way that a person needs to maintain weight loss. But that is true with all types of WLS. You go through what is known as a honeymoon period where it is new and exciting and you are trying to reach your goal and the weight comes off easily. Then when the 2 of you have been together for a while things change, you get tired of saying no to chocolate biscuits.It doesn't matter what type of WLS you choose , the same thing happens. You often hear stories of bypass patients regaining and some even opt for a band over their bypass.

So the bottom line is that no matter what you choose you have to realise it is not going to be a quick fix. Obesity is a disease that cannot be cured but there are surgeries that will help to control it so long as you do your part . So you have to commit to healthy eating and exercise for life.

I sometimes think (and I may be wrong) that this battle is harder for women. Typically men don't eat as many Snacks , sweets, candy etc. they like meat and lots of it. All the WLS work well for that type of eater. Unfortunately for those of us that love candy and Cookies etc it is harder because they are still easy to eat post surgery and often we are eating them not because we are hungry but because they fulfill some other kind of need.

True men do burn and loose wght faster then women My wife (she has the band also) gets mad at me because she will work out 5 days a week and I do it about 2-3 times and I loose more then she does

Just a little competition

I have had my band seven years. I have had no complications at all. I have maintained my weight loss for six years. It has been a complete success for me. I was never in a hurry to lose the weight and never put any pressure on myself if I had a bad day, actually there were a lot of days I didn't follow the rules. Bad habits are hard to break (some of them have been impossible to break). The good days out numbered the bad and eventually I had more success then I ever dreamed I would. I still have good and bad days. Just take it one day at a time. Do the best you can. We are all different so don't compare yourself to anyone else. Good luck.

Hi this is kk iam three yrs out and yes I would do it all over but differently.when I was banded they had just become a big to do but my md was very slow adjusting me which means I lost a lot slower then most people today.now a days people r reaching they sweet spots in less then a yr which is great! But I love my food and my band and iam able to loss and at the same time just a little at a time.

I am with you, my dr very little amounts with the adjustments, so I am also a very slow looser.

I am almost 4 years out and love my band. But I have days I hate it too. Everybody on here is right, this weight issue is a lifetime struggle and you have good days and bad days. I would have never lost all my weight without the band. I have no fills and do not ever feel the need to be that tight to not be able to sit down and have a meal with my husband. I had gained 8 pounds last year and finally put my mind back in the game and lost it again. I am comfortable where I am and try to change the bad habits I have which have made me the perfect yo yo dieter for life. I thank the good lord for getting this band and saving my life and adding many more years to me. Good luck and this is a decision that you and you alone will have to make.