Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

On the flip side of things, I love my band. I had the band for always two years now and I never felt the green zone until a couple of days ago. Before my fill, I only had 1 fill but I worked hard to get the 85 pounds off. I watched my food intake and exercise 3-4 times a week. The band is a tool and the weight is not going to fall off without hard work. I just received 2 1/2 cc's fill and back on the liquid diet for a while. I feel great. I was stuck at 250 pounds after almost 2 years and felt like a fill was needed.

If you put your mind to it than you can lose the weight. Never give up on something that you want to accomplish so bad. Just saying.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have to say , If I eat too fast or too much or something that doesn't agree with my band I get a clear signal from the band.. now that being said, I won't ignore those signals just so I can stuff some pizza or crescent roll down my throat.. I just don't understand how you can eat around the band.. I have had 2 fills. only have 2 cc in my band.. but, I feel enough restriction that I know when I have ate too fast or too much.. I also track my calories though and started some exercise recently.. I also give myself some time to feel satiety.. I think the Band is a tremendous tool and I too could not have done this by myself.. The band has given me the chance to get my weight and eating under control. I think you have to realize that a certain amount of will power is required no matter what you do. I know people who have had bypass and still ate around it..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

See all the good and bad feed back your getting someone once posted it is not a fix all and that it won't make you thin it is just a tool to help you , you also have to work at it , it just helps a bit but you also have to watch what you drink & eat as with every other diet & moderation if you don't do the moderation then it does not work I have had 5 fills and I have 10 n 1/2 cc's n a 14 lg cc band also I am only 9 months out and have lost 60 lbs so it is what you do not what the band does it is there n place to help you, well good luck .

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am new to this board and want a band but only heard the negative. It is nice to hear that as long as you work it, it will help you with your journey. I am so not saying that there are not other circumstances that can happen to not have success but seems like I keep hearing, you get out what you put in. I'm so glad I found this I was really starting to think of the sleeve but have small children and it scared me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In addition to using the band the way it is intended to be succesful there has to be a good bariatrics program too. If you are in a program where the surgeon just does the surgery but there isn't any regular follow up then that too can make a patient fail. Many centers orphan the patient after the surgery thank God that isn't my center...going on 6 years in Aug. and still can do weekly follow-up without cost if I choose to do so....and I choose to do so.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

{{{{HUGS}}}} I just want to support you and let you know that my first band had a leak and I got a lot of the same feedback you are getting. My Dr. wouldn't check my band under floroscopy until my husband asked even though I had been telling my dr. that something was wrong. I had to get another band. My first one was a large one and I hear that it is hard to get restriction on that size band. Yes, the band is a tool, but it needs to help us. I have problems with head hunger and has been struggling too.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am new to this board and want a band but only heard the negative. It is nice to hear that as long as you work it, it will help you with your journey. I am so not saying that there are not other circumstances that can happen to not have success but seems like I keep hearing, you get out what you put in. I'm so glad I found this I was really starting to think of the sleeve but have small children and it scared me.

Here is a forum about success. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forum/227-lap-band-success-stories/

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If the LabBand didn't work for you that's too bad, but individuals need to make their own decisions.

I always find these and other kinds of posts like it quite interesting. So you didn't lose weight with the band? That doesn't mean it's the bands fault, the band is a failure, or others shouldn't have a procedure that could dramatically increase their quality of life or even save their life.

Weight loss is simple math. Consume less calories than you take in and you will lose weight. The band (when used properly) is a tool to help you consume less calories. If you get the band then cheat on it, then don't expect it to work any better than a marriage when there is cheating going on there.

If you gorge on slider foods: high calorie sugary drinks, milkshakes, ice cream, etc. when you have the band, then you are not going to succeed. Is that the band's fault? I don't hardly think so.

Weight loss, even with the band, is truly multi-faceted. If there are psychological or other addiction problems causing you to overeat while you have the band, there is certainly help out there for that.

But if your overall goal is to lose weight, and you are gaining weight with the band, do you really think you are going to succeed without the band? What if you have it removed and then gain weight twice as fast as you did with the band?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If the LabBand didn't work for you that's too bad, but individuals need to make their own decisions.

I always find these and other kinds of posts like it quite interesting. So you didn't lose weight with the band? That doesn't mean it's the bands fault, the band is a failure, or others shouldn't have a procedure that could dramatically increase their quality of life or even save their life.

Weight loss is simple math. Consume less calories than you take in and you will lose weight. The band (when used properly) is a tool to help you consume less calories. If you get the band then cheat on it, then don't expect it to work any better than a marriage when there is cheating going on there.

If you gorge on slider foods: high calorie sugary drinks, milkshakes, ice cream, etc. when you have the band, then you are not going to succeed. Is that the band's fault? I don't hardly think so.

Weight loss, even with the band, is truly multi-faceted. If there are psychological or other addiction problems causing you to overeat while you have the band, there is certainly help out there for that.

But if your overall goal is to lose weight, and you are gaining weight with the band, do you really think you are going to succeed without the band? What if you have it removed and then gain weight twice as fast as you did with the band?

very well said

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can relate. I've had my lapband for going on one year now. I had a difficult time after surgery because the doctor fixed a hernia at the same time and put in one stitch too many' date=' so I had to undergo a second surgery the same day. Needless to say, I was off work for one month. I was 272 when I decided to have lapband. In the month before the surgery, I got down to 250. After that I stuck with a low-carb diet and was really careful about not overeating and eating slowly and got down to 190. I was originally told that I would not be able to ever eat bread or drink carbonated beverages (sodas were not a problem since I don't like them anyhow) and, if it meant that I would be skinny, I didn't mind giving up bread. I was also told that I would only be able to eat small amounts of food or I would throw up. Well, once I reached 190, I decided to "test the waters" so to speak. I tried eating more and I was fine. Then I tried bread. I was fine. Then crescent rolls and pizza. Fine and fine - never felt sick, never threw up. Before I knew it, I was eating like I had before. I had one fill between the time of my surgery and the time I reached 190. Then I went back up to 230 and had another fill. I felt no restriction have either fill. I even had them x-ray me to make sure the band was in place. Everything looked fine. My doctor said "Well, if this doesn't work, we'll go back in and remove the band and do a gastric sleeve." OH REALLY? And who's going to pay for that???? Really pissed me off. So, once again, after a lifetime of dieting (I'm 62), I feel like the biggest failure in the world. All my friends know I had lapband and I can just imagine what they're thinking. How embarrassing. Oh well, I guess I was never meant to be thin.

Anybody else out there have this same story?[/quote']

I really empathize with you. I've never been successful at any diet I was on. Oh, I'd lose weight but wiould always be hungry. Then it would be Girl Scout cookie season and I wouldn't buy just one box lol. I'd order 12 boxes of thin mint Cookies with the intention of bringing to certain social groups I belonged to. Maybe 4 boxes would make it to the groups and I would keep the rest. I wouldn't eat the serving size I would eat like 12 Cookies at a time and then my weight would creep back up. So the diet disn't fail me. I failed in the diet. The same is true of the Lapband; not many people know I have it for fear of failing the Lapband, not the Lapband failing me. There are times I feel no restriction but now I log everything I eat in my fitness pal and it keeps track of my food and calorie intake.

The Lapband is a tool, not a miracle drug and until you hit that perfect sweet spot you've got to stop eating when your fitness pal says you've had your calorie intake for the day. If I still feel hungry I'll have broth which I can have unlimited and it works for me.

I'm sure most of us didn't have surgery without looking into it first. I went to three seminars before I decided to go ahead with WLS. I knew by then that the Lapband would not work for me unless I did my part. So I'm doing what I have to do to be successful this time.

If I have to I will speak to a psychologist before I say the Lapband didn't work for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have had 4 fills now. I feel I am in the green zone. I cannot eat bread any longer, which to me is a good thing. I have tried twice now and will not try again. I am down 47 pounds since my surgery Dec. 28, 2012. I feel so good. I have another 32 pounds to go to my goal of 150. It is a struggle everyday. But it is a struggle I am willing to make. I did not under go surgery to fail myself. This was a huge decision. I would suggest this surgery to others if they are truly commited in changing their way of eating. Like we have all heard this is not a diet, it is a way of life now. I love my band.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This may be a harsh opinion, but it is mine. Unless something is physically wrong with either you, our your band... The only thing responsible for failure is YOU.

I see a lot of you bitching about how your dietician our surgeon didn't give you good advice, or the advice you wanted. Who cares????? You need to be proactive. Go to a library. Read some books. Order some off Amazon (there's TONS out there about WLS). Actually make your surgery and learning a passion. DON'T rely on anyone else. The only person who controls their success with the band is the person operating it. Everyone knows it's not a miracle cure.

Plan your work, work your plan!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I got the Band in October 2009 and I've lost 150 pounds but I'm very active. I do Martial Arts, Gym 2 times a day and CCX Training. The only thing I'm upset about is I found out today I have to get my Band removed due to the fact that I found out I have Barretts Esophagus. Good luck with what you decide.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×