Hi all,

I had my lap band put in 3 years and 8 months ago. I started out at 354 lbs and am currently at 248 lbs. I made the decision at the beginning to take the slow route along with my surgeon. He and I agreed that the slow method is much healthier and the chance for long term success and much higher. My band has not changed in the fill amount since the first month of the surgery. Cudos to my surgeon, he's a very smart person and I am so glad I took the long road. It's been so easy and my eating habits have truly changed for the good and taking the slow loss method has let my body and skin adjust slowly to the new me. No major loose skin here.

The biggest difference using this method is that my eating habits have changed gradually and I do not feel the least bit deprived and am not looking to change anything at this point. The lose is slow but the health benefits have been great. I'm now off most of my medications for Type II Diabetes and mostly control it with my diet. The biggest change for me has been the reduction of breads and red meat. I can still eat it but have to take tiny bites which usually takes so long I would just prefer to eat something else.

I have a sister in law who also had a lap band and has had all kinds of problems which I attribute to having the band too tight. She is still having issues with her eating as we refer to as "run to the bathroom" . She had the band put in 6 months ago. My recommendations are take the slow road. It's just much easier. I only had one fill from the initial surgery.

Russ

Kudos to you!

Looked at your profile - what a difference! You look great. I go slow too.