Lately I have been seeing a dramatic increase in the negative lap band experiences people are reporting (maybe it was always like this and I just didnt notice??)

It seems like every day people are posting that they're getting their bands removed because of serious/irreversible complications

So far I have no reason to be upset with my band (other than occasional heartburn, but with no Fluid in my band, my doc isn't really concerned) but being on here makes me feel like my band is a "ticking time bomb" and that something will surely go wrong.

I try to stay positive, and try to be happy with my 60 lb weight loss, but I am feeling increasingly unsettled and its really bumming me out

I only recently started posting on this site and I've had my band for 7 years with no complications whatsoever. I got lazy and regained some weight, so I needed to re-focus and get back on track. Actually, those "horror stories" have helped me to think about my band differently. I really never knew about some of those problems, especially since I have been so complication-free. It kind of woke me up to how I had taken my band for granted and abused it. I think I kind of got lucky, because there were many times I ate until it hurt or did other things that could cause real problems. I didn't realize how serious the consequences could be, and sort of just thought that worst case scenario for not following the rules was either not losing or gaining weight. I come here because it helps me stay focused on what I want and need to do. I do have to be careful - yesterday I was reading posts and found myself craving all kinds of crazy stuff. I think it's like everything else (including the band itself) - it depends on how you use it. If you find it being more harmful than helpful - stop. It can be depressing or triggering, and you are the best judge of what's working for you. I have found that there are certain people I can count on for that dose of reality and accountability I need. I use the rest of the posts as a reminder of what I don't ever want to be.

Shelly

Personally for me I find it easier for me to visit and participate in this forum. Seems that when I do not visit this forum even after almost six years of being banded I tend to get off the journey.

In any case I do find it easier to stay on task when I am on here on a regular basis.

The lab band works for me, works for my wife but I know of others who are close to me and for what ever reason the lab band does not seem to be working.

It all comes down to the simple fact is that I chose this route for my weight loss due to diabetics, back and neck pain and sleep apnea. I no longer on metformin for diabetes, do not take any pain pills and no longer use a cpap machine.

I believe I can deal with a little negativity along the way.