I want to talk with only those who have had a band over 10 years! Successes? Complications? Challenges? Other medical issues that may be indirectly related to the life style change you made when you got the band. Let's talk!!

10 year old bands have little in common to 2013 banded patients. New and improved bands, surgical techniques and aftercare have improved the efficacy of the band many times over. It would be like comparing cell phones before 2003 to today's smart phones. jmo

I am not comparing. I am looking to exchange stories. We have different challenges.

However, it is important to understand some of us have lived with bands for over 19 years.

People sure are having comprehension problems. I read your post and saw that you were asking to speak with people who have had bands for 10 years or more. I see nothing about wanting to compare bands from then with the ones of today.

I had my band surgery over 10 years ago. It was an unmitigated disaster, I have permanent damage from it. I do not have a band today, thankfully. I have damage to my diaphragm and esophagus. Also, gastric ulcers, gastritis, hiatal hernia, and acid reflux.

I am considered a "success" because I lost over 100 pounds. I do not consider myself a success because my quality of life took a nosedive.

Actually, TMF's comparison is very valid.

We already know there have been tons of complications with the 4cc and other older model bands. To a newbie reading about people who had complications with an ancient, outdated band it could look extremely scary. When the reality is, there is nothing for them to fear because comparing the bands from a decade ago to the bands of today is like comparing an old brick cell phone to a Samsung Galaxy smart phone.

People sure are having comprehension problems. I read your post and saw that you were asking to speak with people who have had bands for 10 years or more. I see nothing about wanting to compare bands from then with the ones of today.

I had my band surgery over 10 years ago. It was an unmitigated disaster, I have permanent damage from it. I do not have a band today, thankfully. I have damage to my diaphragm and esophagus. Also, gastric ulcers, gastritis, hiatal hernia, and acid reflux.

I am considered a "success" because I lost over 100 pounds. I do not consider myself a success because my quality of life took a nosedive.

I can totally understand your challenges!

I too am experiencing some major medical issues. I originally lost 142 lbs and the staff were very pleased. I was thrilled, till my life started to take on new medical complications. Mostly all because of the lack of nutrition, and being able to eat normal. My list of medical complications like yours is very long. Also since the body was being starved my metabolism changed and the weight came back. But in the books, I am listed as a success. But I agree with you......I do not feel that way at all. My weight loss and my good health was short lived.

What was the turning point for you having the band taken out?

Do you wish you would have done it sooner?

Very interested in you journey.

I understand when you say "lack of nutrition." I was severely anemic and malnourished. I was unable to eat anything solid and relied on soups and liquids for over a year. I never had saline in my band because every time I tried, I was unable to swallow my own saliva within hours.

I've regained all the weight I lost, but I truly feel so grateful to be pain-free again.

I do wish I'd have gotten it removed sooner, most definitely.

The turning point was when I could not lift myself out of bed to walk. I had to literally crawl down the hallway. I'm very happy today. I walk, hike, and swim. And I feel so much better, even if I am fatter than I was.

Bless you!

I have been talking to surgeons and looking at the pros and cons of the band removal. I gained most of the weight back already. But while I have the band, I have additional complications in addition to just being "FLUFFY". I am always dealing with some kind of gastric or digestive complication from the band. At this point I feel I will just be sick, uncomfortable, or unhappy till I have the surgery reversed.

Thanks for your insight and open honest comments.

I hadn't realized you still had your band!

I take a number of medications to counteract the damage the band did. I believe that the ulcers I had are fairly healed. But I almost always have some level of gastric discomfort. It's not as acute as it was while banded, thankfully. But it's most certainly a reminder of the damage.

I hope you'll be able to have the band removed without too much trouble.

Actually' date=' TMF's comparison is very valid.

We already know there have been tons of complications with the 4cc and other older model bands. To a newbie reading about people who had complications with an ancient, outdated band it could look extremely scary. When the reality is, there is nothing for them to fear because comparing the bands from a decade ago to the bands of today is like comparing an old brick cell phone to a Samsung Galaxy smart phone.[/quote']

This is true. Even the placement with robotic surgery is like Star War surgery! I read almost all of your posts. You have been an inspiration, but just a thought... You should change that comment about yourself about "being nothing SPECIAL". You ARE SPECIAL... We all are. It's kind of a downer reading that. It's just a suggestion. You have had great success with your band and have helped many reading your truthful posts. Today is my One Year Band surgery date. Still trying Nd it does not get easier, but .... Hang in' in there.

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