I have not posted on here in a long time, ( a few years) I used to be a regular post on Obesity Help too, until all the band bashing made all the veteran bandsters leave. It seems like a place now for people seeking revisions from the band to something else, and it is no longer a place where anyone with a lap band or seeking a band should post, in my opinion.

I also got busy with life, marriage, traveling, etc, living a great post op life, and I have not posted in any forum for a while, and thought I would come back home to LBT to share my journey /accomplishments and struggles and help newbies.

I had a hiccup in my journey last year due to an un-diagnosed hiatal hernia that was never repaired during my first band placement, which also contributed to a small pouch dilation (surgeons were not routinely repairing hernia back in 2005), and had my old 4cc/10cm lap band replaced with the new AP small band.

I had to switch surgeons to seek a highly qualified revision surgeon because a lot of surgeons are now moving away from the band which in my opinion, at least until a "new buyer is chose for the lap band" which is a disservice to those who really want bands, and what I've read and researched, those who are really wanting lap bands need to search carefully for band-friendly surgeons to offer great aftercare, which is more important than getting the band.

Aftercare is the key to success with the band, and having a surgeon that believes in you, and will follow your progress.

I was on vacation recently for about 3 weeks out in California and Vegas and I put back on some pounds by eating sweets and I want to take those pounds back off. I started my journey in a size 26 8 years ago, and my lowest size was 8/10, I maintained my weight in a size 10/12 for a solid 6 years until I got married and started having band issues last year but, I settle around a size 12/14, which is not too bad considering where I came from.

I am overall happy with my new band, however my old 4cc band felt tighter, and I got restriction quicker with my older band, than with this new AP small band, but I am happy with my new AP band because I have never PB, or had any real issues so far, and I am very optimistic with my new "improved AP band".

Welcome back. Best of luck on your new adventure w/ the new AP band

Thank you! Small world, Dr. Moazzez placed my first band, are you still in Northern, VA? By the way you look great! I think I was Dr. Mo's 10th band placement, so I guess I paved the way for so many....

Thanks for posting for us pre-banders! Have gotten such great information and support here.....

Your are welcome! And congrats on your upcoming surgery!

I was banded in September 07 with the 4cc band and so far the band is doing ok.

The only problems I have are based on my own poor choices.

I too left the board but came back in March. Best of luck with your new band

Thank you Joe! I really loved my 4cc band, wished I could have kept it, but in order for my surgeon to repair my hiatal hernia they had to removed the 4cc band since they don't unbuckle without destroying the entire lap band system.

I've had my new band going on 10 months and I am hopeful!