Hi everyone. This forum has been so awesome in providing me with information and helping me to make an informed decision. I started the process just a few weeks ago and, because I'm a self-payer, was able to move quickly and have a tentative surgery date of March 19.

I still have a few questions that I can't seem to find answers to. Any insights from anyone would be great:

How often is more surgery required (due to erosion or other complications)?

What percent of people are totally dissatisfied with the band and wish they hadn't done it?

What percent of people are able to get down to their "ideal" weight and maintain it?

Do you feel "normal" after the procedure--I don't mean right after but in the long run or are you always kind of quesy or yucky feeling because of lack of nutrition, fluids, etc.?

What is the hardest adjustment? Small quantities? Forbidden foods? No Water with meals? Eating at friend's homes? Restaurants? etc.

Well, if you are still reading, I should introduce myself. I am 57 years old, married 38 years, have 10 children (all boys but 9!), have 3 grandsons with three more due this year, and currently live in Utah. We have lived in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Tokyo. I didn't have weight problems until after my 4th child and it's just gone downhill (or, I guess I should say, uphill!) since then. Have been somewhat successful in losing weight but always gain it back--plus another 5-10 lbs.

That's me in a nutshell. Thanks for your knowledge and support. You guys are awesome!

Wow--first of all--kudos to you for having 10 kids--I couldn't have done that myself! Second, welcome to bandland! I can try to answer some of your questions for you. As far as feeling "normal" after the procedure--speaking for myself, I totally do feel normal. I can't really "feel" the band. I know it's there though. As far as the hardest adjustment--for me the hardest thing to get used to is not drinking with my meals. I had a really hard time with that at first, but now it has gotten easier. The first time we went out to eat, and I told the waitress I didn't want anything to drink, she must have asked me 4 or 5 times during the meal if I was sure I didn't want anything to drink! Now, I order a glass of water, just to avoid that. And, I feel like it's a good idea to have something handy in case some food gets stuck, and needs a little help going down! Eating out in general is not a problem for me. I either order a salad, or some soup, or order a regular(low-fat, healthy) entree, and take most of it home for another meal. As for eating at friends houses, I guess it dpends on weather your friend knows you have had the surgery or not. If they don't, just take a small amount of something, and say you're just not that hungry, or that your stomach as been bothering you, or something. Hopefully, they will not try to push food on you. I don't know too many statistics, but I can say that just from reading these boards, the majority of people are glad they had the surgery and don't regret it. I am one of those people. It has been the best decision I have ever made. But, I have been one of the lucky ones who have not had a single problem. I know not everyone is as lucky as me, and some people have really struggled with problems, and I fell really bad for them. But for me, this has been an extremely easy process. In fact, this is the only surgery I have had that I did not have problems with! You do have to remember though, that the band is not a miracle cure, it is just a tool, and you still have to make smart choices. My doctor told me about a lady that he banded who refused to give up bread, even though every time she ate it, it got stuck, and made her throw up. Eventually, her band slipped, and when my doctor asked her if she wanted him to fix it or remove it, she told him to just take it out! I can't believe someone would go through all that time and money to get banded, and then not be willing to give up bread! So, you can make bad choices. Just remember that it is still a life-changing event that you have to be willing to put 100% effort into. Good luck with your surgery, and keep us posted on how you are doing. These boards can be a life-saver when you are struggling or have questions you need answered and can't call your doctor. In fact, I'll bet the people on these boards could answer your questions better than most doctors because we have actually been through it. Again, GOOD LUCK!

Hi and Welcome.

I have had my band since September 05 I love it. I have had trouble though. I am a very rare case. 4 months to the day of getting my band we discovered that it had a leak. So I had to have the whole surgery again. The first surgery which is most likely all you will ever have to have, went great I couldn't believe how little pain I was in. I felt great. The second surgery was harder but I was only 5 months out from the original. My leak is such a rare problem I have only heard of 3 other people that had leaks int here bands.

Now port leaks or flips are more common and can cause surgery but it is minor surgery. It doens't happen very often but does occur.

I have to say that even with going through the surgery agian, if I found out that I had to do it for a 3rd time, I'd do it without hesitation in a heart beat.

I occationally get stuck when I eat food to fast. The best thing I can recommend it to wear a wathc and make sure that you eat very slowly 20-30 minutes, and chew chew chew.

Best of luck to you. feel free to pm me and ask away to all this site is wonderful