I was banded in August of 2005 weighing 310 lbs. I lost a total of 45 lbs with the band before I plateaued, mainly because I did not modify my eating behavior and deal with the emotional issues in my past that caused my obesity. Well, about 6 months ago, I starting vomiting after EVERY meal, which caused severe acid reflux, an ulcer in my esophagus and two hospital stays in 2 weeks for chest pains and shoulder pains that mimicked a heart attack. After taking a stress test, having a CT Scan done, and a Cardiac Cath done on my heart, it was determined that the band was the culprit. So, yesterday (3-20-14), I had the band removed and my insurance company deemed it as medically necessary. Now, let me back up a little. About 3 years ago, I began therapy to address my past issues and I joined the YMCA and started a workout program focused totally on being a healthier ME. I also got a personal trainer and joined the Herbalife Franchise and started drinking the shakes and taking the supplements. I have gone from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16 right now and still losing. I realize this is a marathon and not a sprint, so I am focused on the long term goals of a size 10 or 12 (I am 5'8"). I am very happy with my decision to have my band removed BECAUSE I now have the tools I need to continue to lose the weight by exercising and eating healthier. I workout 3-4 times a week by jogging, lifting weights, using the elliptical machine, doing Zumba and sitting in the sauna. I have attached a before and after picture.

You don't have to be banded or have WLS to come back here for advice or support. Don't be a stranger and let us know how the knowledge you learned from your journey has helped you?

I love your insights and motivation!!!

Great going!

I hope your healing goes well and that you're up and about feeling good, soon.

When I had my band out, my surgeon told me to walk 5 times a day while I was healing....which at that time meant I needed to get up every 90 minutes to walk. That sure helped me keep active and snuck exercise in there without much discomfort at all Very clever surgeon!

I was walking over 2 miles a day without realizing it!

Thank you for sharing your story here.

~hiddn

CONGRATULATIONS!!! The band is not for everyone, but in the long run, you found what works for YOU and that is exactly what this is all about!

Thanks for sharing your story. I also have some concerns about my band, for the very same reasons that you had yours removed. I've been fine for many months, but about 2-3 months ago, after the last fill (that was too tight), I started having bad reflux and other issues. They removed some Fluid, but I was still having the problems. They finally emptied the band, and did a upper GI swallow.......which was normal on all counts. I'm still having bad reflux and chest pain. Yesterday I thought maybe I was having a heart attack. Interestingly, I still feel restriction with the empty band, and continue to eat as I did prior. Granted, I do have plication with the band, so that may be helping. Anyway.....I'm having an endoscopy on Friday, so we'll see if anything shows. I'm very concerned with all of this, because I don't want to lose my band. But I'm very close to my goal, and no matter what happens, it will be a cold day in hell before I allow this weight to come back. I'm too old for this shi-t!

Thanks for your post.... I love your strength!!