I don't know about anyone else, but if feel there is an over abundant amount of negative post regarding the gastric band, on the board right now. I've been very happy with it over all, but my gosh, all the bad press it's getting, it makes me wonder when "disaster" is going to strike!! Lol!

Add me to the 6 years out post surgery and I absolutely would not be where I am now without my band. I'd do it all over again for sure. I come here for encouragement for myself and to help others.

All the negativity really bugs me. I know there can be complications with the Band, I worked hard to research it and chose it with full knowledge of the risks because to me the results for other WLS was unacceptable to me. While I am sorry people do suffer complications and I hope it never happens to me, I don't need it shoving down my throat. What I need is support and the knowledge from those who live with the band on how to live with it, how to treat it right.

I am only 9 days post op, I am already on solid food per my surgeon and I have lost 18lbs. More than that, my excess Fluid is GONE, I am off Lasix and my blood pressure meds have been cut in half and that has never happened before even when I lost 90lbs. I have more energy for housework and when I return to work next Tuesday expect it to be much easier.

I have had to deal with two bouts of stress that would have normally caused me to use emotional eating, I would have reached for chocolate. Also, I used to have the habit of buying a caramel magnum at Walgreens. So here I am getting out of the car at Walgreens and considering buying one, just for a moment. Then all that chocolate.. yes.. I considered it again knowing chocolate would go through the band without a problem. Then a little voice popped up I have never heard before and it said.. really? You had actual surgery and you are really considering eating that stuff? I didn't buy anything and I faced and dealt with my emotions instead of eating.

Before surgery I would have gone ahead and eaten several bars of chocolate and decided I would get back to tracking the next day, or the next, or the next week or whatever. I am thrilled with my decision because for the first time in years I have hope I will get to goal and maintain.

I am only three weeks out from surgery, but so far my band is a huge success. I have no desire to overeat. I have very minimal hunger. I am comfortably and happily eating around 800-1000 calories a day of solid healthy foods that I enjoy.

During this time I have been to parties, I have been out to restaurants, and I have enjoyed my life. That was a very important factor to me that I could continue to lead a "normal" life. I've been grocery shopping twice and haven't even been tempted to buy foods that are not healthy. I haven't even had a fill yet but if I could stay like this forever, I would be happy.

Also I've lost 15 pounds so far which doesn't sound like a lot, but it's 13% of the total amount of weight that I need to lose.

Right now, at least, I am one happy customer

Edited October 29, 201411 yr by loser2014

I don't know......you tell me.........

Don't mean to be SNARKY....... YES, I've had success and I am enjoying my new life........

Edited October 29, 201411 yr by HealthyNewMe

Awesome!!

Apparently I am I went to my Surgeons office today , did the barium and We decided since I was still losing no fill and I walked and rode the bus there and back there and to home.

Hi, I would like to thank everyone in this thread for being honest about their weight loss life after surgery. All your post have really reassured me and calmed me down on seeing some posts about people's negative effects after the surgery. What has really helped me is the posts telling about their weight loss success of over 100 pounds or close to 100 pounds because I need to lose over 200 pounds.

Hi RiskyGirl,

Rest assured it can be done. It does take time and you will encounter some frustrating times and maybe even self doubt along the way but the most important thing is not to get too hung up in that and make sure you keep pressing onward.

Very impressive Jim!