I had my surgery in Nov 2003 and I have lost approx 35lbs, most of the weight loss was in the first 3 or 4 months, it is now going very slowly. My surgeon filled the band to its maximum during surgery, so I have not had any fills. I can honestly say that sometimes I don't feel as though I have a band, it seems to be very temperamental. People that know I have had the surgery look at me as if I should be losing weight at a very fast rate, even the surgeon said I should be doing better than I was, so I don't see him any more either. Has anyone else had this experience? or perhaps I should just be grateful for the 35lb loss! All said and done though I am glad I had the surgery, because I feel that I will lose more weight it is just going to be slow.

I would love to hear from fellow Bandsters.

DDBug, have you looked at something that weighs 40 lbs.? Like a large sack of dry dog food? Try lifting it and remember that's how much weight you are no longer having to lift every time you sit, stand, walk, lie down. That is wonderful! Would you have lost that weight w/o your band?

Unfortunately there is a lot of ignorance about our band, how it works, and how much weight we can expect to lose on a weekly basis. Hopefully, it will become more common and people will understand how it works and stop comparing it to RNY.

Now, about your aftercare...No one is going to take care of you like yourself. Your dr. is not going to call you and remind you to come in for a fill. He/she is not going to set special hours for you. You have to put your health as a top priority and do whatever it takes to maintain it. You have your band, but you have to do your part for it to work. That does mean periodic fills - as needed. If one of your kids were sick, you would be able to take them to the dr., right? I hope that you will reevaluate and realise that you are worth it! Please get your fill and continue regaining your health. "One day" is right now! Best of luck to you!

Hi Janie,

I am sorry to say (because he sounds obnoxious), but I think you need to go back to your doctor and demand he explains exactly what the deal is. I don't think that your band would have been filled at all during surgery. They wouldn't risk it moving during the healing period!

I live in Melbourne, over here they schedule the first fill at 6 weeks post-op ( want it or not).

Your band is a tool that needs to be adjusted to suit YOUR needs, not the doctor's!!! If he doesn't like your progress, he should give you a fill! not criticise you! Don't take it! Don't let him intimidate you.

Good luck!

Tellie

Hi Janie,

I was banded in Darwin. I have never heard of having your band filled in surgery, so I don't really know what to say...If your band hasn't leaked could the join in the port - you know - the tube thingy have leaked?

Mr Traecy is my surgeon and he is wonderful. He has a compulsory check up at 6 weeks and then fills can be once a month, though he prefersnot to do a fill before 10 weeks. I highly recommend him, and i am sure he wouldn;t mind giving you some advice.

Chin up

i think so need to get her money back ,did you see that date of this surg!

Hi Janie, I was banded a year ago June 6th and I can honestly say I am very discouraged. I have lost approximately 50 lbs. I swear I haven't lost an ounce in 6 months. I keep going back for fills, one after the other. Somedays I have good restriction, other days I feel like its lost. I go back into my surgeon on Thursday of this week so I am hoping he can give me some solid advice. I would go to another surgeon if I were you. I bet you ten bucks you have lost some of your supposed fill. Almost 3 years out with no fills, that is just crazy. Good luck.