Hi All,

I am relatively new here but I had my band out recently in preparation for a sleeve in a few months. I found lap band talk very helpful when I lost 100+ lbs with my band before the trouble started (as it seems to). When I had my band surgery I was clear that there was no long term data on the durability of the band but I took that risk. I know that the sleeve hasn't been done for that many years as a stand alone procedure (not part of the DS) but as I look through the posts I don't see many posts from people who are more than a couple of years out. Do we think that this because they have moved on with their life and don't need the support of this board too much or is it because they have regained? Does anyone know sleeve patients in real life who are many years out? Like 5+? I know that obesity is a life-long problem and I will have to be constantly vigilant. I also feel confident that I can make the sleeve work and lose the weight I need to -- I am so concerned about regain and I was hoping I could have some input from you all about that. My body loves to gain weight as evidenced by the rapid weight gain every time my band was loosened and then removed.

Unfortunately as with all weight loss procedures if you don't learn proper eating habits over time you will regain most of the weight back. My good friend who I grew up with had the sleeve done 6 years ago and now he has gone back to original starting weight after losing 80 percent of his excess weight. I tell him it's not the sleeve but you he still eats the wrong things drinks a lot of liquid calories and eats a big bowl of ice cream ever night.

My husband works with a gentleman that was sleeved a little over 6 years ago and he has kept the weight off. But like @@AussieSam said, he remained diligent. WLS is only a tool, if you slip back into old habits you can stretch your pouch with a RNY or sleeve. It is a life long commitment.

I know 2 of my relatives that have been sleeved for 6 years. They are both maintaining with very little regain. I work with a lady that is 4 years out, she maintains her ideal weight. I have talked to her in depth, she said she maintains pretty easily at this point, but if she does gain any more than 5 lbs she buckles down for a week or two until she loses it.

I am two years out and I do think that once you are awhile out from surgery you don't have all the questions that you do in the beginning and you don't need all the support. I have lost 113% of my excess body weight and have maintained that for over a year. I know that I am in prime time for starting to regain. I fluctuate 6lbs and as soon as I get to that 5 lb gain I start to get nervous and bump my water up cause I know I must be eating instead of drinking.