If you were, I'd love to hear from you and how you are doing. I've lost 40 pounds, have 30 more to go, and I've hit a plateau the size of St. Louis, MO. I've dropped five dress sizes, and all I can see when I look down is my gut. I still crave sweets, I haven't hit my "sweet spot" yet (restriction from fills lasts a week and then POOF!), and I wouldn't trade my band for anything, even world peace. I never see anything on here from people banded when I was, and would love to hear from you.

I was banded in 12-06 but I recently got a revision to a sleeve. The band was causing me all sorts of problems.

Hi OregonDaisy

I had a fill in March and I know how you feel. I eat hardly a thing, Don't get hungry all day but eat a little but not much at all at work for fear of getting sick. I know I have a good amt of restriction because there are alot of things that make me throw up. Please please keep in touch. I do not know what is going on with me. I have lost about 55 lbs but that is it. why can't I get off anymore weight. I would love to get some suggesions. I am open to anything. I would think by now that I would be alot smaller...makes me so mad...I would love to hear from anyone..thanks Donna and my email is Mammysm@aol.com

If you get sick on most foods there is a chance you are too tight. People tend to eat slider soft foods when meat and hard protein get stuck. I have found a lot of people actually lose weight when they get a slight unfill so they can eat properly.

I was banded in Dec of 2006. I have not lost much in some time, wish someone could tell me something to jumpstart the weight loss, Lost about 55 lbs but now am at a standstill and want to pick up the pace again. Been too long and got a long way to go .Want to feel better and sure could use some help.thansk so much Donna

Mammysm@aol.com

I gave you a good suggestion. If you're throwing up most foods, you probably are too tight. People don't lose well if they are too tight, and can't eat most foods.

Hi...I'm curious how people who have lived with the band are doing. Most of the posts on LBT are recent within the last two years. I'm interested in what we can expect after the first two years...like five or ten years. I wonder about scar tissue and build up around the band. Also, if you continue to visit your doctor monthly or keep getting fills. Is it once a year or how does it work? Anything anyone could share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

I agree! ^^^

I am looking for longer term feedback, although NCIS, we may hear more from folks who have problems than those who have succeeded here... just a thought, not a criticism of anyone.

I just think and hope that there might be banded folks out there who don't come around here anymore b/c they've moved on. But I am interested in any and all feedback to know what to expect and perhaps how to avoid any pitfalls.

I am sorry if anyone has had problems..

Hi everyone,

I have a good friend who has had her band 7 years this month. Her weight has fluctuated a little over time but for the most part she is still super skinny. she doesn't eat much and she has had some plastic surgery. So for long term results it is possible to still do well with the band!

I am 3 years out. Lost 70 + and gained 15 to 20 back. I have found that my thyroid was not working at all and so that explains some of the reason I stopped losing weight. I am getting that back on track and trying now to lose the 20 lbs again. I find I have to keep my band pretty tight. If there is the slightest relief I eat too much and find myself forcing the food. It,s better for me to be too tight to try too much... I still love the band and wouldn"t change a thing. I did slip it after 1 year and had to have it replaced but felt awesome after that surgery...

From those of you struggling and needing support - I can tell you I slipped my band a year after getting it. Mostly from eating the wrong things and drinking with my food. When I thought I would lose the band forever, it kicked my butt back into reality. I got the band fixed and I have tried very hard to take care of it. For any of you who have had an unfill - you know that the cravings come back immediately and that old feeling of no control comes right back. The band is my friend and I will love it and protect it so I never lose it!! Just wanted to mention that to anyone struggling!!

Hello Everyone! I was banded 12/05/06. Starting weight 252lbs. Lowest weight 148lbs. Current weight 188lbs.

I was banded December 2008. I started out over 323llbs. Lost down to 248 and have gone back to 280. I know that I don't eat correctly or get fills regularly. Is there a way to start over and do it right? I go back to the Dr on June 11th. Any advice. I am so frustrated

If there are any people that still follow this and had surgery in December 06 please share if you have gone two years without a fill and have decided to get back on track. I need to know that I am not alone. Thank you

I was banded in December 07. I lost slowly, but went from 235 lbs to 188 lbs (I am 5'9"-) and kept that off for a couple of years. Then I started eating too much and had a dilation. All Fluid was removed and I recovered from that - then started getting fills again. My weight went to 193 and stayed there for another year. The next slow gain was to 203 for another year. Now I have been at 210 for 2 years, currently size 16-18. Still I am happy with the band. I have restriction and I can't eat much at a time....I am 61 years old and have been on a diet since I was 13 I took diet pills for years, and I believe I "burned out" my metabolism, so I now have problems losing weight. If not for the band reducing the amount I can eat, who knows what I would weigh? The band is just a tool.....you have to "listen" to it and feel when you are full, then stop. It is easy to eat foods that go down easily and it is easy to eat too much and not "listen." The band is a part of me now, and I have to remember it is there and not stress it.

We are not alone. 12/06. Banders. Just fewer of us to chat. I will be here

Wow these are old posts I believe, going to reply to them anyhow, I am among the bandsters of Dec , 2006. I lost about 50 lbs, And don't seem to go any further, and so after all this time have decided to go with a revision to have band removed and have a gastric bypass, I am having the surgery done on Oct, 27, 2014, I am excited about it, I am in pretty good health, and have passed all the tests, my iron is a bit low but am upping the iron for awhile, Got to go on an all liquid diet beginning the 13th, that is going to be tough as heck but I will do it. 2 weeks before the surgery and 2 weeks after. I hope this works for me, because this is the last attempt, Had I not decided to do this I would not get rid of the band because without it I would gain alot of weight I know I would, I have gotten used to it, not always happy with it, still get sick on occasion but afer all this time it is a way of life for me now. Please feel free to email me anytime, anyone, Mammysm@aol.com I love to hear from people. Donna