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'm a dec 06 bander. One of the best decisions I ever made. Gave up the daily struggle with myself and food. Big difference in my life!

I'm still here. Alone apparently. Where are the long term bandsters?
Few of us must be around

Hi Julie Norton,

Funny this message popped up as I was typing, I must be signed in. I got banded a few days after you did. I lost 40 lbs in the first 6 months but it was a terrible journey. I could never eat anything, I lost all my muscle mass and my hair, my skin was grey...i looked and felt terrible. It made my life miserable. I had it removed a few years later when I just couldn't deal wit it anymore. I had a baby and gained twice the weight, go figure...

Anyhow, it was miserable for me but for others it still works. I wished I would've gotten the sleeve instead but that probably has its troubles too. I'm blessed and happy more than ever, i love myself regardless but I wouldn't mind being thin again..haha.

Hi Julie Norton,

Funny this message popped up as I was typing, I must be signed in. I got banded a few days after you did. I lost 40 lbs in the first 6 months but it was a terrible journey. I could never eat anything, I lost all my muscle mass and my hair, my skin was grey...i looked and felt terrible. It made my life miserable. I had it removed a few years later when I just couldn't deal wit it anymore. I had a baby and gained twice the weight, go figure...

Anyhow, it was miserable for me but for others it still works. I wished I would've gotten the sleeve instead but that probably has its troubles too. I'm blessed and happy more than ever, i love myself regardless but I wouldn't mind being thin again..haha.

Thanks for the message.
I struggle with my band at times. I try to keep it under inflated so as not to irritate it... mostly it lets me keep food down. Sometimes not. It is frustrating at times.... but I am fairly used to it after 10 years. I hope I can keep it. Most do not as you probably know.
Congrats on the baby! What a great time. (I loved having my kids, but I got really big and had a yucky first marriage... )my remarriage was fabulous!!
I also wonder about the sleeve, but I am 62 so not looking for anymore surgery I hope....
Good luck on your future and thank you for writing