Let me start by saying I love my band!! I read so many horror stories and quite frankly they scare the crap out of me. My constant fear was (is) that I would fail at this too. But so far I'm doing pretty well with my new tool. Am I perfect, no. Do I let head hunger win, sometimes. Not all and that's key. As my Dr said Thursday "you're still human, the band doesn't change that."

My Dr told me that I'm doing "phenomenal" and using my tool perfectly. He's very impressed with my weight loss and even said if I lost not 1 more pound he would consider me a success. ☺️. He then said "we're going to quarterly for your appointments now". His nurse looked at me and said I need to be proud, he doesn't do that for patients the 1st year hardly ever. They did say if I need anything or feel any change in my hunger to call and they'll get me in but I'm doing great and to keep up the great work.

I know I'm lucky to have found my green zone so quickly and trust me I do *not* take that for granted. I have 1.2cc's in my band and found the green with my 2nd fill. I still have a ways to go but I'm hoping to be at my goal weight by my bandiversary on 1/27/16.

Well thanks for "listening" lol. I just wanted to be one to share a good lapband story cause I know before my surgery and even now those are so very helpful to me.

Here are some "stats" of my journey so far:

7/24/14: Started journey, weight 337

1/27/15: Banded, weight 294

6/27/15: 5 months post band, weight 228

6/27/15: Total inches lost since surgery, 40.5. Most being waist (8) and hips (11.5)

Starting pant size: 32

Current pant size: 18

Starting shirt size: 4X

Current shirt size: XL

Wonderful! So happy for you that this has been such a positive experience for you. Same for me. I've been in the green since day one and am so grateful for that. My whole life has changed for the better and I love sharing my success with others.

Hi Nikki D - great to hear your success story - it is quite a journey!

I am like you - I read al the negative about the band, and it scares the crap out of me. A lot of people complain about things that are within their power to control, however... I notice that some folks really like to bash the band if they haven't actually adjusted their diets or continue to eat too quickly, etc. I've been very cautious and careful and have had nothing but success so far!

Knock wood I will continue to have nothing but praise and happy things to report!

Congratulations Nikki - and happy (early) bandiversary!

Thank you both so much. This board has been beyond helpful and caring. I tried reading some stuff on another board right before and after surgery and I had to get off. Everyone seemed to hate their band.

I will never understand why it gets such a bad rap. If you use it as a tool and not a quick fix it can change your life, I know it has certainly changed mine and I can't wait to get to goal. ❤️

Congrats!

I totally agree with all . Everytime I come across a band basher I wonder what is the pay off? Why would you purposely scare people with your horror story? I know some say I want to make sure the newbie's get all the facts, I want to educate them, I want to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else. I know I am thankful that I did not read any of that before my surgery. I had enough fear of the unknown before surgery without adding to it. I will say my Doctor and staff were pretty thorough and explained in detail what I should expect. I realize everyone is different and I do not for one minute think a band failure is all the patients fault, but before coming on here and bashing , consider what you are saying and how that might affect others. Information and knowledge are the key. On the flip side of this issue is whether we as patients should really take advice from a chat site. Unless you are a physician with experience in lapband surgeries you should not give advice on whether someone has slipped or damaged their band. Opinions are like navels everyone has one but it doesn't necessarily mean it's correct. Successful lapband patients are here and I am thankfully happy with mine, it has enabled me to become healthier and more active. If we all had the answers regarding our weight, we wouldn't have needed weight loss surgery. Just Sayin...

Great job, what diet are you following. I am having a hard time getting in routine, for example if I am not hungry I don't eat that day but I drink. He next day I maybe hungry so I eat but don't follow a diet. I have not had a soda since my surgery Jan 2015 but my weight loss is slow I think only lost about 40 pounds. Now I don't workout but I try to walk when I can.

Great job, what diet are you following. I am having a hard time getting in routine, for example if I am not hungry I don't eat that day but I drink. He next day I maybe hungry so I eat but don't follow a diet. I have not had a soda since my surgery Jan 2015 but my weight loss is slow I think only lost about 40 pounds. Now I don't workout but I try to walk when I can.

I don't have a specific diet. I try to keep the carbs low and the protein high. The past couple weeks started me with the whole "not hungry for breakfast" thing. What I would do is have a cup of coffee in the morning then a premier protein bar for lunch (30g of protein). Then usually chicken or steak for dinner. I just received a new protein powder today so my plan is to make a protein shake now in the morning. I'm hoping it goes well!