It’s hard to believe it, but July 18 marks my 12-year Surgiversary! 12 years ago, I weighed 255 lbs (at a height of 5’7”). That was at age 25, after years of being overweight and yo-yo dieting. I got the lap-band on July 18, 2003, under the skillful hand of Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding in New York, and the rest, as they say, is history. I have my life back and it’s better than ever.

I feel like the luckiest man in the world. I have a wonderful family with the best children ever, and I have the health and energy to be able to keep up with them and be a real part of their lives. I am also thrilled every day to be able to advocate for weight loss surgery patients through BariatricPal, working with major obesity, WLS, and medical organizations, and I am so grateful for the lap-band and getting my life back.

I also want to thank BariatricPal members and supporters. When I founded the boards right after my surgery in 2003, there wasn’t much other online support out there. The discussion forums helped me through some tough times, and I am so glad it is able to help others as they approach surgery, recover from it, lose weight, and maintain their loss.

Just stumbled upon this thread as I am looking for some questions/concerns about my band aswell. I guess this year it was 13 yrs! Woow how awesome! Congrats!

I was banded March 2007 and didn't have a big weightloss, but I was happy it was better then I have ever had. Yup and I tried it all. I getting close to my 10 yr anniversary and just started having some stumbles in my journey. I pray that that's all they are small stumbles and that I don't even up loosing it. And that I can keep it and continue on this Journey that changed my life even with just 56 lbs weightloss.

Thanks for this forum it has help me with my concerns and questions!

Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Have you gone back to your surgeon to address your concerns? I would only use a surgeon for follow up that's listed on http://www.lapband.com/LWFindASpecialist . Many Bariatric surgeons are just interested in "cutting" and don't do a good job as Lap-Band surgeons and will suggest an unnecessary weight loss surgery revision.

Just stumbled upon this thread as I am looking for some questions/concerns about my band aswell. I guess this year it was 13 yrs! Woow how awesome! Congrats!

I was banded March 2007 and didn't have a big weightloss, but I was happy it was better then I have ever had. Yup and I tried it all. I getting close to my 10 yr anniversary and just started having some stumbles in my journey. I pray that that's all they are small stumbles and that I don't even up loosing it. And that I can keep it and continue on this Journey that changed my life even with just 56 lbs weightloss.

Thanks for this forum it has help me with my concerns and questions!

Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Have you gone back to your surgeon to address your concerns? I would only use a surgeon for follow up that's listed on http://www.lapband.com/LWFindASpecialist . Many Bariatric surgeons are just interested in "cutting" and don't do a good job as Lap-Band surgeons and will suggest an unnecessary weight loss surgery revision.

Yes went to see him in may of this yr. Xrays and barium swallow showed everything was fine but he took all my liquid out 2.5. July we did a fill of 1.75, did well and went back in sept to add .25 to make a total of 2.0 in my band.

I actually posted earlier sharing my concerns and my journey since being banded and see if anyone maybe were going through the same thing as I am.

Lots of us are still here.... maybe harder to find... glad to see you here also.

Next month marks my 10th year. I'm due for a fill and check up... but no major problems.... welll.. the piña coladas in Hawaii right now are a bit off my approved plan.... home in a few days and back to normal [emoji486]

Edited November 7, 20169 yr by Julie norton

@@Alex Brecher You have been such an inspiration to me.... From day one when i found your site I thought... Wow if he can do this... So can I.... I've met many amazing long term friends here that i speak to, some daily/weekly/monthly.... but we are a tight group. And it's all because of you...

Congratulations on 12 years my friend.... wishing you so many more.

Chris

@@Alex Brecher You have been such an inspiration to me.... From day one when i found your site I thought... Wow if he can do this... So can I.... I've met many amazing long term friends here that i speak to, some daily/weekly/monthly.... but we are a tight group. And it's all because of you...

Congratulations on 12 years my friend.... wishing you so many more.

Chris

Wow, you made my day

Being part of this community has definitely kept me motivated and accountable. If I can do it, anyone can!

Congratulations! I too was banded by Dr. Ren, and have lost 60 lbs in 2 years. Keep up the great work!

I know this is from July 2015, but I still have to post....

Alex you're a true inspiration and a huge motivator!

To think that 13 years and 4 months later, you're still kickin' a*s, still at goal, (or wherever) still happy and healthy, etc etc etc... it's just so amazing!

I hope to be still at (or in my current state, under) my original goal 13 years from now! And forever!

Thank you for starting this incredible support site and keep being your awesome slim healthy self!

Heather

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