I was looking over most of the treads and noticed I'm a veteran, I had my surgery seems like a long time ago. My surgery was 10/17/2002. Had some minor problems with it. No, let me restate that. I needed to learn how to be patient with my new addition. It is a complete change, mentally and physically. I started at 228/125/ happy at 135.

When I had this done it was just approved in the USA. And support group were just starting, I didn't like to hear all the complaining from the new post ops. So, I would just read and hardly ever posted. I'm doing this to let people know, I am a big supporter of the band, and it was right decision for me. I do suggest it to certain people, always letting them know that there are other options.

Many people don't know I had weight loss surgery, It's been so long, it's not the maim topic of conversation anymore.

This was one of the best thing I could have ever done for myself.

Leslie

10/17/2002

Dr. Davis

Hackensack, NJ

228/125/better at 135

I really appreciate hearing from you- it's great to know the band still works after so long. I am yet to be banded but have to say this site scared me a bit, now I am being selective and trying to stay on the positive side.

Again, thanks for sharing!:clap2:

I can not tell you how much I appreciate your post! THANKS!

I can't even imagine getting to 125! It is cool that you found a happy spot at 135

Thank you so much for this post - I am pre surgery and will be banded on the 23 of July. You give me much hope as I am struggling with the OptiFast that I am on for 2 weeks but with all the encouragement I see in this website _ I CAN MAKE IT! Thanks again

Thanks for posting , I have been wondering how bands are long term. Your name cracked me up, thanks for the laugh! Van Halen will always be a favorite of mine.

Thanks for sharing your experience ..I am glad to know the band works for a long time....I think you have done great...congrats on your weight loss....

Leslie, I am glad you posted. It is nice seeing people out there who have been banded a while. YOu have done great. Julie

I'm so glad to see that someone other than brand new banders are out there!!! I had mine Aug. 28th, 2006. I'm at what seems to be a plateau. I was hoping for a faster weight loss process but I guess I just have to be patient. I had some problems about a month ago with reflux and they took some fluid out of my band. I have basically no restrction right now. I'm afraid I might start gaining. I need some advice. My support group is a real waste of my time. I have to drive n hour to get there and then we brake into groups occording what type of surgery. Lap banders are the biggest group. By the time intros are done and the people who haven't had the surgery yet ask their million questions the meeting is over. I'm not getting any support and am really frustrated!

Thank you all for your posts.

Souixb, don't be to discussed with the reflux. Been there, I was drained at one point to heal and now I'm using Nexium daily, what a difference, than they refilled me.

One major thing I noticed about post-ops, mainly no patiences, the 1st 6 weeks are to heal from surgery. Not to loose weight. If most did their homework they would see that. And it up sets me that they are willing to give up so quickly, follow the rules read the post and learn. The doctor gave me a booklet at my consult, and I read it and took it to heart. Remember the support wasn't there like it is now. I needed to remember that it wasn't the bands fault that I didn't cut and chew my food into small pieces. I got my small 7" plate, small salad fork and always a sharp knife, to cut all my food before I took a bite.

The most important thing that I do is exercise, 5 weeks post-up I started going to Curves for the 9 months, being to heavy for regular exercise, I started off with an easier program. Then I felt it wasn't doing enough for me. So I joined my husband at the gym. We go at least 4 days a week. 4 days I use the ecliptic machine, 10 minutes to warm up, weight train at least an hour for 3 days, do 1 or 2 arobic classes and always finish on the treadmill at for a mininum of 30 min.

If your going to have weight loss surgery, than you need to fix the things that got us fat in the first place. Maybe,this wouldn't have happened if I took better care in the first place.

Like I said in my first post. I love my band, it has given me the chance to change my life for the better and healthier.

Leslie

10-17-2002

228/125 my lowest/ happiest at 135

Hi Leslie,

Thanks for the reply. I got a lot of inspiration from what you said. I know I have to make more changes, like the cutting and chewing and everything else. Thanks for reminding me of that. I would like to know more a bout the book that the doc gave you before your surgery. Maybe you could e-mail a copy to me. my e-mail is souixb@charter.net

Keep up the good work. You truely are and inspiration.

08/28/06

Dr. Chua, Milwaukee, WI

Sheboygan, WI

304/254/lots more to get to 175

50 lbs gone!!!