Hi there I am a pre opty that is looking for advice from people who have had the lap band for more than 3 years. I would like to hear about your experiences the good the bad and the ugly. I would like to pick your brain about things to expect etc... Right now there are a lot of people trying to influence me away from the lap band with repeated horror stories. So I want to find the real deal. People who have stood the test of time with the lap band and are able to chat about it. I am coming up into the final weeks of my program where my decision making is more and more final. Please don't get me wrong I am not looking for only mere horror stories. I am looking for long term stories. I would like to hear from people who have past that "HONEYMOON" stage of 1 or so years and can provide much needed insight about their experiences. I know that evil lurks behind every corner and all you need to do is look.

Thanks 4 your help & support

Jessica

I hope you get a response to your post. I've seen similar posts in the past but they seem to get only a few responses from seasoned bandsters. But, I wouldn't take that to mean there aren't many long-term successful bandsters. I think it means that the long-term successful bandsters don't spend much time on bandster forums because they are too busy leading their much-improved lives. I have found a bandster site on yahoo groups which has many many long-term successful bandsters (9years even) who post about how they continue to successfully live with their bands. It was very encouraging to hear these long-term bandsters sharing their successful band journeys and dealing with their day to day lives with their bands. So... yes there are many many successful long-term bandsters out there leading much-improved lives who, unfortunately, just don't happen to frequent and post on lapbandtalk.

ditto to what lee41 said!

Trust me...there really isn't much of a honeymoon period with the band...if at all...it can be quite frustrating at the beginning...until you reach optimal restriction. The honeymoon is kinda delayed until that point...which can take months to acheive. (caviate: I'm only speaking from my own point of view and my husbands point of view, he's 6 months out)

I'm 9 months out and have only had that "honeymoon" feeling for about 3 of those months...the first three were frustrating, because I was too loose...then next three were exhillerating because I had great restriction...the last three I don't give it much thought...it's there...it's working :thumbdown:

Hope you get some responses from those who've been banded longer Best of luck with your surgery.

Edited March 22, 200818 yr by musicalmomma

Below find a link to my journal. It has the good the bad and the ugly. Maybe it will help you a little bit. Best wishes!

Kim

Hi Kim: I read your journal. What a journey you have had!! I give you a lot of credit. You are an inspiration.

I have been banded since May 1st. I lost 18lbs the first 4 weeks, but am at a standstill right now. I know that the journey will not be easy and I have to look at the big picture. There are many pluses for me to think about. I know that the scale will move again. I have to get over my old habit of looking for instant gratification!!

Keep up the good work!!!

Jessica, I have been banded 2 years and love my band. The only thing I can tell you is that you have to be patient to find the right level of restriction. Also, the 1-2 lbs a week is about average. Especially if you don't exercise a lot. I do PB occassionally but love my restriction level. I am rarely hungry which is a help. Good luck to you on your journey.