I have been on l ine researching this procedure...scared to death! Wondering about testimonies-negative and positive about the effects...

I have been on l ine researching this procedure...scared to death! Wondering about testimonies-negative and positive about the effects...

There is nothing to be afraid of except not losing the weight necessary to lose to stay healthy and live longer.

The effects? Negative - Some people can't eat what they used to with the band................... Positive - You move on because you are becoming healthier and taking all unneeded meds away because they aren't needed any longer.

There isn't alot to think about with the band and it is nothing but positive for most people.

Josephine

251/144

Surgery Nov. 2005

No Fills

July 25th I will have maintained my loss for 2 years

Hi, for me it's been the best thing I've done for myself. I've always been able to lose weight but only so much, like up to 25 lbs. I always put it back on and then some. I had the lap band on March 3rd, since then I've lost 44 lbs. The band has taught me how to stop and think about what I am eating and to eat slow and chew well. I am seldom hungry. I was also very scared to have it done, it took me three years to get the courage. Now I wish I'd had it done years ago. I truly cannot eat the way I use to. when I tried, which was only a couple of times, I learned a big lesson. The few times I tried to binge, the food is uncomfortable and slow going down, it hurts. (not bad pain but enough to tell me to stop). I am losing about 5 lbs a month and i know it will continue. I am choosing to eat the right kind of food, like Protein and vegetables, so I know I am getting nutrition.

It was a good choice for me. I wish you luck in your decision.

dolores

I was banded Sept 27 of 2007. I was 241 when I got the band and have lost 45 pounds so far. It is not that great but better than I have done before the surgery. I have in no way followed the rules very well. I am sure I could have lost more if I would have. Until my last fill in May I really never felt much restriction or that the band was helping my hunger at all. I have always been able to eat what I want, as much as I want and not get sick or feel horrible.

My insurance did not cover the band so I paid the $12,000 out of my pocket. That is the only reason I am set on making this work and loosing the weight. As far as I am concerned I could have done the same thing with out the band. You are on a nonstop diet everyday. I was under the assumption that when I got the band it would be so easy and I would only be able to eat a little and would feel full all the time. That is not the case. I was not good at dieting before the surgery so or else I wouldnt have been as heavy as I was.

I think people need to understand that this is not an easy fix by any means. You will still have to diet every day of your life. So I am not that happy with my band. Why spend $12,000 to go on a diet? Is it working for me, yes to a point. But only cause I refuse to waste that much money so I will make it work. Am I happy, NO it is a constant diet program.

Jospephine- I'm facinated that you've done this without fills. I had one and could only take 1/2 the usual my doc gives. He told me I probably will not need another for a long time. I'd love it to be a very very very long time. How did this happen for you?

I came to the site to research also and at first I was upset by all the possible side effects, complications, etc etc. Then I noticed that not once (until I saw a reply on this thread) did I ever hear anyone say they were sorry they did it. Also, other than the period of time you're going through the process and banding, I find that I come here to see if anyone else has my post-surgical or post fill symptoms. By voicing that we feel this or that and hearing back, we find out all is well, and that everyone has some kind of "blip" along the way. You probably could find the same in sites about other issues, diseases, etc.

I still have some kinks to work out but I have a new system to learn and so far, even not back 100% yet (I was banded end of April), I've lost 37 pounds that I won't see again. When I left 300ville, I cried because I've dieted down a few times but went back up. Now it is unlikely I will. The band does a lot, but you have to be ready to work as well. There's time adjusting, time healing, time healing mentally as well. You are the only who will know if you can make the committment. I don't know your weight but I know that my life was slowly being held hostage by weight. And my health would soon have followed. It isn't as easy as eating and an alarm goes off to say stop, at least not yet for me. But maybe it will be, or maybe there will always be foods I can't have. But not, I have a chance. Take yours!

I've lost 37 pounds that I won't see again. The band does a lot, but you have to be ready to work as well. There's time adjusting, time healing, time healing mentally as well. You are the only who will know if you can make the committment. I know that my life was slowly being held hostage by weight. And my health would soon have followed.

Gwenn,

Above you said it all. That is exactly why I didn't need a fill because I MADE UP MY MIND, finally that I wasn't going to allow the food to keep me captive. It took me 41 years to realize that but also when I had my surgery I also lost my appetite and I think that has alot to do with my attitude and my DESIRE to get to a healthy weight to save my life, my future.

The plus side for me also? I think and I am not positive but because of not having fills I don't have a problem with any foods that I choose to eat. I can eat EVERY type of meat. The only thing that I can't eat anymore is broccoli. The gas is TREMENDOUS......... trapped gas. Ouch, the pain in my stomach is unbearable.

Josephine

Hi, you've come to the right place for that!

You'll find a wealth of info on here. Some great, some okay, and some bad.

Me? I'm a textbook case. Had the band, got fills, got new clothes...the end.

Hi Josephine,

Oh yes, the trapped gas!!! I never had gas pain in my shoulder until this surgery and I think they left a new route in place for the pain to travel. I have bad gas rumbling around very often now, and it hits the shoulder. Now at least I know it will pass, but yes, the stomach pain is quite unyielding. I haven't tried broccoli yet. But I did by beano so that I can start having my black bean and cauliflower Soup again! I am struggling with real hunger v. mental hunger, but at least now I know which is which and I try to use Hot drinks to take care of the latter. I'm hoping this is the only fill I'll get as I seem to have hit a "sweet spot". I can't eat on and on, nor do I want to do so. Thanks for your thoughts and I still think you're amazing.

Gwenn