Hi, as I consider a possible lap band, I want to look down the road, more long term. I know many people experience weight loss in the beginning, but I want to know how many start to gain it back, etc.

It's such a big decision, so I want to feel I really researched it from every angle. For example, I have a friend who got banded, only lost about 30 pounds, and gained back 20. She says her surgeon wasn't good, so I want to ask more people to get a more accurate picture.

Everyone is welcome to post a reply to this thread, but I ask that only those who have been banded for two years to actually vote in the poll. Thank you!

Edited July 18, 200818 yr by snapplegirl
spelling arror

I've lost 120% of my excess weight and kept it off - its staying off easily. In fact I am still losing at like 1lb a month!

I will have my 2 year bandiversary in September. I have lost 92% of the weight I wanted to lose. I would easily be at or beyond my goal weight, but my mother was diagnosed with stomach cancer and I spent months taking care of her. I maintained my weight loss during her illness and for 6 months after she died. I have just recently gotten my first fill in almost a year and been religiously going to the gym. The weight is starting to come off steadily again.

Lynners

I had to have mine removed at 18 months.

Does anyone else want to vote? The results so far are not encouraging! :ohmy:

Statiscally, I've been told the average loss is 50% of excess weight loss, long term. Clearly some do better and some do worse. I got banded on 7/16/08 and plan on succeeding. I think attitude makes a big difference.

Hi Snappergirl,

I'm not going to reply to your poll because I am only 18 months post op, but wanted to reply because I hate to see you get discouraged.

In 18 months I have lost over 125 lbs (goal is loss of 150). The first year I relied very heavily on the band to help with portion control and I lost 78 lbs. I also started adjusting my diet. For the last six months I've taken up exercising, and my loss has really picked up.

I think the key for long term success is using the band as a tool. It cannot do 100% of the work. You need to eat healthy most of the time and you need to work out. If you're not willing to do those the band won't solve your problem. However, if you are willing to put in the work the band is the best thing you can do for yourself.

I'm down from 330 lbs and now way only 203.5 as of this morning (YAY!!!). I feel 1000% better (I can go out with friends and I'm not the first one winded or who needs to sit down).

Hope this helps a little!

~Lori

Started at 297lbs, and have been at 107lbs for the last two years. A hell of a lot more than 50% lost and kept off, so I didn't vote as none of the options reflected my situation.

Started at 297lbs, and have been at 107lbs for the last two years. A hell of a lot more than 50% lost and kept off, so I didn't vote as none of the options reflected my situation.

You could vote for #1 - you lost more than 50% and kept it off - big time!

Edited July 29, 200818 yr by snapplegirl
I removed the fawning - just read in your blog that you don't like fawning on LBT. :o)

Okay Chickie, I checked out your pictures. Your before picture looks just like me! You have given me hope.

Please tell me what you did/didn't do? Any special diet plan, or just follow the rules of the band?

Also, you don't have a double chin or sagging skin on your face - did you need a lift there, or did it naturally turn out so good? Did your arms get a lift or just slim down on their own?

Congrats on your success, and thanks for the inspiration!

Edited July 29, 200818 yr by snapplegirl
I deleted more fawning....