I was wondering if anybody on here has had their band for 2-3 years or longer and if so, can you tell me about life with the lap-band after the initial weight loss.

And do you find that support groups and check ups are key to success?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I've just passed my third bandiversary.

Life is pretty much normal now. I'm used to my restrictions and limitations, I've changed a lot of bad habits.

I think close contact with your doc and the ability to have fills whenever requried is key. I think part of the reason we have so much success with the band in Australia is that our medical system is amenable to that. My doc is a few suburbs away and I can go whenever I please without it costing me anything. The band is something that requires proper aftercare and I would recommend strongly that you have a doctor nearby.

Group support? Not my thing. I'm a loner like that. This site functions like that for me, but face to face stuff I dont really feel I need. But I went to see my doc probably four or five times last year.

Exercise would be my biggest tip for being successful.

Thank you very much for your response. I am interesting in the long-term, as well as the short-term of the lapband. At 5 years, do you still get check ups and fills? Like you, I have several comorbidities and I am afraid that if I don't change my lifestyle, it will change me! I do realize that there is so much more to the band than just getting it done. I am learning from this board and other things I read, that this is a BIG committment. I haven't had the band done yet, but this is really helping me in my decision. Thank you again and best of luck in losing that last 30 lbs. and congradulations on all you have accomplished!

Thank you Jacqui for your response. It is so wonderful to see that 3 years out, you are doing so well and have adjusted to life with the band. I live in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area of Texas and have SO many doctors to choose from, that it was really an important part of the decision for me. I chose a surgeon who is within 10 miles of my house, so it will be very easy to continue my postop care. Congratulations on your success!! It's people like you that are such an inspiration to me! Keep up the good work! : )))

Getting the Lap Band was the greatest thing I have ever done for myself. I look at myself in the mirror and can't believe it is me. I feel so much better. My knees and feet don't hurt like they used to. I have lost 60 lbs and have about 65 lbs to go. I am 54 years old and I already feel like I am 30 again. I have so much energy. I exercise at Curves at least 3 times a week and work with my Wi Fit the other days. Exercise really does help. I am not and have never been an exercise person, but it really helps me. I just feel great after I go to Curves. Even if you don't exercise, just walk, anything to get your heart rate up. Walk the dog, walk around the block, anything to burn calories.

Good luck. If we can answer any questions just let someone know, that's what we are here for, to help one another.

Lone Star Loser

Austin, Texas

I am about 2 and 1/2 years out, and I can say that this has not been the easiest thing I have ever done, but it certainly has been the most satisfying to my heart and mind. I am so pleased with my success, haven't had any problems, had a tummy tuck after I lost 100 lbs. and never regret it for more than a few minutes while I wait for that too big a bite to go down. Best thing I ever did for myself to improve my self respect. Never looked back,,,,,miz-boo

Thanks for the reply LoneStar! Greeting from Texas! I have found alot of Texas people on this site! But Texas is a big place! ha ha! Congratulations on your weight loss and I wish you luck in your continued weight loss! I do think exercise is key too! I have always been a moderate exerciser, walking, gym, biking, etc. Of late, I do good to walk the dog everyday! But at least it's something! I am about 95% sure of my decision for lapband, now I just have to finish my evaluations and consultation and wait for the insurance company to make a decision! **fingers crossed**

Thanks for sharing your story!

Miz-boo,

100 lbs.! Wow, that is awesome! That is life changing! Congratulations to you. Thank you for being honest in saying that it isn't all roses, because people need to know that. But anything worth having is not easy to get, right?!!!

Thank you for sharing your story to use newbies! Very encouraging.

HI there,

This year will be 8 years with the band for me, i find life now to be as normal as possible, i know my band and am tuned in to it more then ever....its easier because i know that today i may not fit in that extra bite or a certain type of food whereas i can tell if its possible the next day if that made any sense!

I lost 99lbs, put some on over Christmas but its back off now and i find it effortless to lose when i follow the rules. I still crave things but they are managable because my mindset has completely changed :-) I dont pb unless im unwell or HIGHLY stressed cause i know my body better then ever. It was the hardest thing in the world, but looking back it was the thing that saved me from eating myself to death.

I have days where i eat a packed of chips, but i bounce back cause i know the band will be there to help me.

Bel

Edited January 21, 200917 yr by Bel

HI there,

This year will be 8 years with the band for me, i find life now to be as normal as possible, i know my band and am tuned in to it more then ever....its easier because i know that today i may not fit in that extra bite or a certain type of food whereas i can tell if its possible the next day if that made any sense!

I lost 99lbs, put some on over Christmas but its back off now and i find it effortless to lose when i follow the rules. I still crave things but they are managable because my mindset has completely changed :-) I dont pb unless im unwell or HIGHLY stressed cause i know my body better then ever. It was the hardest thing in the world, but looking back it was the thing that saved me from eating myself to death.

I have days where i eat a packed of chips, but i bounce back cause i know the band will be there to help me.

Bel

Bel,

Thank you so much for your response! 8 years and 99 lbs.! WOW! Congratulations!! It really means alot that you can still have a "normal" life with the band. It just makes you accountable for your actions and most of us need that to keep us in check! I just found out that my insurance has approved my surgery! I am so excited and ready to begin this journey!

8 years, WOW. That's great. It has only been 3 1/2 months for me. So far, so good. Although I have gained 2 lbs of the 60 lbs I had lost. Do you still exercise? Are you very active? I go to Curves at least 3 times a week and work out with my Wi Fit on the other days. I still have 65 lbs to go to get to my goal.

Thanks for the posting.

Lone Star Loser

I'm just starting my second year, so techincally I don't qualify to answer your post. I just wanted to tell you congrats and that this will be a changing event in your life.

I'm 15 pounds from my goal and it is finally a struggle for me. Think I'll have to take Jacqui's adivse and start exercising! LOL

Good luck to you. I'll be cheering for you!

I'm just starting my second year, so techincally I don't qualify to answer your post. I just wanted to tell you congrats and that this will be a changing event in your life.

I'm 15 pounds from my goal and it is finally a struggle for me. Think I'll have to take Jacqui's adivse and start exercising! LOL

Good luck to you. I'll be cheering for you!

Hi Suzanne,

Thanks for the reply and congratulations on your loss for far!! Very awesome! I do beleive we all need to exercise at least a few times a week at best! Besides, it makes you feel better! I found out I was approved by my insurance company for the lapband surgery and my appt with the surgeon is next week! I am ready to make that surgery date! Whoo hoo!!!

ShelleyB, congrats on your approval! Sounds like you are ready to take on this adventure!

Keep us posted on your progress!

I found out I was approved by my insurance company for the lapband surgery and my appt with the surgeon is next week! I am ready to make that surgery date! Whoo hoo!!!

congrats on your surgery approval!

there are quite a few on here that have been banded 2+yrs w/great success. so far you 've gotten great advice, good luck to you!

I just celebrated my 2 yr Bandiversary on Jan. 19. I have lost and kept off 84 pounds since the surgery and had lost 68 before the band. So I am down 142 pounds from my highest weight ever of 368 pounds. My goal is to get to 199. This last 20 pounds or so is the hardest. My body refuses to let me get any lower no matter what i do. But still I have no regrets and not gonna give up no matter what. I will take 216 over 368 any day.