Hi I'm Jaclyn and I'm 18 years old.

November 2005 my mom went to Utah to get banded. After a year and 50 lbs of weightloss I was given permission to be banded. I was 16 when I got banded Sep 21, 2006 at 236.4 lbs by Dr. McKeen with South Bay Bariatrics in Los Gatos, CA. By my 17th birthday in May I was 139 lbs with a total weight loss of 97 lbs.

In September 2007 I was rebanded when my band slipped and I hadn't eaten or drank anything for 7 days. By that time I was anorexic and belemic and would have starved to death if I didn't go in.

Since then I've controlled my band and am at a solid 160 lbs and no where near slipping. I've experienced the worst case scenario and and glad b/c it made me aware of the consequences. I'm going on 3 years and I'm happy and healthy =] Feel free to ask me anything, I've been through it all and am happy to answer any questions

Congratulations on your success, you look wonderful!

Many people say the only thing they regret about the band is not getting it when they were younger. So your lucky to have it done at a young age and now you can enjoy the rest of your life - healthy life!

First, congratulations on your success! I was banded on 1/14/09. I did "ok" for the first month, but I have really struggled this last month. I went today for my second fill and it was no shock to me that I had only lost 1 pound! I exercise religously, but I think I sabotage it with my food choices. I don't know what size band I have or how much my doc has put in it, but I think I do feel some restriction today that I haven't felt before. I don't want to be so tight that I get sick, but I need to feel full! I have vowed to make a better effort before my next doc appt. to get my cravings under control.....I am indeed in "bandster's hell!" How the heck do I get out?

Congratulations Jaclyn, you have done wonderful. I am happy that rebanding worked out so well for you and that you are maintaining.

Your pictures are absolutely beautiful, both in the before and after pictures.

You have done a wonderful job...

Jaclyn. First let me say, I agree you are a beautiful young woman.

I wanted to ask about your skin, Most of us will have issues with excess skin and I was curious if you do as well, I have always been under the impression that young skin had more ability to rebound after weight loss.

I'm very new...what causes the band to slip?