Hi everyone,

I have had my lapband now for 8 years. It has slipped and now I have to get a new one. My initial operation was not without some problems. My doctor could not get the lapband under my liver and I ended up in ICU. But it lasted 8 years and for that I am thankful.

My reason for getting the lapband was because I did not want to be 200 + kgs which I would be if I kept going the way I was. I never lost a great deal of weight, ever but I was comforted in the knowledge that I wasn't 200kg.

When I first got the band there were no support groups around, or that I found so I was very much alone. I have read heaps on here and realise I had the same problems as everyone else.

So this time I am going to try and lose the weight. Some of your stories have given me inspiration and hopefully this time I can do it. I have never been slim in my life and just once I would like to be able to go into a shop and buy something off the rack that looks half decent.

Thanks for reading. :rolleyes2:

Firstly congratulations on making the decision to go back and get the band done. I to got banded mainly because my weight was ballooning out of control. I thought I may be able to loose 25-30 kg then just not put any weight back on.

I was banded on the 27th Jan this year and have so far lost 25kg. All that in just 12 weeks. I have realised that I can loose as much weight as I want and go into those shops I have always wanted to. I have gone from a size 26 to a size 20 top and 22 bottoms. I always wanted just to get to an 18.

That has now changed I want to be a size 12-14 and I know I can do it.

If you need any help let us know.

Sunshine23:tt2::rolleyes2:

Congratulations on going ahead - again. For two weeks before my band operation I was put on a protein only diet for 2 weeks to shrink the liver so the liver was floppy and more easily moved so the band could be placed around the stomach more easily.

Thank you for your replies.

Sunshine 23 I would be interested to know what you eat each day. I hate veges and do not eat meat or chicken when the band is tightened.

I am the sort of person if given a diet to follow it makes it easier for me.

Any help from anyone on your eating patterns who be greatly appreciated.

I want it to work this time as many of my friends are saying 'well it did not make much difference to you" my reply is "I think it did as I am still 20kg lighter than I was and have not gone up 20-30kgs which I would have if I had not been banded 8 years ago.

My rebanding is happening on 8/5/09 at Sunnybank Private Hospital and my pre op appointment is 1/5. The first one was so long ago I cannot remember much except that I did not get out of hospital for 3 days so I am hoping this time easier.

Ipanema, good luck with surgery and congrats on not getting discouraged by what others say. You go, girl!

And are you Brazilian, buy any chance?

You might have a different experience this time around. Saying you do not eat meat or chicken when the band is tightened indicates a few possibilities:

the band is TOO tight. You should be able to eat solid Protein in small quantities.

You have been slipped or had some band troubles for longer than you think - thus causing you to not be able to eat solid protein

or

you are not eating right - too big bites, too fast, etc. Again, you should be able to eat solid protein.

My experience of the band has been the exact same normal diet I had before without all the treats, just in much reduced quantity. Portion control plus a lot of running worked together to get rid of about 40kg for me. Oh, I occasionally have mishaps that lead to vomiting - like when I shove something in my mouth because I need to run out the door, or when I am talking and socialising and forget to chew enough or when I'm starving and cant stop myself taking big bites and swallowing too fast. But generally, its trouble free as long as I follow the rules.

Eight years ago, there were different bands, less knowlede etc. You'll probably get much more information, different information etc. A lot more research and development has been done, so hopefully this time around you will have a band that works even better for you. Its entirely possible to lose all your excess weight if you work it right.

Ipanema, good luck with surgery and congrats on not getting discouraged by what others say. You go, girl!

And are you Brazilian, buy any chance?

No, sorry not Brazilian just love the name

Thanks everyone for the support.

I wish u lots and lots of luck! I really hope this time around you reach your goal! I know you can do it!

good luck!

amy