Long story shot - banded in 1/04 - lost 70 lbs - happy, happy happy!! Maintained and was feeing great.

Band was filled to capacity (dr's words) still maintained

Got pregnant 9/07 - gained 30 lbs - no un-fill - still restricted

Had baby 6/08 - lost baby weight - still restricted - happy, happy, happy!!

11/08 - restriction gone - POOF! 30 lbs back on in no time at all - reached the dreaded "300" lb mark!!!

Not happy at all

Go for a fill - put in 1.5cc (where did the saline go from before?? doctor says ???) Band looked fine - No restriction still!!

Now I am 305 lbs up from 265 and miserable - going for an endoscopy tomorrow and hopin that all is fine and I just need another fill which will be on May 18.

I joined weight watchers and still doing bad - my whole body aches, my back hurts - I feel like crap!!!!!!!

I keep thinking about the bypass but am so against it! I am afraid of it and have seen too many people gain back after

Looking for encouragement

Hi, lauren;

Sorry you've a rough time with the band. It simply does NOT WORK for SOME PEOPLE, for a wide variety of reasons.

You need to make sure that you have given it your best shot (sounds like you have), and then look elsewhere. There ARE other options, and one of them might be perfect for you.

The Sleeve is a good one - Talk to WasABubblebutt about that one, she' had one, and she's very happy with it.

I've had a Gastric Bypass, and my success with it has been very, very good. I am now at my perfect weight. The incidence of RNY regaining their weight is extremely rare, and you really have to work at it to be able to put the weight back on. There are those here who may disagree with that, but if the surgeon really knows what they are doing, then the GB gives you a VERY good shot at reaching your goal.

I understand that you are fearful of the more invasive surgeries. But, you need to consider what your life may be like if you do NOT get the weight under control. There ARE things that CAN go wrong with WLS.....but there are also things that WILL happen for SURE if you do NOT find a way to control your weight....diabetes, stroke, heart difficulty, and that's just the beginning.

If you have really given the band it's best shot, then begin to look at the other options.

Keep us posted, and ask plenty of questions!

HH