Got banded 7 years ago. So many stories, so much to tell. I lost 120 pounds slowly and without thinking. In fact, got a little underweight! I am a success story, no doubt. Went for a check up and found slight slippage. The doc offered to reband with the new version, which I did. I'm 10 days post op now. He repaired a hiatal hernia, for which I had no idea - and am glad. Came to the site to check on others with the same issues, and found great comfort.

I've gained some post op weight, which I am assuming is Water retention from the sodium overdose and swelling. Of course, I spazzed... want to get back down again, and I feel like I'm overweight all of a sudden.

Thanks for all the great support on this forum. I"ve been through it all - ups, downs, great weight loss, great adventures because of it - even won a contest in the National Enquirer for the best weight loss results! Had my photo splashed across the country in my swimsuit.

If I can be of comfort or support to anyone in doubt about this awesome topic of being banded.....I am here. My husband was banded 8 years ago and lost 230 pounds. So, we are living proof of what can happen to YOU, too.:biggrin:

i am being rebanded on Dec 30th because of a slip...i originally was banded in 06 but i am really worried about this surgery....i really worry about every surgery i have had but your post has made me feel a little more at ease!!!

Don't be nervous. I was upset, in fact, I was kind of numb when I found out I had to have surgery again. I freaked quietly. I knew it had to be done. It's been 6 weeks now. I had to go through the whole recovery thing again, eat carefully, etc, but I feel great now and will finally get back on the road to the way I was. I gained some weight since the band was open all the way - and I ate my way to happiness... but I'm determined to lose it again and get back into my tight jeans.

I can now say, IT WAS WORTH IT. The month or 2 that it takes to get this all fixed is worth the aggravation, and I know that I will laugh about it one day.

You guys inspire me, too, and make me smile that my story just might help someone else who isn't sure. It helped me through the last 6 weeks, when I wondered if it was worth the pain and incovenience - now that it's over, it wasn't that big a deal.

Don't let this be a setback, in fact, it's a good thing - you will be fixed and be better than before.

Happy Holidays from Tennessee,

tennesseequeen, i just want to tell you how grateful i am that you shared your story. i'm scheduled for surgery next week and have been thinking about canceling or at the very least postponing, because i keep thinking i won't succeed and it will be like the other (one hundred million) times i've tried to lose. seeing someone like you (we have nearly the same stats) is inspiring and makes me think "i can freaking do this"! thank you so much :tongue:

Sweet lady, I am here to tell you to DO THIS, get it done, don't be afraid, and one day you can share your story with someone who needs you.

I was terrified. I didn't want to do it again. I had no choice. The band slipped badly and had to be repaired. It ruined my autumn - I have felt sorry for myself for weeks. Who wants to go through that again? Well, I had to suck it up and do it. The surgery was easy, it went fine. That should not be a worry at all for you. It's the mindset AFTER that you have been through this already and it doesn't seem fair. Don't sink into that - it's WORTH IT. Get it done, be happy again, and please know that it will take several weeks before you feel like yourself again. You may get down, you may question yourself, but now that I"m 6 weeks out - I"M HAPPY and excited and it's over and done. You will be, too - think about February when you had it done, you are losing weight again, and get ready for all those summer clothes.......

I wish you nothing but the best, and I am delighted that you wrote back. You touched my heart and I needed it.

Best wishes, sincerely

Hi thanks for all the insites.i did something last night tHAT i dont ever remember doing. I went to my closet and was picking up and trying on clothes trying to decide what to wear too work today like i was going on a first date. I didnt do that when i was skinny in my twenties lol. BEING DOWN 62LBS IS STARTING TOO CHANGE MY LIFE IN A POSITIVE WAY, MENTALLY.HOW DO I MAKE MY TICKER CHANGE NUMBERS. TODAY I AM 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SURGERY.

Edited December 23, 200916 yr by CASSIEME1

I dont have a photo post but i was banded a year ago today.i have lost 62lbs. In a size 10.down from a 18. My internal medicine doctor asked me where i wanted 2 be i told him 130lbs. He said that was too small. I told him i didn't thinkso i am 5'2 so that is not too small for me.so now i am 30lbs from my goal. I go to the gym 5 days a week 1-2 hours a day.minimum 1 hr treadmill or elliptical. Now ready to pump up strenght training 2 maximize trimming and tioning my legs

Tennessee,

thank you so much...u really dont know how your posts help someone like me who feels like a failure cause i let my first band slip after only losing 40lbs...my dr. unfilled it in oct and i too gained about 8lbs back..i get my new band this wednesday dec 30th...and although i am extremely nervous, i feel like its a brand new start for me...i just hope that everything goes as smooth as the first time i had the surgery!!!!

Wow, what an inspiration you are! I had to call my daughter over to see your pics. Thank you for posting your story, especially about your decision to be rebanded. Often we only here of the people who had slips and decide to revise to something else. Thanks again!