Need Lap Band Success Stories

I didn't have it, but my mother did. She's about 2 years post-op, and has lost 100 lbs (she started in the high 200s). She does still have issues with vomiting if she eats too fast/too much or certain foods that get 'stuck' but otherwise she's doing quite well.

Hi there, I've had the band for 7 years. I lost 104 lbs (296 - 192) in the first year and a half and then my port leaked, but I didn't know it. I maintained for a year, but still had about 30 left to lose. (my doc wanted me at 170 but you know us women, I wanted 150) I didn't have the time to get the port fixed and maintained for 2 years, up and down the same 20 lbs, and then I ended up having the port replaced at the same time I had major excess skin removal (woo!). A year later, last year actually, the TUBE then sprung a leak! >:| I've gotten the tube fixed in April. I won't give up. I love the band, love the mental relief it's given me.

Everyone's different in their weight problem causes. My trigger is hunger. I'm unfreakingreasonable when I'm hungry. For me the band not only stopped me from being hungry, but it shut up all the noise in my head. I didn't realize until I got my magic fill how literally obsessed my brain was with my body, other people's bodies, how I compared, how ugly I was, how obsessed with calories, counting, and self worth were tied up in a scale.

The problems I've had with the mechanics of my band are minor, and very unusual. I don't know anyone else in my support circle who has had these kinds of issues with leaking.

I would never, EVER change my decision. I wish I'd done this sooner, too! The band has always been just a tool to HELP me make better decisions. I've eaten past the band and not lost any weight, or gained. THere is still work for you to do, but you will be absolutely amazed at how much easier these decisions are to make compared to how they are without the band.

Food addiction is real - and you don't have to be a bulimic or anorexic to have a food addiction.

The band isn't for everyone, since everyone's different. If you're ready to follow the program, it will be like no other diet you've ever experienced. You can calm down, slow down, listen to your body. It's what other people are able to do and I never could. It's truly a miracle, as far as I'm concerned. One day I might not need the band's restriction, but it's in there now, and I love it, and am here on MFP to kick my last 30 - 50 lbs (I still want 150!) by working it like everyone else.

I've never felt more normal.

Avoid it. My mom had it done & regrets it now. I've seen her struggle with complications from it & don't wish it on anyone.

If you have not had the lap band surgery, I would suggest you avoid it if at all possible.

While lap band surgery is not quite as invasive as some weight loss surgeries, it has it's share of serious complications:

http://bmi.ucsd.edu/weight-loss-surgery/lap-band/Pages/risks.aspx

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forum/70-lap-band-complications

Any surgery has a chance of serious complications.

Lapbad is what you make it if you over eat or eat to fast you have a chance of throwing up and causing your band to slip so remember that when you want to stuff a big slice of bread in your mouth.

Because I have friends that had a lap band, and they had horrible digestive problems ever since!

I had it done in 2007... it was the most expensive mistake I have ever made. I would NOT recommend it.

The band doesn't do anything except limit your ability to eat healthy food. My band is unfilled and yet to this day I have difficulty eating veggies, whole grain breads, brown rice, lettuce. Some days are better than others but I will likely always have an issue (until I get the stupid thing removed). Seriously, only consider the band as a last resort. Try exercise and diet first. I wish I would have... I've been more successful doing things right than with the band.

I have not personally had it done, but my aunt has. It has been over two years since she has had it, and has not had any repeat surgeries. As far as I know, she hasn't had any vomitting or problems with it (She is quite a blabber-mouth, so we would have known by now). As of now, she has lost about 70 pounds and seems to be very happy with it.

Then again, she has many people at her work that have also gotten it done and haven't lost any weight because they didn't change their eating habits at all, or ended up gaining it all back.

Sorry I couldn't help more.

I am not a troll. I am providing links with experiences of others that have gone through this procedure. How is that being a troll?.

I believe that anyone considering surgery -- especially elective surgery, such as WLS -- should be provided with a LOT more information about the possible complications than most WLS patients seem to be getting from their doctors. I would want to know about ALL the possible problems if I was planning on getting a major surgery, and not just the positive outcomes.

My friends mom had it and lost about 120 pounds... but has gained abut 50 pounds after 2 years but she doesnt follow a diet or anything she still has issues with food getting stuck and stuff like that and throws up alot. But i also have a friend that has lost 100 pounds and has kept it off for 2 years! she throws up every once in a while and certain foods do not agree with her band but she is doing pretty well... she exercises daily and eats a very sensible diet hope this helps