5-year Bandiversary!

 It's hard to believe it's been 5 years since my lap band surgery.  I used to be very active on this board (TamifromAL), but sporadic in the last couple of years.  I thought I'd share a little about my lap band experiences and observations.

I opted to self-pay for my lap band surgery in Sept. '06, because my insurance only covered RnY, and I really didn't want to go that route.  I had been a life-long yo-yo dieter, and had lost the will to go through yet another long period of diet deprivation only to regain the weight again.  I knew that wls was likely my last chance at a permanent change in my health and weight.  

Although I was not "perfect", for the most part I followed my surgeon's guidelines, ate very healthy, and lost weight right off the bat.  I was down 30 lbs. before my first fill 6 weeks out.  I started exercising after I'd lost about half of my excess weight and the plantar fasciitis that I'd suffered from for 2 years had started to abate.  I lost 100 lbs. within 9 months, and was at goal (-120 lbs.) in a year.  

Then life started throwing a few roadblocks, including my mother's death, non-lap band health issues, economic issues, job changes, empty-nesting, a move to a new state, and menopause.  Through all this, I've managed to keep my weight within a reasonable range of fluctuation, and I have to thank my band for that.

I am happy to say that I've yet to experience any significant band issues.  I had my port swapped out for a low-profile port after I lost so much weight that it showed, and I had my gall bladder removed a couple years after surgery.  Neither of those would be considered a "complication" of lap band surgery.

But, I am now completely unfilled, and have doubts that I'll ever be able to utilize my tool.  The reason I was unfilled was due to an ulcer that was diagnosed via endoscopy last spring.  It has healed, but I really want to get off of the PPI meds that I've been on for 2.5 years before I attempt a fill again.  I'm in the process of tapering off the meds, but I have to wonder whether the band is impacting esophageal function.  If that's the case, then PPIs will be in my future for the life of the band, and I probably won't rock the boat with more fluid in the band.  I was not educated about PPI meds, and their impact on nutritional absorption, and I'm lucky that my labs to this point have been good.  I'm now getting the appropriate supplementation to hopefully prevent deficiencies in the future.  

Based on my experiences, I have a few pieces of advice to those new to the band.  First, be pro-active in your own care.  Don't wait for restriction to *make* you lose weight.  Make the decision to do all you can to get healthy and lose weight quickly.  Use the band as a catalyst for change. Don't blindly accept medication (like PPIs) without knowing the possible impacts of that med.  On the other hand, don't ignore symptoms that need to be addressed.  

Wishing you all the best!  Hope your Labor Day is a good one!

Tami

Congratulations! Your post was exactly what I needed to hear today. I've lost about 3/4 of my weight and have been banded for 5 months. I had my first stuck episode the other day and it scared me to death. I've been vigilant about my eating habits (I could get in more veggies, as I'm eating pretty much an atkins regiment) but I'm pretty full after eating my protein. One thing that scares me is erosion and slippage. Should I take an antacid nightly? I have had no problems with reflux/heartburn since I've been banded.

Again, congrats on your 5yr anniversary!

 Thanks, Nicole.  Sounds like you're doing great!  Treat your band well, and your chances of complication are certainly reduced!  I wouldn't take any kind of antacids unless you have an issue.  But, even if you never have noticeable symptoms, make sure you get an annual endoscopy just to be sure.  Best wishes!

Tami

Thanks Tami!

Happy bandiversary!!!  You were one of my first idols in the band world!!  You are a complete rock star!!  I am so thrilled to hear that your weightloss has stayed off, after everything and even being unfilled.  Yay, you!!

 Hi Melly!  I can't say it's easy being unfilled :-(   Since February when I was unfilled, I've dieted and lost, and reverted to old habits and regained.  Not a good situation.  *But*, that being said, I'd rather play around with the bottom 20 lbs. than the top 20.  So far, fingers crossed, that's still the case.  

Tami

Wow!  Tami! I remember you very well!  I am so glad to see you're well.
I'm sorry about your Mom's passing.  You had a lot to deal with in a short time.

You were one of the ones who supported me when I first got banded.  Thank you!

Congrats on your 5-year anniversary!

 Hi there, I remember you, too!  You've done amazingly well with your band.  Best of luck to you.

Tami

Congratulations Tami, sounds like you are doing great even being unfilled. We are so close in dates, I have been banded for going on 6 years now.

 Hi Debbie,

I think of you often.  You've been a true inspiration to me!

Tami