Anyone Banded Since 2003?

Anyone out there that has been banded since 2003? I Iwould be interested in knowing how you are doing? I was one of the first dozen banded by my surgeon 5 years ago an am curious how some oldies feel.

Mine was almost an oldie....12/04...

since you brought it up...how are YOU doing?

We'd love some insight YOU have gained along the way.

I lost than gained my weight back. Having some complications now that I am checking into. I never felt I could get my fill to where I could eat enough regular food that I felt full for any amount of time. Yes I followed all the rules. I just became frustrated and had my band unfilled a little over a year ago. I so not want to bring anyone down I was just curious if their were many people on here that have had the band for more than 4 years or so. It does not seem like their is and I wonder why. Maybe new people just have more questions. I know what brought me on was complications I am having!

I was banded in Aug. of 2003. I lost 110 pounds, but right now have no fluid in band due to complications. I am very hungry and eating anything I want. I am scared and ready to tighten back up soon.

Gee i havent had mine for even a year, but wondering what type of complications you are both having??

Hi-

I was banded in February 2004. It was awesome and I lost 60 pounds. But at the beginning of 2007, I began gaining weight and I could eat more. In March 2007 I was diagnosed with a stretched esophogas and was put on a liquid diet for a while. Things seemed to be OK. But I continued gaining weight.

This week I was diagnosed with a slipped band. This means that there's quite a big pouch above the band. Once I saw it under flouro I thought, "No wonder I'm gaining weight..." My symptoms include acid reflux and ability to eat quite a bit more than before.

In July they're going to do surgery to either reposition the band or remove it. They'll decide how to proceed once they're able to view the band during surgery.

From what I understand there are more complications long-term than originally thought. The reality is that the band is relatively new here in the U.S. There aren't that many of us who are four and five years out. I know the band has been used in other countries for a longer period of time.

If any long time bandsters are experiencing symptoms, please get yourself checked out. The consequences of having a slipped band are potentially significant. I'm grateful to have had mine diagnosed and take comfort in knowing that it will soon be resolved.

Starrgirrl

I have been Banded since July 2003. I have learned so much about myself, and the rules of Banding. I went from 275 lbs to 175lbs. I have been able to maintain, due to my Dr. finally finding my fill sweet spot. Yes, I've experienced, some mild complications, but nothing to make me want to remove my band or make me sorry I had it done.

I had my port replaced to a low profile one. I has also had a a tubing breakage which will be replaced within 2 days. But I am still in love with my BAND and the wonderful staff at UTSW & Dr. Mark Watson.

Hi I am Federica writing from Rome. Had a lap band implanted june 2001 everything went right for years (never experienced vomits...everything was smooth and too perfect to be true!).
In 2006 I started to be depressed and ate maybe to much for a month. The result is dilatation of the pouch but completely asymptomatic (I had a bit of reflux that's all).
Will have the band removed next month but I am unhappy. doc says the pouch although I had the band emptied will not regress and he reckon there is not point to replace or reposition the band due to the unsuccessful rates of a second surgery.
I am sad!