Anyone had band for 4 or 5 years?

BJK · 01-19-2007, 06:35 AM

Hi!
Just had my first appointment, I am suppposed to be eating like I had a band already. Tiny bites, chew to mush, take 1/2 hour to eat, no liquids, no reading/TV etc while eating. Can't imagine doing that for the rest of my life. Can longer term bandsters tell me what it is like with those restrictions after 4 or 5 years?
Also, what is PB? Thanks for your input!
Bonnie

Wheetsin · 01-19-2007, 09:21 AM

I know sisters who were banded in 2001. But this doesn't have to be answered by someone banded that long. I'm 11 months out and don't follow those guidelines. I haven't since the first handful of weeks. I'd be surprised if many people do. It doesn't take 4 or 5 years to get a "feel" for the band and what it will or will not allow. You learn that rather quickly, and get the occasional surprise.

PB is bringing up stuck food. Productive Burp. Though that's not an entirely accurate name. :)

TracyinKS · 01-19-2007, 11:49 AM

The bariatric coordinator at my doc office was his very first LB patient, she says she's keeps her band pretty loose now that she is at goal....

I think she is 3 or 4 years out.

BJK · 01-20-2007, 11:46 AM

Hi!
Thanks to you all for your input. I was shocked when I started to read about people who can't eat bread, rice, pasta, chicken, etc, I wondered if that meant for the rest of their lives. Don't know if I could stand that. My original picture of the band was that I would be able to eat pretty much anything just in smaller amounts. :phanvan
My surgeons have only been doing the LAP-BAND® for 1 year so there aren't long term bandsters to talk to.
Thanks again for your help!
Bonnie