Use the Tool!

Lap band in 2008. Lost 80 lbs in about 6 months with no problems at all. I followed all the rules exactly. And, kept the weight off until July 2017. It started with reflux. I tried to self medicate for too long and got esophagitis really bad. I couldn’t eat anything but puddings, mashed potatoes,protein shakes and Ice cream. Of course, I started gaining weight. I was afraid to go to the doctor because I didn’t want the band removed. By December, I had gained 30 lbs and, my stomach hurt all the time. I had to go to the doctor. I had malabsorption and vitamin deficiencies. He removed all the fluid in the band, prescribed meds to heal my esophagus and lots of vitamins. So, with the band deflated and my esophagus healing, I managed to not gain any more weight but couldn’t lose. Finally in April 2018, he started gradually refilling the band. It took until June to really start losing weight again. As of today, I have lost 19 of the 30 I gained back! I’m back on track now and I know I’ll get there.
I learned a good lesson. If you have a problem, GO TO THE DOCTOR! If I had gone 5 months earlier, I wouldn’t have suffered or gained back the 30lbs. Lap Band is truly just a tool to help you lose weight. You have to work the program. Eat right and exercise. I would do it all over again!