Hi, I too am a newbie here, but have been on the lap band forum for quite awhile. I also was banded back in 2002. Initially I lost over 100 lbs, but then had some emotional issues, had the band emptied so there was no restriction and off I went. I don't need to tell you I put back 90% of the weight right away. Since then I have made half-hearted attempts to lose, only to gain it all back. I know that my discipline isn't what it should be, but I can loose the weight, it's keeping it off that's a problem for me. I am one of those people that either my fill is so tight that I have trouble with water or so deflated that I don't have any real restriction. Also, my insurance that I have now will not cover anything related to the band, including fills. That makes it a very serious financial hardship to say the least.
I am now in the process of trying to get approval for a switch from the band to RNY. My surgeon would prefer to do the gastric sleeve, which is simply a stomach reduction, no bypass involved, but insurance will not cover it. So RNY is my only other option. I spoke to him about the DS and he says I do not need that one, I am not really sure what the difference is myself, so I can't help you there.
As far as learning not to eat sweets, the dumping problem is really, really nasty from what a few people I know personally have told me. They tried in the beginning to eat just a small amount of something sweet and they thought they were going to die. They say it was horrible. Once I hear something like that, I pretty much will avoid that kind of pain and discomfort as life has enough of that already.
Good luck in your pursuit. Also, if you have emotional issues, which most if not all of us do, that causes you to overeat, then I would seriously think about getting help. I know I did and it has made a world of difference for me in how I approach food now. It really is amazing.
Cindy
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