After a lifelong struggle with her weight and roller coaster dieting, Rebecca decided to have LAP-BAND® System surgery. Since her weight loss procedure (almost 3 years ago), she has lost more than 100 pounds and regained her health.

What made you consider weight loss surgery?
I tried every diet out there, but always gained the weight back. I became more isolated and embarrassed about my appearance. I panted going up a flight of stairs, had no energy, was taking multiple asthma medications, had knee and back pain, as well as chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I was miserable. And I knew it was time for a change.

Why was the LAP-BAND® System surgery your weight loss surgery choice?
My father, a physician, told me about the LAP-BAND® System procedure. Surgery was not something I took lightly. I spent 6 months researching the procedure - I wanted to be totally informed. I joined some online support groups, such as Smart Banders, to find out what other people's experiences were like - both good and bad. I knew about gastric bypass surgery, but ruled it out as too invasive and having too many potential complications. For me, the LAP-BAND® System offered the best long-term success with minimal risks. I really liked that the procedure is both reversible and adjustable.

What has your LAP-BAND® System surgery experience been like?
Very positive. The surgery was simple and not painful. I followed my doctor's instructions to the letter, so I had no complications. The LAP-BAND® surgery helped me control my food portions and hunger pangs for the first time ever. I also credit the surgery with helping to identify some other underlying health problems. For example, I found out I had gallstones and needed to have surgery before proceeding with the LAP-BAND® System. Then, once the weight started coming off, I discovered I had a hernia that I would never have noticed before the LAP-BAND® System surgery. Since then, my overall health and energy levels have improved tremendously. My GERD and back and knee pain are gone, and my asthma is controlled. I can now walk 2 miles with ease, and I am playing tennis again.

How much weight have you lost, and how long did it take to lose?
I lost 110 pounds and went from a tight size 26 to a size 6 petite. I lost 90% of the weight within the first year, and it took another 6 months to lose the rest. It's the first time in my life I have been able to keep the weight off.

What has been the biggest change in your life since the gastric weight loss surgery?
People look at me differently now. I have gotten so many compliments on my appearance, which kept me motivated. The mental transition has been huge. My body was transformed ahead of my mind. I still find myself wondering if I am shopping in the right department now that I am a regular size and not a plus size. I need to eat slower now and make healthier food choices. My relationship with food will always be a struggle. LAP-BAND® System surgery is not the "easy way out." It is just a helpful tool to be used with a commitment to a lifestyle change.

What has been the most positive result of the LAP-BAND® System experience?
Confidence. I am no longer embarrassed to get up in front of people. I now have the energy to concentrate on having a life that is not centered on food. Better health is the greatest reward of all.

What has kept you motivated during your weight loss journey?
All the positive feedback is motivating. So is seeing the numbers on the scale go down and having a new wardrobe. I also maintain my support group relationships. I went to the doctor once a month for the first year, which was crucial to keeping me up-to-date about my progress - both health- and weight-loss-related.

As an active member in support groups, do you feel that your success has motivated others to begin their own journey?
I've inspired quite a few friends. I'm very open about how I lost my weight, and I am very proud about how I have transitioned. Some people are secretive about their surgery. Not me - I'll tell anyone who asks!

What would you want other potential patients to know about the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System?
I have shared my LAP-BAND® System experience with anyone I came across who is struggling with weight loss. I want to tell everyone that this is the one thing that works and keeps working. I feel a sense of freedom in my new body. I live comfortably and with the confidence of knowing each day that I am in control.

The LAP-BAND® System is the best thing I ever did for myself. If you are ready and willing to commit to a new lifestyle, the LAP-BAND® System is for you. You have only your weight to lose, so go for it!

a brief description of relevant indications for use, contraindications, warnings, and adverse events of the lap-band® system

Indications: The LAP-BAND® System is indicated for use in weight reduction for severely obese patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more severe comorbid conditions, or those who are 100 lbs. or more over their estimated ideal weight.

Contraindications: The LAP-BAND® System is not recommended for non-adult patients, patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results, who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, or who currently are or may become pregnant.

Warnings: The LAP-BAND® System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required at some time. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Patients should not expect to lose weight as fast as gastric bypass patients, and band inflation should proceed in small increments. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.

Adverse Events: Placement of the LAP-BAND® System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient's ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Band slippage, erosion and deflation, obstruction of the stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.

Not all contraindications, warnings, or adverse events are included in this brief description. More detailed risk information is available on www.lapband.com or at 1-800-LAPBAND.