Thinking of having this thing removed!

Hi Everyone. I was banded back in February, 2008. As of last week, I had not lost one single pound other than what I lost during the liquid phase. The Physician's Assistant that does the "fills" told me to talk to the in-house psychologist. The psychologist said that my band was totally not tight enough and said that "we have failed you....you have been suffering needlessly." They gave me a really hefty fill. All I do is get things stuck and I have AWFUL reflux in my sleep which causes me to be up and down all night. Yesterday morning I woke up gasping and in a panic because I had breathed the reflux into my lungs and I was choking. Called my sergeon yesterday. He said that before he loosened my band, he wanted me to go back to liquids. He thinks my band is swollen from being stuck and feels tighter than it is. He said a lot of people in my shoes rush back to have it loosened only to feel too loose later after the swelling goes down, which makes sense. If I would have only known how many complications went along with this. I can barely swallow liquid. I made a point to stop drinking at 5:00 p.m. last night so I would not get the reflux in my sleep. Still got it. I have to sleep sitting up. This is SO NOT worth the weight I have lost. They keep telling me to eat protein, low carbs, lots of water, exercise, blah blah blah. I already know all of that. Obviously I have a hard time sticking to those rules or I would not be here in the first place. I feel like I've spent (out of pocket) $15,000 to go on a diet! I thought I was going to feel "full" in my stomach, not in my chest! I seriously think about having it removed but don't have the $$ right now. Can anyone offer some words of encouragement?

Amy in Virginia

Hi Amy, I had surgery in February of this past year as well. I didn't have restriction until a few months ago. I lost my initial weight by counting every single calorie that I put in my mouth and exercising. Now I have restriction and it is much easier. Rules are so hard to follow - but I do pretty well as long as I eat my Protein first, don't drink during or 1.5 hours after and take tiny bites and chew to a liquid. I would encourage you to go to a support group every week - it helps so much! Good Luck and let us know what you decide.

Thank you for your response. How much weight have you lost total since surgery?

I am down 42lbs since surgery - and it hasn't been a miracle for me either. I count calories and workout. I was sure hoping it would be the easy way to lose weight - I guess the way I have to look at it - I have never been able to lose 42lbs and keep it off before - so the Band is helping me! It is EASY to not lose with the band - I could live off of queso, chips, cookies and soups - but the band doesn't work with them - it is a struggle - but one that I can now fight since I have been banded. I too wish it were easier.