LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

After 10 years of living with the Band my port has become infected probably due to recent over exercising and moving furniture haven’t seen Doc yet - 4 hours to go before appt. The doctor’s receptionist told me that The lap band will most likely will have to be removed. A part of me says yes I do want it out as I had reflux and had to have all the fluid removed but still had restriction but it was restriction on healthy foods. I’ve improved my diet in the past few years with only organic whole foods with almost no or rare junk food. Totally not me in the past. Gratefully my hormones have calmed down as I reach 60 I’m praying that the inner child I was feeding has…

So, I had my band removed Friday. Insurance required I stay overnight for observation. Just a little sore moreso on the left side where my port was. I dont feel any different other than no resistance at all. Looking forward to my next journey,

Hi, I just need a place to rant. My fiance is so supportive but ultimately doesn't understand how I feel about this. I had my band placed back in 2012. I did great the first 5 years. I lost a total of 115 lbs. I started getting sick back in 2017. A year and a half later I found out it was my band, it had eroded. I had emergency surgery to have the band removed last September. Now I am in a HUGE situation. I have gained back all the weight and plus some, have high uncontrollable blood pressure, fatty liver disease, severe edema, chest pain, knee pain, and back pain so bad that I am unable to do anything. I try to go to the gym and workout but I am in so muc…

Hi All, I've been struggling with hydration and caloric issues when exercising lately, to the point that I am getting early warnings of dehydration. I play tennis a minimum of three days a week, and the summer has been killing me. I can't seem to drink enough water to keep up with my needs. I actually just finished a weekend tennis camp and I had to put salt on my tongue every hour to try and retain some of the water I was losing by sweating. I also think I need a few more calories to maintain performance, but protein bars have been a no-go for me. I can only manage one bite. Do any of you have experience in adding more calories and water to your diet for sports? Wha…

I am four years post lap band surgery. Everything is been great no issues recently. About a year ago I had my band loosened a little bit due to throwing up so much. But within the last couple weeks every time I eat no matter how little or how much within the first few bites I tend to have a pain that radiates and settled in my left shoulder. Anyone else experience this? If so what was outcome? My GI Dr set me up to scan gallbladder to see if I have gallstones

Hi, I am looking into different ways to lose weight. I don't want to have major surgery but want something that will help me lose weight. I'm thinking that the lap band might be suitable for me. Can anyone tell me exactly how it works?

Hey all, I have read posts here before, obtained info, and been grateful for what I've read as I don't really have anyone to talk to about my journey. Brief history: lap band surgery mid 2010. Started at 210 lost A LOT of weight--- lowest weight 130 had a baby girl summer 2015 top preg weight 154. NOW, have gained some weight, and am now 160 I weigh more than i did when i gave birth I have a hard time losing weight now i feel hungry and can eat more from time to time, i puke bc it just doesn't sit well w me but for the most part, i can eat i feel so so so awful bc i feel like I'm going backw…

banded in 2012 and starting again , i had my band emptied just over 18 months ago , but 3 weeks ago started to have fills again , first and i have 2.5mls in , i go again tomorrow for my second fill , anyone doing the same ?

So I got banded about 3 years ago and have not had good results. To be honest I gave up on it when I was feeling uncomfortable and it wasn’t working. I would feel full, but not the same full as before. It was more of just a build up of food. And then even though I was full, I was still STARVING. It just didn’t work for me. My starting weight before surgery was 450. I initially lost about 80, but now I’m back up to 400. I have a friend who got the gastric bypass and she said it was the best decision of her life. I need to lose weight and I have been dieting already, but the results aren’t showing. I’ve started discussing getting the revision from the lap band to gastric by…

Do u do financial. The surgery.

Hello All, I am new to this site and would just like to share my story and journey, as well as perhaps receive any insight you all would like to share with me as well. Back in 2010 I was a fat depressed and borderline suicidal 18 year old, and begged my parents to help me correct this issue. So my mother decided to talk to my pediatrician and to his recommendation he stated I should look for a surgeon who would perform a lap band surgery on me. At the time the lap band was the greatest thing that had ever happened, and no one knew of the complications it could bring. So I found a surgeon who would perform it, I was so happy and excited for this amazing …

I had my band placed in 2005 in Tijuana. I had a great experience and lost about 60lbs in the first year or so. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009. I have never been able to get my thyroid properly regulated which has caused numerous problems. I have had a lot of issues the past 7 years with reflux, aspiration, and pain in my upper stomach. Basically i have been bulimic for 14 years. I finally went to see an endocrinologist who told me that my band has probably created absorption issues which could be why i cant get regulated. I am scheduled to have my band removed in Tijuana on June 7th. I was hoping someone could share their experience of their remov…

I have had my band for almost 20 years. Aside from a port replacement 6 years ago, I have been very happy. i reached my goal weight , all good. about a year ago I developed odd neurological/ autoimmune symptoms. Vision, dizzy , tired, confusion, rash etc then two weeks ago, my band slipped, I had gained about 15 pounds in the last 6 months. After 7 days of total restriction ( no food or water getting through) my port was removed in by emergency surgery, the band will be removed in a week or two. My question is , are the two issues related ? I have been to many docs about my neuro / immune symptoms and they are baffled . It seems so odd my band w…

I'm looking for a doctor who has a good reputation with lap bands. I realize the sleeve is the probably the "go to" surgery, but I've been doing Keto to lose weight and have lost 46 lbs in 6 months. I realize this is nothing compared to others. I am trying at all costs to avoid major surgery although I realize surgery is involved in lap banding. I have a history of throwing clots and even though I have an IVC-filter permanently in place, I am often looking for the 'least invasive' option when it comes to medical procedures due to my clotting history. I tore my meniscus on one side of my right knee and have now torn the other side. My ortho said I may need a knee…

I recently had a conversation with someone seeking a Gastric-bypass. Her provider warned her against the LapBand; stating that over time the materials corroid and breakdown, resulting in the need for more surgery. Has anyone else been told this? :phanvan

Haven't had a fill in 5 years - was sitting at 7 out of 10 on fluid and doing fine during that time. During a hospital stay for gallbladder issues, they had to unfill my band for a procedure, and now I need to get some fluid back in. My doctor retired years ago, True Results is gone now and I know my insurance won't cover fill - wondering if there's any other type of "clinic" or doctor that will fill now without charging an arm and a leg! Any insight to what others are doing for fills? I'm in the middle of the DFW metroplex.

Scheduled to have my band removed and then have bypass surgery. No complications with the band other than I didn't lose the weight I hoped to lose since 2011. Very important that one is prepared to follow the program guidelines to a T...which I did not. Good Luck to you all and please reach out to ask for help as well as advice to reach the goals you have set for yourself successfully.

I was banded about 10 years ago which has been a love hate relationship. I never really acclimated to the band so I’ve had it minimally filled for the last five years. I often feel stuck and vomit. I have severe acid reflux that I aspirate while sleeping and I am also anemic now. Recently I vomited which caused my band to slip. My doc said we can reposition, replace, or remove it. The acid reflux and constant discomfort have made me miserable so I’m opting for removal. I’m wondering if people who have suffered similar issues and had their band removed have felt relief from these issues after removal? I’m also curious about how your removal went and the down time after sur…

Hi I had a band done by shaw sommers 10 years ago, which was successful lost 6 st .my sons girlfriend is thinking about one, where in Kent would be a good choice,and price these days, Look forward to some replies xxx

I am 2 years and 4 months post op from Lap Band and just now feel like I may be at the point I should be. I've been doing very slow fills and finally feel like I'm to the point that my restriction is good. I've lost 48 pounds and have 20-30 to go. I just hope that it continues. It is so hard knowing whether you are in the right spot. It's been a struggle but I think I may finally be there. Anyone out there that has took this long to get to good restriction? I feel like it is a crazy amount of time.

Quick history. I got banded early 2008. Over the last 11 years I went from 260 to 170, held for a few years and then have been around 200 for about 6 years. I have been completely unfilled for about 5 years but still have some level of restriction. I have to eat slow, if I drink too many liquids (especially carbonated) I get the shoulder pains. Mostly ok day to day. 5 years ago I was abroad and basically experienced what felt like being stuck for around 2-3 days. I could barely get water down if anything. It eventually went away and I haven't had any issues since. Wednesday of this week, I was up all night feeling like I was stuck on something and couldn't lay down cause …

Hey everyone, I'm brand new to this. I have been contemplating doing something to get my weight down. I am considering getting the lap band. I am 5'4 and 192 lbs so my BMI is on the lower end. I had a baby 6 months ago and ironically lost weight from that. However, like my other two pregnancies. I end up regaining the weight. My weight is creeping back up to its baseline which is between 195 to 205. I'm at a BMI of 32 and some change now. In order to be able to fight for insurance coverage, I know you need to have a minimum of 35 BMI plus a comorbid condition. I'm worried about the latter part because I am unsure of which ones qualify you. I only have a history…

Yes. I would join a class action law suite. Wish there was one.

Hello All, I am a second time poster on this board. The first time being 3.5 years ago. I guess one stays away as long as things are going well. 40 years old male. I had the lap band surgery almost 9 years ago now. I am posting now because I am wondering whether I should have my lap band removed and if so, how to go about it. Weight loss wise, the band has not failed me. I have lost about 90 pounds with it and have maintained that (despite some yo-yoing in the middle). In fact I am now at my lowest weight ever now because of having to adjust my eating (see point #1). But I am considering removing the band for a number of reasons. 1) Acid reflux. Had it bad …

Hi, I had a band fitted in the UK Autumn 2017 and all was well until summer 2018 where I started to get terrible acid reflux and vomiting after eating. I had a barium swallow which showed my band had slipped and they completely emptied my band pending removal. It eased my symptoms initially but since December ish last year I am regularly suffering attacks of vomiting which typically last 24 hours, bear no relation to what I’ve eaten and after the initial food, is just acid. I am under investigation as I’ve moved to Denmark but I was wondering if anyone else has had these symptoms from an empty band and if so, what was the result? I can’t even keep water down until it’s pa…

Well after a beautiful 2 years and 7 months relationship with my band I had to get the fluid removed for medical reasons. I am being told to eat enough to prepare my body for what is to come.. I am worried about putting the weight back on. I am seriously considering ‘ a Keto diet’. Any advise. xx

So I started my weight loss journey at 144 kgs, and came to 95 10 years ago, since then i have been very active and maintained it, but in the last two years, i went to 110, but brought my self down to 105, from here i literally threw up any solid food or even liquid, i try to push food down with water and for the last couple of years living like this. the country i live in now we don't have specialists for biatrics so i cannot get this checked. But i feel that either my band is too tight or it has slipped, i have lost 10 kgs in the last year, 5 kgs in the last 2 months, and this is unexplained weight loss, i am eating everything, choclates, burgers, regular food, but i fe…

I have my first consultation next week for lap band surgery. I was certain that the positive result from the lap band would outweigh the negative. But reading about the lap band causing CANCER and heart problems and removal and revision surgeries and slipping and ‘horrible pain’ and er visits. I feel unbelievably scared and unsure!

Hi all, I recently got my band refilled 5 months post birth - I'm at about 3.3ccs - definitely not too tight and no stuck or vomiting episodes. I follow the post fill guidelines meticulously. I had a recent barium swallow - no pouch, placement is good - basically no issues. And yet, middle-of-the-night reflux episodes. The band isn't even tight enough for it to be doing its job. Has anyone else experienced this? What could be the issue?

I had surgery in 07 at 243 pounds, lost 45 and since then it's been up and down/love hate bander. I'm at 255 now and can't lose even with WW. (Also have a spinal cord injury and limited on physical activity) Last year I ended up with an ulcer from ibuprofen. Did a round of Nexium and been better since if I eat right. A few weeks ago it started acting up so i started another round of the Nexium. It's helping during the day. But-In the evening I am having terrible pain in my stomach, and it hurts a little to walk. Also if i lay down it helps some, and by morning I'm in no pain again. (This happened the first time the ulcer was bad last year but after…

Hi Everyone i am 5 days post op and things seemed to be going along fine until yesterday. I started getting a pain under my ribs on the left side when I inhale. It hurts and definitely isn’t normal. The pain seems to travel a bit up and toward the back of my shoulder. I thought it was gas but it’s doesn’t seem to be letting up. I’ll call the dr in the morning but was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience. Thanks in advance ?

This morning, 12 hours ago, I swallowed my morning supplements and they got stuck. It took all day for them to go down. I was foaming and vomiting that up and it was painful. The pain has subsided and I am no longer foaming but still can’t eat. I am drinking hot broth and that’s ok, but even that take a few minutes to pass through my lap band. Can I possibly be swelled inside from all of the irritation? Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Very upsetting day today. I went today to find out I loss 7cc solution in my lapband. I was afraid to know my truth. I was banded in 2008 . I have no problems or erosion with my lapband. It's suppose to last forever unless problem arises. Year or so I had a scope done. I wanted my lapband out and changed my mind to try again. It can last forever and I didn't want to go through being cut and soreness again. I was at 5cc when a doctor unfilled me . At that level forever since last defill when I gave up on it. I changed my my mind and decided to give it another try. Trying to make this long story short, I was up to 9cc . I find out now it's at 2cc. It's been leakin…

I am curious how much weight most loose in the first 5/6 months after surgery. I'm trying to decide if I want to have this procedure or not. Also were you required to do the weight loss before approval?

Hi all, I had my lap band fitted on Friday afternoon and I’m really finding it difficult I know to expect recovery to be hard I did my research, but I am seriously starting to doubt my decision to do this I am miserable and unhealthy as an overweight woman, but now questioning whether I can really do this as in so much pain now with the wind, and I really think I can feel the band tight inside my and my body rejecting it even tho it’s empty. I can only manage a few teaspoons of soup and water. Please someone tell me it settles down soon I really need some reassurance as at the moment I can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks xx

Hey ya'll. I'm on my fourth week after having lap band surgery and will get my first adjustment/fill at the end of this week. I am very excited about that. However, I am a bit concerned/annoyed because the past week and a half of being on solid foods has shown me that I don't necessarily feel like my ability to eat a normal portion of food has diminished. I have encountered a few moments where I've eaten a protein that I didn't chew well and drank immediately after which ultimately made me feel miserable, however, if I really allowed myself, I could eat a normal portion of food as if it were no big deal. I will say that there's no way I can eat the amount that I used to b…

Hello everyone I’m new here. I’m going for Lap-Band surgery on Saturday and I am having second thoughts. Everything I read is either people hate it or love it. I don’t know if it’s just everyone is different and you have to see how your body responds to it, or are the people who are having problems not following the rules fully. I originally wanted the band because I felt that it was a safer surgery and reversible but doing research people don’t seem happy. Thank you and any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Can somebody please tell me if they know of anyone who this has happened to, that is the lap band starts eroding in on the stomach

Dr. Hansen in SLC, UT is going to be doing my band surgery soon and I am just checking to see if anyone here knows anything about him and if he is good, bad or anything in between. I am excited to get banded, but want to be sure I am seeing the right doctor for the job. Thanks, Josilyn

Hi all, Im new here getting a lap band next Friday but am on day two of pre op diet milk shakes and 1 meal a day and I’m finding it really challenging. I can’t stop thinking about food and I’m really hungry and grumpy not very good company at all. I find the fact that I still have to cook meals for my young kids very difficult. I am so worried as I’m finding this so tough so goodness knows how I will cope post surgery on just liquid! Any tips on getting through the next few weeks? Many thanks

Anyone have lap band that thought they were totally supported by their better half and then have a crazy outcome? I am 2 years out and just not getting the response that I thought I would get. I am I alone?

I've had to have my lap band unfilled because of chronic cough asthma-like symptoms anyone else had this problem I was told that they could see nothing in the X-ray

Where can I find a place in NYC to fill my Band? I went to see a doctor for reflux he removed the salines from the band a month ago, I need to refill it cause I’m gaining weight. My appointment with this doctor is in 2 weeks, I cannot wait any longer. I’m gaining almost 2 pounds every other day Please help!!!

Hi everyone, My name is Kat and I just had my LapBand fitted yesterday and I am pretty miserable right now. I can't lie flat on my back cause I feel a tight pain in my stomach. Nurses say it's normal and that I'll get better soon. Anyways I'm excited to start this journey! Any LapBand buddies? I'm sure I'll have a million questions in the next few days - tips are welcome [emoji4]

I had the lap band surgery performed by a doctor in Bergen County, NJ who is in practice with his brothers. I really need to look for a new doctor as I feel he does not address any of my concerns. Has anyone switched doctors for lap band adjustments? Will a doctor who has not done the surgery do the adjustments? If so, does anyone have any recommendations for doctors in the Bergen County, NJ area? Thanks!

I am gaining weight and I can not feel restriction anymore. I was banded 2/2/2012. I have had fill after fill and still they same. What do I do?

Had my lapband in 2014 and since last Dec 2018 I have thrown up twice, but there was something weird in it. Both times there was a couple squares in it about the size of a piece of chicklet gum. But thr outer edge of it was a clear color and it was gummy looking. Here is apicture of what I am talking about and was wondering if anyone else has had this? This really has me puzzled.

1 picture was the Beginning of my pregnancy with my son 2017 2. The night before I had my son 39weeks pregnant 2017

I know I've posted this many times before but, I have ongoing pain in my back and my gastric sleeve. I had a lap band to gastric sleeve surgery. The pain is chronic and it causes some type of cramping. It can be very painful and is worse when I have to sit down. I also had MRI's done and found one herniated disk in my lumbar spine. Has anyone ever heard of this pain before? They said I should get Xrays done but I'm afraid of more tests. I was on muscle relaxers and ibuprofen but they don't really seem to do much.

Had my band fitted 10 yrs ago done well with it was 18stone [emoji33] got down to 11st I was happy with that but past 3 yrs have been a nightmare:( .. I have a slipped band ( have done for few years ) but now it band coming out next week as my health is suffering bad cannot eat solids at all so I living off milkshakes!!! N yes putting the weight back in so now I am 13 st it gonna take some hard work to lose weight without the band but I think tbh better than being [emoji40] everyday ,, anyone else had there’s removed and if so how did you find eating n keeping weight off ?