LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Over 100lb loss with band, no fill in years restarting goals.

Hi all! I was banded in mexico in 2002. I started at 285lbs and over the years (I was a slow loser) I had lost just over 130lbs by 2009. I had stay steady at same weight from 2009-2014. Was filled to where I wanted and THOUGHT I was ok. I decided to just get checked out at Kaiser just because it had been so many years since I had ANY type of checkup on it. They did a flouroscopy and found my esophogus had doubled in size. My band had been overfilled all those years..my doctor in Mexico ALWAYS does fills under flouro, but eventually had started getting "blind" fills by a local doctor. This is what caused the overfill. But I lived with it over the years figured just the ban…

I’ve been banded since 2007. I had my band completely unfilled 5+ years ago. I just found out today that I have Gastroparesis. I’ve read that it can be caused by the band My insurance no longer covers any bariatric procedures. I would like to have my band removed and I was wondering if anyone has had luck getting insurance to cover removal for something like Gastroparesis?

This is my first time on here. So I apologize if this has gone around before. I need some guidance and help. I had my lap band put in about 6 years ago. The surgeon that did put in has moved out of state, so I went to another doctor for a fill. The first visit he poked around with out an ultra sound, said he put 2 in, but felt no restriction. Went back 2 weeks later, he had a hard time finding the port again. So this time he did an ultra sound to find the port. He told me he thinks he missed it last time, because there was hardly any fluid in there. So he put 2 more in. Still no restriction. Went back again, he said he thinks there must be a hole. It …

I have my surgery (band) next month and the only thing the office has said about Vitamins is get a chewable Multivitamin. Maybe this is just their starting point for pre-surgery? Do you have any other recommendations? I see people taking B-12, Vitamin D, etc. and just wondering why, or if I need to get those before surgery to take after surgery? Also, what is the reason for the additional vitamins as related to WLS? Thanks for the help!

I had lap band surgery 7 years ago, lost weight, but then started cheating on what and how I would eat and have put it back on, plus more. It is time to get back to utiliIng this great tool I have but have forgotten what to eat and not to eat, etc in this lifestyle. Any tips of sites I can visit to get me back to the beginning of the lifestyle and how to succeed with this journey ?

Hello. I got my lap band in 2009. Initially it was great. I lost 140lbs at my lowest weight. I've had 2 kids with the lap band. A few years back I had to get my port replaced and again about 18 months ago I found out my port needs to be replaced again. Not having the money to replace it this time I've been without restriction besides what the band itself gives you. I gained ALOT of weight back and have finally plateaued and been at my current weight for the past 6 months. I now have good insurance and am trying with either getting it repaired or getting it removed. My question is do any of you ever have random pain on your side where the port is or random pains shoot…

My journey started about 9 years ago with a Realize Lap Band in June of 2009. I initially had great success with a 50lb weight loss (half of my goal) which occurred over the first few months post surgery. Then I figured out how to "trick" my band with dense sweet calories and my weight loss stalled but I didn't really gain back any. Fast forward 4 years and I had a couple of scares where a piece of meat got stuck in my stoma, followed by a move to a new city and state. After the last incident where I had a blockage emergency, I had my band unfilled. That was 5 years ago... I've since gained 1/2 of the weight back that I had lost... I tried multiple other diet plans a…

Hi I am having a particularly challenging weekend. Dinner at friends tonight ( no idea what is being served - I tried to find out). Then Sunday is my birthday along with Mother’s Day. I am finally back on track after a 25 pound gain. I’m almost 6 yrs post op. I know if I take one bite of sugary or carbs things I will be under the wagon being dragged not just off the wagon. Help!

I am having my flipped port fixed on Tuesday. I'm a nervous wreck! He said he is doing it under local anesthesia and something to make me sleepy. Has anybody had this done? I'm scared.

Haven't been on this site in a long time. I'm restarting my journey. But I hate to say that reading so many posts that are negative and problematic, I get worried. Where are the success stories? I see a lot of band to sleeve conversions and how people have coped. But what about those with success stories with their bands? I was banded in 2011. Had a few issues here and there, but nothing a deflate and refill couldn't fix. Hoping to hear some positive stories. thanks~

I going for my Lap Band Surgery at 11am today. I didn’t stick to the preop liquid diet 100%. Do you think I will regret it?

Hi, all hope all is well. I have had my bad for five years. I have been up a down my lowest was 207 now I am up to 230. I was 280 at surgery. Any way band is Prolapsed, and I have a had hernia. My doctor removed the fluid, but i can still feel restriction. I am still getting at stuck, throwing up and significant heartburn. Has anyone else experienced this? Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi everyone, it’s been a good while since I have came to this site. I was banded in 2012 and yesterday I had some scopes done ( colonoscopy and EGD ) they had believed my band slipped. Went to the Lapband dr today and did a barium swallow test and an unfill . Thank God no slip. Guess I just let it heal and try again????

Hello all. I’m new to this site but have been banded since 11/9/05. I loved it. Went from 268 to 135/140 I’m about three years and have maintained over the past 11 years with on about 5-8 lbs fluctuations until this past February. My family noticed that I was starting to get smaller without me trying and I didn’t really see it as a problem. I was eating normally but did notice from time time I would get chest pains but thought it was just tightness so I would stop eating. By July I was down to 123 and was now waking up with these chest pains as if I had stuffed myself. If u have ever over eaten with a band, u know how painful that can be. Well I made myself visit my docto…

Hi Everyone-- Calling on anyone who can help me out. I am seriously wondering if I am developing some type of auto immune rejection thing toward my band. I was banded in 7-05, since 7-06, I have had numerous issues--stomach/abdominal/pelvic pain, joint pain, swelling, ie. I have had numerous tests and labs. Results are still pending for some, but my band and stomach appear to be normal. No erosion, no ulcers, no apparent slippage. I have been unfilled since 7-06. I have a little bit of restriction in my unfilled state. Don't think I've lost weight--maybe a little, but am sure I've at least maintained my weight loss. I've never felt so crappy, overall, thoug…

Venting My lapband surgery was dec 2015. I droped from 230 to 185 in 5 months. I was so proud of my self. i was diagnosed with endometriosis, and had ablation surgery in april 2017. In sep 2017 i got gallbladder disease, so another surgery. I found a lump in breast last month, i was scared shitless.. I stress ate, i cryed, the wait made me a mess. Lucky it was only 3 cysts and it was taken care of. To add on Im going to college full time with a 3.8 gpa, stay at home mom, with 2 children. My son is has a severe speech delay. So i spend therapies are alot. No excuses, i found it easier to eat out. On the run, and now i am up to 203lbs!! Im not gonna ask how this happened.…

Hi everyone..I had my band in 2012 and I initially lost 5 stone, but I’ve started being silly with it now and the weights creeping on. I need a kick up the bum tbh as I’m eating rubbish. Need some motivation!! Also, this is a very random question, but does anyone who’s had weight loss surgery had problems with their elbows and arms?? On the odd occasion I’ve made myself sick, I’ve had shoulder pain, but now it’s moved, I’m having investigations atm, but wondering if it could be gastric??

I am scheduled for surgery on 5/7 and haven’t stuck to the preop liquid diet. Anyone have problems with surgery by not sticking to the liquid diet before.

I had my band for about 8 years. Had great success. Was stable at 118 to 121 lbs. Two years ago I had to have a surgery. It looked like a slip or even band erosion but turned out to be a hernia in the esophagus. Catastrophe overted. Since then I had a few fills but my weight went to 126. But this week I went in for a esophagram and dr saw a food pouch forming. He said it was minor and caught before any slip. But all the fluid was removed. Now I have been on liquids for 3 days and plan to stay on them hopefully two weeks even tho I was told to be on liquids for a few days. Dr said it should go back into place on its own. Has anyone ever had this happen i am a total wreak…

I got the lap band 7 years ago and up until recently I had continued to lose weight and maintain. Then in August of this year, I had the worst stomach ache of my life with excessive gas and bloating that I felt like a stuffed sausage trying to get into my clothes. I thought I had a virus or infection and went to my gastroenterologist, was put on medication which did not help. I also went to get an upper GI and everything was normal. The only thing I could think was wrong was my lap band. Turns out, it had been 4 years since my last adjustment prior to seeing my surgeon in September of this year. However, I have literally gone for an adjustment every week since September a…

I noticed a lot of people are reading peoples posts, but few are commenting. So, I figured I would break the ice for some to speak up and break their silence. Where are you from? Are you banded or hoping to be? I've been banded for 8 1/2 years. I'm from Northwest Indiana and am sooooo ready for warmer weather to return and stay! LOL :-)

I have recent heard about band or pouch resets. I had to unfill my band because the dr saw a little food pouch forming above my band. I was at 4cc and had all the fluid removed for 2 weeks. I remained the n liquids for 9 days then did mushy foods. When. I went back for the esophogram it had healed and gone back into place. I go back in 2 weeks to begin filling the band. But while I was on this site I read 1 person had done periodic band rests. He would go back on liquids for 3 days then do mushy foods 2 days. He said it would help his throat and band rests and he wouldn't feel as if food was storing where it shouldn't be. my question is does anyone else do t his, how…

Hi, Has anyone had to have their band removed and then had a second one put in? I had to have my band removed last fall due to a port infection. And I have ballooned in weight and my hormones and PCOS are all out of wack now. I am contemplating having a band surgery again as I can’t bear this (and the wait list for a sleeve is 3-5yrs). Wanting to know is anyone has had success the second time around?

I have a friend who was told that it takes 9 months for the lap band to start working. In the mean time she has had 5 fills. Can anyone tell me if this is normal? I had the sleeve (I was advised against the lapband and have been successful with the sleeve for 6 years) but she was told by her doctor that it takes 9 months to start working. She is very discouraged; she has only lost 7 kilo ( 16 lbs). Any advice I can give her? I will also ask her to sign up for this as well. Queen of Crop

Hi! I am almost 5 years out from my lap band. I lost 70 pounds during that time and over the course of the last 2 years I have gained about 20 back. the scale hasn't changed one direction or the other over the last year. I was doing ok with this as I workout 5 days a week and run quite a bit. (ran my first half marathon last November). I was diagnosed last month with breast cancer. Thankfully, it was caught early. I've already had a lumpectomy and am currently recovering from a lymph node biopsy, which was clear. My oncologist has recommended 6 weeks radiation therapy and then 10 years of tamoxifen, a hormone blocker, in attempts to prevent the cancer from returning. My…

I’ve just been for my consultation (with the NHS, in the UK) and been told they no longer do bands because they don’t work in terms of weight loss and almost inevitably end in complications which require the removal of the band. A cynical part of me wonders if this is actually about cost, given the frequency of follow up appointments for filling and defilling You’re all experts, what are your experiences and thoughts please?

Hi Everyone, I have had the lapland for several years. I recently changed insurance companies and had to find a new dr. I had not had a fill in several years and felt I needed to see the Dr. Well.... after poking over 10 times without any numbing medicine he decided to to an x ray. My port has flipped, it is facing straight up toward my face. He tried several more attempts at getting to the band and FINALLY got it. He was able to get all of the fluid out, but when he tried to put it back in the needle had a leak. After several more attempts at poking me he called it quits. Now my band has no liquid in it and he wants to do a port revision. Has anybody else had this typ…

I was wondering if anyone on this board has experience with going through chemotherapy with the lapband. Did you get an unfill? I've already had three sessions of chemo (out of six) but I'm still thinking of getting an unfill because the chemotherapy itself is giving me acid reflux and heartburn. Having the band there is really not helping but, then again, I can't overeat either, so it is helping me not go too crazy when I'm taking Predisone (which increases appetite). One of the main reasons I haven't done the unfill is just that I would have to drive 1 to 1 1/2 hours just to do that and I don't feel that well to do that plus it just means more time off work when I'…

I was banded in 2015 and went online to search Slimband because I didn't have their phone number and a site came up saying they have closed their doors. I did some research and found out that the owner of slimband also had a previous clinic that closed and was then changed to slimband. Wondering if he is going to do the same thing and re-open under another name? I have emailed someone that is posted as a support email have gotten a response but I am now worried as far as medical help if there are complications down the road are we left with nothing? I am pretty sure my port has flipped but was told not to worry .........if anyone has had any comm…

It’s hard to believe but I’ve have my lap band for 10 years this month! I began to have burping (loud) and often in the past 4 years. Top of esophagus became loose. (Normal). I’m often suffering from gas pains especially when I eat salmon, cale, broccholi, omlettes, eggs, raw veggies, quinoa, pasta, chicken and vomiting ......no problems though with soups, fried foods, icecream, candy. Get the picture. I lost a total of 40lbs. And stayed there. I am completed unfilled but still suffer almost daily with stomach pain and gas. I am 59 years old and pass the hungry hormonal years. Does anyone know how much weight is typically gained after removal? …

Hi guys, I'm new here, but an old bandster (with a long and unproductive story that I won't go into here). Anyhoo, I'm 'rebooting' my lapband so to speak, and got a fill up to 9ml. I am now having to be pretty careful about what I eat and I am struggling with the size of the Metformin pill. It's not the extended-release version just the regular one which I have to take twice a day. The package says don't chew but I am chewing - do other people have to do that too or can they swallow the Metformin whole despite the lapband? Just curious Rachel

Hello everyone, it has been a long time since I have been on here, I was banded in 2009 and haven't lost done to goal. The doctor I had went out of business a year after I got my band. I really haven't had any problems with the band but found the weight was not coming off. I found a new doctor last year and he did a fill under fluro and found my port is tilted as well as the band. I had a endoscopy yesterday in which he stated I had a non functional pouch. I am worried to death right now. My weight gain started about six months ago. I am right back where I started. I have searched and searched to see what a non functional pouch is, no information found, Is this somethin…

Hi all! I have been been banded now just over 12 years and lost 130lbs and last 5-6 years have been at the same weight..pretty much at what I would call a "goal" weight..not what BMI charts say. My last fill was at least 5 years ago..don't even remember. The last fills were not done under flouro as I did not go back to my surgeon in Tijuana. Found a "local" dr willing to fill me..but he does "blind" fills..so we never saw my restriction level. The last fills I felt like I finally had restriction enough to get off the last 40 or so lbs I needed to still lose. I was never a really compliant bandster, so it took me awhile to get the weight off. I have been happy at the same …

Hello all, I had my surgery at the end of October. First fill on 8th of Jan. I am feeling a bit disheartened as I haven’t really lost any weight since I started again on solids. I know it may take a while before the correct restriction is found etc and if I hadn’t had the surgery I would probably have continued to gain weight...but still I’m just looking for others to share their experiences (positive only please) I currently have 6cc in 14cc band. Look forward to hearing from you!

Hi all. I'm going on 5 years with my band and thankfully no problems as yet. I have however regained a lot of weight because of bad old habits, an extra portion here and there and now everywhere. I'm still happy with my band and as I still get fuller faster and I still have episodes where my food gets stuck so hoping that means all is still well with it. I wish to fill my band but even the slightest fill prevents me from swallowing and give extreme tightness and pain in my chest. Anyway I have this great tool amd wish to kickstart again. So as bad as it mau sound I need a kickstart with max weightloss. What is the best way to start? I am from South Africa where the speci…

Hello everyone! I'm Christina I've had my lapband 8years. Haven't had any problems till after a year ago maybe two I've had two kids while having my band I never gained out of control while pregnant both times but recently I've been having alot of vomiting can't keep anything down not even fluids I've been to the emergency room, I've been having pain where my band is located and I'm looking to get it removed and possibly getting a gastric sleeve. Feeling a little discourage like I let myself down. Starting weight was over 300 got down to 189 before my kids now I'm at 220 after having two kids. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

After only 3 years today I will be departing from my lap Band. It’s certainly been an adventure however not being able to tolerate water, throwing up, pain, it’s critical for it to be removed. I’m so scared as I’m 3 yrs older now at 62 however 50 lbs lighter. Please share any pearls of wisdom as I’m shaking while writing this and cld use support! Thank you so much for reading.

I was banded in 07'. Lost fifty pounds but have gained it back and more over the 10 years. I was taking prescription strength ibuprofen for nerve pain from a spinal cord injury. I stopped taking it about a month ago, assuming that's what was making my stomach burn and hurt. I have since removed caffeine, fried food, I'm on a bland diet. Just drinking water now other than one cup of coffee in the am. The pain is across the top section of my stomach/along my ribs. It's pressure and sharp pain. Some burning like an ulcer would feel. It hurts to stands up straight when I have the pressure. It was only in the evening and worse when I drank whole milk or certain foods. …

Hi everyone, I was banded in 2009 by The Hospital Group at the Birmingham clinic. A bit of background: I have been living with the band empty (all saline fill removed) for about the last 3 years after I found I plateaued with my weight loss. I opted to get a total un-fill and stay that way because past a point, my weight was staying the same and the band's restriction was only causing pain and costing me a lot of money to keep having to go in for fills/unfills to try and find the elusive "sweet spot" (the band never seemed to work for me and I came to regret getting it done as the years went on). So after getting a total un-fill of the band some time in 2013, I sub…

Hi, Can ANYONE give me information that has had a lap-band removed and converted to the sleeve? Did you have two separate surgery's? Was the recovery about the same as the initial placement of the lap band? Is your diet a lot different? IS your way of eating different as compared to the Lap band? Do you regret having the conversion? Would you do it again? Thanks Much!

Hi There, It's been *just* over two years since my surgery, and I've had a very positive experience with my LAP-BAND. Save for that one time I ate chicken tikka masala, and a small piece of carrot got stuck, causing the absolute worse nausea and pain... But, hey, live and learn, right? I now avoid carrots like the plague. All said, I have been happy with my results. Until recently. Despite having regular fills and check-ins with my surgeon, I have definitely hit a plateau in overall weight loss, but also in my general motivation. I'm uninspired when it comes to cooking and meal selection. I find myself grazing, often on processed foods that provide …

This is what my LapBand looked like after being removed after 15 years. It’s in phenomenal condition. I had the original first 4cc version but added a low profile port to it a few years later.

Happy fourth birthday to my LapBand! It’s changed my life. Am I at my goal weight? No. But I am 107 pounds less than I was before surgery, and absolutely everything has changed. My blood pressure is under control. My knees don’t hurt as much. I’m off of all NSAIDs and painkillers. No more s leep apnea. Cholesterol normal. Blood sugar normal. I can walk for miles. I can take the stairs. I can wear normal shoes. My closet has a much narrower range of sizes, and I wear nearly everything in it. I own a pretty bathing suit and I swim in public. When I stopped overeating I began to feel my previously numbed feelings. I divorced my emotionally abusive husband. I put down all…

I am having to take 3-4 antacids everyday due to burning/hurting pain in stomach? Acid is not coming up, but stays in stomach. Can lab band cause ulcers? Has anyone else had this problem? What did you do about it? I have an appointment March 19th with my new lap band doctor. My lap band surgeon recently passed away, so I have a new doctor now. Any insight you might have i would greatly appreciate.

Hello everyone It has been a while! So I have started my weight loss surgery in June 2011, everything has gone incredibly well, I have gone from a size 18-20 to a size 8! My start weight was 23lbs, now I am down to 127. I got to my goal weight (yay!) However, now I have a complete new issue, my port site has been so incredibly sore, very tender to the touch and in general there is a feeling of constant discomfort. I am being sick quite often too. Is this something any of you guys have had to deal with? Also at this stage would you remove your band or just make it looser? Thanks all! x

Hi, everyone! I can't believe I found this forum after 8 years banded! Looks like a lot of wonderful info and people are here! I'll try to be brief with my overview.... Heaviest was 364. Banded Dec. 2008. Currently, 258-264 (depends on the scale's mood). Lowest weight was 200 in 2014. After reaching that lowest weight, I had 4 major knee surgeries within 2 1/2 years (long history of knee issues after an accident at 9 years old). Those surgeries included 2 knee replacements and a full revision of one. I've lost range of motion with one knee and can longer do some of the things I once did. Thankfully, I can walk again and workout every single day. I also …

I am struggling with not being able to eat anything until after supper. I’ve tried everything. I’ve tried soup, chewing until food is liquid. Liquids won’t go though. Around 6 pm I can finally eat so my daily intake takes place from 6 to 9 pm. I’m starving. I don’t want a defill. Any suggestions?

I can't seem to lose any more weight!! I got my band 2012. I lost down to 138. I am now 158. I don't feel any restriction, but I do get heartburn everyday after I eat. I really want to lose 25-30 more lbs, but I can't seem to lose again. Has anyone else has this experience? What do you recommend? Help please!!!

Hello everyone. I am starting the process of getting a lap band. I have Cigna insurance. Has anyone been denied and if so, what were the reasons? Also, any good experiences with them? Advice? Thanks!