AWright

Hi Ladies! Like Julie, I found out my band was causing Esophageal Spasms, due to slippage...after only 8 months! I went to the GI Doctor on Fri March 2nd & my bariatric doctor told me to report to the ER the next day for removal. I'm so glad I did my research & had an EXCELLENT doctor...Dr. Michael Williams in Alpharetta!!! He believed me & even encouraged me beyond the band. He asked if I wanted another procedure & I said "absolutely not!" I'm 3 weeks post lapband today 3/24 and I have lost more weight post lapband, than with the band. After 8 months, I had only lost 11 lbs, but since the surgery I am down about 20 lbs. I'm using the food & shake program at Dramatic Weightloss in Atlanta, GA and it is awesome, but you must follow it perfectly (www.dramaticweightloss.com). Getting the band removed was the best choice ever...trust your spirit/instinct!

Good luck to all!

Hi Didi,

For me, the band ended up being a "very pricey reminder," that I always had it in me to loose weight. I was banded in July 2011 and un-banded in March of 2012 (2 days ago). During this time, I lost very minimal weight. Actually, I lost the most weight the week before having my band removed (which was an emergency procedure) because I could "not" swallow solids for over a week.

Since the band is a foreign device to your body, it's hard to determine how they will react to the "alien visitor" known as the "band." During the short amount of time I was banded, I developed reflux and esophageal spasms and dysphagia (swallowing difficulties).

In my situation, the band was not worth it, but everyone's body is different.

Thanks Xavier! So did you ever gain weight post-lapband? The most weight I lost during this 8 month journey, was during the last 7 days when I could not eat solids. Any advice?

Well, I couldn't waot until SPreak Break. I had an emergency band removal Saturday. I'm so thankful to have the band out. My doctor was AWESOME (Dr. Michael Williams, Alpharetta GA), but the band was not for my body.

Thank you SOOOO much for replying! My Barium exam showed tht my band was too tight, even after all Fluid was removed. I finally got meds for the esophageal spasms/dysphagia. Doctor will need to re-operate, so I asked him to just remove the band. I'm having this done 3/30, during our Spring Break (so I dont hv to tk time off). I'm more motivated than ever to loose weight naturally. This has been scary! Thanks again.

@ Julie...would you please tell me more about your esophageal symptoms? How long before you were able to swallow again? Are you still having problems? I haven't eaten solids in almost a week because swallowing is such a task. Eating anything of sibstance is like sand going down my throught. I am only eating soft foods. I really need advice...I just want the band out.

I think I am experiences early signs of esophageal dilatation or some type of esophageal complications. After having your lap band removed, does swallowing and other complications return to normal?

Has anyone experienced diarrhea Post Surgery?

Hi-

I was just banded yesterday! I wish you well...the procedure itself was wonderful, but now the real work begins! I wish you much success and lifelong health!

Hey There,

Just looking for any July 2011 banders. I just started my process, but as that I am "self-pay", I am on a fast track to surgery. Although, not terribly obese (bmi 34), I am using lap band surgery as a tool for continued success after loosing weight. I have always been able to join a program(diet or exercise or prescription) and loose weight.....I've done it several times with several different programs (not a good thing), but I always gain the weight back and more. Now that I am in my 40s, it is harder to loose and faster to come back. No more, I say! I want to be heathy in my future - family history/genetics dictates that I will/can be using a walker or wheel chair from degenerative bones and joints, heart disease, diabetes. I am trying to steer clear of that but still keep seeing myself heading in that direction, so now is the time for further action. Although apprehensive about going under, I am reading all the good things about the lap band procedure and am hoping that it is just a little more than the tubiligation and endemetrial ablasion that I had done last year. At least, I am thinking of it that way, so as to not scare myself too badly!

Lisa B - Northern Virginia

Hey guys....I'm a little worried. When I started my Dietary appts for approval of Lap Band Surgery, I was told 3 months. After I finished 3 months, BCBS of IL said the policy changed and now I would need 3 additional months. I cried like a baby...I'm a teacher and I tried to plan just right, so surgery would take place during Summer.

Here's my question: My primary doctor prescribed Phentermine for 3 months last year, do you thing that could count? In a ddition, I have proof of ordering Low Carb Proteins and shakes through an online program called Dramatic Weighloss. During the time I was on Phentermine and I also purchased an Elliptical Machine. What do you think my chances of approval are?

~"Teach Em" Wright

Did you have to document your Diet for 3-6 months? It seems like things went fast, I see you did the nutritionist for only a month?

I'm a little worried. When I started my Dietary appts for approval of Lap Band Surgery, I was told 3 months. After I finished 3 months, BCBS of IL said the policy changed and now I would need 3 additional months. I cried like a baby...I'm a teacher and I tried to plan just right, so surgery would take place during Summer.

Here's my question: My primary doctor prescribed Phentermine for 3 months last year, do you thing that could count? In a ddition, I have proof of ordering Low Carb Proteins and shakes during the time I was on Phentermine and I also purchased an Elliptical Machine. What do you think my chances of approval are?

~"Teach Em" Wright

CONGRATS!!!

I was supp to be until BCBS IL changed their policy from a 3 month dietary documentation to a 6 month. Now....I'm a little worried. When I started my Dietary appts for approval of Lap Band Surgery, I was told 3 months. After I finished 3 months, BCBS of IL said the policy changed and now I would need 3 additional months. I cried like a baby...I'm a teacher and I tried to plan just right, so surgery would take place during Summer.

Here's my question: My primary doctor prescribed Phentermine for 3 months last year, do you thing that could count? In a ddition, I have proof of ordering Low Carb Proteins and shakes during the time I was on Phentermine and I also purchased an Elliptical Machine. What do you think my chances of approval are?

~"Teach Em" Wright

I voted for you!!! Let me know what happens....

Hey guys....I'm a little worried. When I started my Dietary appts for approval of Lap Band Surgery, I was told 3 months. After I finished 3 months, BCBS of IL said the policy changed and now I would need 3 additional months. I cried like a baby...I'm a teacher and I tried to plan just right, so surgery would take place during Summer.

Here's my question: My primary doctor prescribed Phentermine for 3 months last year, do you thing that could count? In a ddition, I have proof of ordering Low Carb Proteins and shakes during the time I was on Phentermine and I also purchased an Elliptical Machine. What do you think my chances of approval are?

~"Teach Em" Wright

Hey Fran,

Have you had any complications since you were banded in 2009? Where can I learn about your journey...I having been reading about complications from Lapband for the last 3 hours and I think I'm even more confused now...I would LOVE to hear your testimony (since we are both saved...LOL). It's nice to know everyone her is easy to talk too. I came to visit Cali a few years ago and I could n't imagine living there the size I am now....

Hey Fran-

First, let me say "thanks" for your response/question. I come from a "very" religious family that believes "through Christ all things are possible" however, my perspective is that God puts doctors in place because he knows we are human. I don't know 1 AA female (besides my sister) that will admit or mention WLS. I have reached out to people who I believe "clearly" had it and they have denied it. Now, as an educator, I work with a LOT of non-AA females and they speak freely about it. The more I think about it, I wouldn't know about it if it were not for my stepsister.

Thank you so much! I am now reading up on "complications" my sister just got banded last Fri and is back in the ER for Acidosis...do you know if this is common for banded patients?

Ok, my sister was just banded last Fri May 6th. As an African American female, I would have NEVER considered surgery, but today I finished my final nutrition consultation. Now, it's a waiting game. After my appt, I went to pick up my CPAP for the new sleep Apnea diagnosis I recvd yesterday...talk about timming! While waiting, I have a discussion with two women about the benefits of Gastric Bypass and now I am confused.

Here are my questions:

1) What is the good, bad and ugly of the lapband?

2) Lapband or Bypass?