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?