JustFluffy

Found it...http://www.laurenshope.com/

Thank you! :-)

Hello everyone, I too had the lapband and I was actually a moderator for Alex on LapBandTalk but, ended up leaving shortly after my band was removed in emergency surgery. Initially the band was put in Feb of 2006, I had revision do to a slip in Dec 2008 then I had the band removed in Feb 2010. I couldn't have revision surgery then because my stomach was inflamed and like I said it was an emergency. I was in Radiology for a swallow study after days of intense reflux and feeling like I was cooking from the inside out...during the testing we immediately saw that no Fluid was leaving my stomach. In the end, the radiology report stated the band that was once facing my left shoulder, was then facing my left foot. Out it had to come and that day, they even called my surgeon while he was in surgery. I went through a whirlwind of emotions and here I am a year and a half later realizing bypass is for me. The first year with my band I lost 80 pounds then all the trouble started. With that trouble I went up in weight with all the unfills etc and now I'm up 53 pounds. UGH!

So tomorrow is my first day back to the bariatric center....to start the process. I'm seeing the Director of the center for an exam, a nurse for evail, bloodwork, nutrionist and the social worker. I hope it all works out and I can go through the process quickly. I want to begin my new journey.

I hope too that things become active here. I know I will be participating for sure. Sites like this help so much and I'd love a buddy to walk the journey with.

I hope that your consult and appointment went well today! I'm a revision as well - due to reflux/gerd issues with the band...it was actually quite an ordeal, but sounds nothing like what you went through. Please let us know how your appointment went.

glad to have found this site! I too was banded in april of 08, lost a grand total of about 40 lbs, completely on my own, not b/c of the band. Saw a surgeon today & we've decided to look into band removal to gastric bypass. I'm so excited to see others in my situation!!! I felt like such a failure for the past 3 years. Are you happy with your decision Leslie??? Thanks for being a welcoming bander/gastric bypass friend!

I couldn't be happier with my decision. I had a tougher recovery than most but Ido not regret it for a minute. Don't feel like a failure...I know so many people that their band has failed them. It isn't for everyone - things go wrong and the longer time passes the more horror stories I hear. I too was banded in April 2008 - and strugged for the majority of the time. How'd the appointment go?

I had my band placed in April 2008. I lost a little over 60 pounds in the first six months. I had to have port revision because my port had flipped after surgery, but once corrected I had no other issues the first year. The honeymoon phase was wonderful! In the next two years, I ended up with acid reflux and esophagus issues, port complications, weight regain (and then some). I moved and had to find a new "band doctor", which by the way isn't an easy task. We were only able to do one fill due to my port being so deep and found out later stitched to my rib under my left breast (long story).

I had RNY revision in August of this year. I'm down 49 pounds since surgery. I did my research and knew there would be higher risks with a revision surgery. RNY (like the band), isn't a cure to weight loss. It too is a tool. The first 18 months you are almost guaranteed to lose weight, due to re-routing and malabsorption. After that time hopefull we have learned to eat right and have a new lifestyle. It is usually after that time period if we go back to our old habits, we will probably regain the weight. It has its pros and cons...but for me it has been worth it. I'm not in pain anymore, I don't nor can I "eat around it", I don't get the elepant on my chest feeling like I did with the band with almost every meal...it doesn't allow you to cheat! Vitamins and supplements are a must the rest of your life.

I was on my way to an early grave - even with the band. I regained all weight I'd lost with the band, plus twenty pounds - on top of that my esophagus had all but stopped working. Reflux was horrible (with reflux I should never have been banded - big no no). I was literally in the worse shape of my life three months ago. I can say since then I've had some tough moments. I mean, the surgery was a b***h to recover from...not a picnic - was tough but worth it :-)

Do your research, go in with your eyes wide open and adopt a glass is half empty regarding research...I think you should always prepare for the worse and hope for the best!

Dear sweet long lost sis!!!

I can't seem to figure out how to respond to the other message you sent me!! I miss you and am so glad you came back!!! Send me a private message so we can catch up!

~C

Hey girl, e-mail me eilselg@aol.com and we can catch up more. I ended up having revision to RNY in August. I'm down almost 50 pounds and am finally doing well. The surgery ended up more complicated than we thought. My original surgeon decided to stitch my port to my RIBS in my chest so it took over an hour to remove it (and it was flipping) - I was a big MESS...the rest of the surgery took a couple more hours. I ended up having to have mini-open and have had a lot of healing issues and drainage issues...it has taken me two months to heal and for the drain (originally the size of a quarter) to heal...not been fun...I go back to my surgeon next week and hopefully he can clear me to start exercising :-)

Im doing well other than that. Personally - life couldn't be better...been thinking of you and hoping you are well. How are you? How's life? Miss you and miss the group here.

I've tried to join other support groups and there is not nearly the support...many seem downright catty (which isn't right). Alex has started RNY Talk for by-pass patients but it doesn't seem to want to take off...

Write when you can!

Sis

Hi all - I'm now 2 months post-p and down almost 50 pounds. I ended up having the surgery all in one. Although it should have taken on 45 minutes, it took 3 hours due to complications removing my port and whatever else my surgeon didn't tell me. I had a mini-open, which has had a much longer and more painful recovery. My drain (in my incision - about 3 inches long right under my sternum) has finally stopped draining (last week) and is closing up!

I've gone from a size 24W to a 16W. My energy level has doubled and I'm feeling wonderful....thank you for all of your replies :-)

I think like any other WLS, with RNY you will get what you put into it.

However, with malaborption lasting 18 months (from what I hear) and the fact your digestive tract has been partically re-routed - the majority of those who have had the surgery will lose the weight and reach their goal within 2 years.

After that time, is when either you have learned a healthier lifestyle and maintain or pick up bad habits and regain. It is entirely up to you at that point whether you lose or gain.

Very cool! I had a pair of ankle weights once...back when I was in shape (a long long time ago), I'd wear them on my wrists too...right now I'm doing good just to get moving without the weights. Cool idea though - especially when we are at plateaus.

Very smart on your part :-) Did they suspect?

I can tell I haven't been on here in a while - sorry about that guys!

Liquid hell pre-op was hell, liquid hell post-op was hell...I'm now two months (from today) post-op! Feeling really good and on regular foods now. How's everyone doing out there?

Hi Kim! Welcome :-)

Hi Danielle!

I could have written your story as mine...three years ago banded - same problems with gerd and esophagas problems! wow...I'm 34 and had revision surgery to RNY in August. I had a tough recovery due to my surgeon did my revision as mini-open rather than lap...I'm finally feeling like me.

I had gained all my weight back within three years of beingbanded plus some...I'm now down almost 50 pounds and had no pre-op diet. It is such a relief not to get that "stuck" feeling...never thought the feeling of an elephant sitting on my chest was a good thing! Now I don't have that...I've gotten sick some post op...mainly learning what I can and can't tolerate and moving from food stages as I advanced in my diet. No more foamies either!

I hope you continue to write here...I'd love all of us to have a place to talk and make some new friends

Hi Latoya! I've posted on a couple other thread of yours as well. If you have any questios - please ask away...

I lost about 65 lbs with the band. The first year was wonderful, but after that it went downhill and I ended up with gerd and esophagus dialition issues, so my new doctor (in fl - I moved) told me he had to take it out. I had convinced myself I wanted the Sleeve but he wouldn't do it nor would insurance approve it.

So I'm now two months post op and doing well. I've had issues lately with drinking within an hour and a half after eating some meals...but am going Wednesday to my doctor to follow up. I think it may be an ulcer, which is a result of the gerd I fought for years with the band. I just started having heartburn issues in the last couple of weeks. So I may be back on meds for that - which is okay...easy fix.

Can't wait to chat with you - and hopefully we can get this forum more active.

Welcome!

I too had my heart originally set on the Sleeve. However, my insurance and my doctor wouldn't approve it. My surgeon knew I had a history of heartburn and gerd - said that if you have that the sleeve may complicate it. In addition I was a revision to RNY from the band and it had higher complication rates....

I had my surgery back in August (revision) and original band surgery in April 2008. I honestly wish I would have had RNY originally I was scared of the malaborption as well as "re-routing'. However, I neded up with many complications from the band and ended up going through a tough revision surgery due to my fears. My original surgeon always pointed out that "band was reversable". Hindsight, why would I want to be fat again? and removing the band would do that. Iended up gaining back all of my weight plus some after band surgery.

I'm down 47 pounds in two months (today is my anniversary - woot) and couldn't be happier! Good luck with your decision...let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck! I hope you hear something soon :-)....I think waiting is sometimes the worse...can't wait to get to know you either...

I was banded April 2008 and has RNY revision surgery in August of this year. I wish I would have had RNY - so I can get behind your decision not to do the Band...it was a nightmare - I lost weight initially but ended up gaining back my weight and had esophagus complications as well as Gerd.

Good luck...I started out on this forum and was very active on LBT as well...I've posted some to other forums out there but they feel kinda "clicky" and if you aren't a vet there, then you aren't accepted (just my opinion). I haven't posted here in a while because it was dorment for a while...seems since post-op things have picked up, which I feel is awesome!

I had my surgery on August 1st and am finally healed, well almost healed. I go next week to the doctor for my final checkup then hopefully won't have to go back for a while.

My revision was tougher than what the doctor thought it would be. It took him an hour to remove my port from my chest (because it was sewn by the org surgeon to my ribs)...long story! then another two hours to finish my surgery. I'm not sure all that happened although it should have only taken about 45 minutes and took 3 hours...

I've had problems healing from surgery from my incision site/drain site. I was a mini-open and for whatever reason aferwards I kept ripping my internal sutures and it took about a month before he finally stitched up my external incision....I drained for about seven weeks from the drain area below the incision (between my breasts)...it finally stopped draining week before last and is finally closing up...

food is going well...portions got me when I originally started on solids a few weeks ago but finally have that demon licked. Still learning my pouch is very finicky and kinda has a mind of its own. Some days it likes what I eat and some days it doesn't...seems to be a learning process.

Thank you for all the replies! I'm getting ready for next week...glad to hear you are doing well Teri. :-)

I just realized I'd hyjacked Junipers thread !! Sorry....

I was banded in April 2008, 259 lbs with a BMI of 41. I lost almost 70 pounds in the first year. I had a flipped port within a month of being banded - which should have been a light bulb for me. Went through a painful divorce, moved back home (and away from my doctor), missed almost two years of follow-up, got pneumonia, got defilled, took a long time to find a band-doctor in my area to see me. It was a long two years...

Good news, found a wonderful doctor (John David Nye in Pensacola). Found out he can't access my port - which is in my chest and he hates it there (says it is dangerous). Went to get my port moved, started having reflux and abdominal pains. Got an Upper G.I. - found out I have GERD and my esphagus is no longer working properly (back in March 2011). Have been waiting for my insurance to approve me (had to wait on pre-existing condition law) for the revision. Well after Dr. Nye got my results he said that the band has to come out. We discussed my options and decided on RNY revision. I found out three weeks ago my insurance approved me in two days!

Last Monday I went to the hospital and got all my pre-op work done and I'm having my band removal and revision to RNY on Monday week, August 1st ....

I'm nervous, exciting, nervous and SO ready for this band to come out. I'm to the point now I can't eat anything and he can't access my port to let any Fluid out (I have about 3 in a 10cc).

All those out there just browsing - please jump in and tell your story! I know I will have a ton of questions...especially as my day approaches and the lifetime change that is coming...

I've had similar pain in my port area when eating (it isn't always there, but sometimes - I was banded April 2008). I get a lot of uncomfortable sensations and pains in my left rib area - which I believe now is tubing. My port is in my chest and my tube runs beneath my breast and around my rib area...also found out recently I have about 3 ft of tube in me - which would contribute to the strange pains I get. I don't think mine and yours are related - however, it could be tubing, gas...you may want to get your band doctor to check you out again. They sometimes say it is nothing - but ask for tests run (upper gi, endoscopy, etc.)...I'd rather be overcautious than compliant....

Does anyone out there post-op have a Medical ID Bracelet?

During my pre-op the Bariatric Coordinator thought getting an ID bracelet would be a good idea. She said it can be particarly dangerous if you go to be intubated, lets say if you were in an automobile accident), the emergency responder could go straight through your pouch (putting a hole). She said she has seen it done while working in the ER - a lady's spleen was cut and a hole was put through the pouch. This scared me and actually never dawned on me to have one. She said hers states she is an RNY patient, not to intubate and no Aspirin, No NSAIDS. I'm looking into getting one...I think it is very important.

Do you recommend a particular brand (that doesn't cost an arm and a leg)?

Okay - I will be honest. The biggest thing that scares the hell out of me for surgery is the thought of liquid hell. I will have two days pre-op liquid-hell then weeks post op. I guess this is more of a gripe than anything, mainly because I loathed it when I banded. I'm planning on doing broths, sugar-free Jello, sugar-free popcicles...anyone have any suggestions?

I know how serious this stage is for healing...I mentally am trying to prepare myself and keep from getting bored as well.

My doctor is putting me on the following supplements? Any brands or types to those who have had the surgery do you like?

• B-12 (I will be on a monthly shot)
• Multi-Vitamin
• Calcium Citrate

I have to say I have been very impressed with Baptist Hospital in Penscola on their pre-op care and thoroughness. I was originally banded at Palmyra Hopsital in Albany GA. Preop was showing up for the surgery and bathing with dial soap. I didn't meet or talk with anyone - just showed up. I was so excited about the surgery at the time it didn't seem odd to me.

Monday I went to Baptist to meet with pretty much my surgery team and doctor (John David Nye). Not only did I make all my appointments on or before time - they didn't rush me or make me feel like a number. Here was my pre-op day:

10:00 a.m. - Radiology. They did my ultra-sound on my liver, stomach, abdominal area - I got there early (about 9:30) and I was done by 10:00

12:30 p.m. - Registration, Anesthesia, Bloodwork, Radiology and EKG. I ended up early for my registration appointment (after getting to finally eat - nothing to eat after midnight). They got me registered in 10 minutes and sent me talk to the Anesthesiologist. I ended up talking to a nurse - who measured my legs for my support hose and explained in detail what would be happening the day of surgery and gave me Aplicare, Ahtiseptic Solution to bath with the night before and day of surgery. From there they drew my blood for bloodwork and performed the EKG. Afterward the girl that did my bloodwork and EKG took me down to radiology. I waited about 20 minutes (due to a gentleman before me that had a lot of xrays to do). I put on a lovely hospital gown and robe (which was too small) and they did my chest x-rays. by 1:30 I was done.

2:30 p.m. - Met with my doctor. I ended up heading to him early as everything went smoothly. We discussed the surgery, he marked the incisions he would be making and checked my port. His nurse came in (which is also his wife) and we discussed the surgery as well. He told me all in all with the removal and revision he should be done in less than an hour. We discussed my liquid diet and Vitamin as well as after care and what I would be doing in the weeks post-surgery. What to expect as well as my follow-up appointments.

3:30 p.m. - me and another RNY patient met with the nutritionist (along with our spouces). I was expecting to meet with just the nutritionist, but I also spoke to the Bariatric Coordinator (which also had RNY), she went over the surgery again and then we met with the nutritioninst. We were done at 5:00.

My surgery will be at 7:30 a.m. on August 1st. I have to be there two hours in advance. I have a 48 hour liquid diet my doctor has place me on prior to surgery. I'm also taking potassium supplements (my bloodwork came back showing I had a deficiency).

What was your experience? Any positives or Negatives? I know all doctors and hospitals are different - just wondering if anyone had a different experience than I. I think the more prepared we are, the better off we are...

Good luck on your surgery. I'm getting my band out the end of August. My RNY surgeon told me that initially he was all excited about band technology because it seemed like a fairly non-invasive WLS. Now, he's not such a big fan due to the 50% failure rate. He spends his days taking out bands now. Some complications are the result of non-compliance, some of undiagnosed illnesses, but some are just for no one knows why.

Hi - I posted on the other thread as well. Are you doing a revision to RNY at the same time as your removal? I know some doctor's do it laproscopically - mine is doing a mini-open. He is also removing my port (which is in my chest) . I think he is more worried about that than the removal and revision. Wow - 50% - I heard something similar...I'm really disappointed and have felt like a failure for the past few years (gaining all this weight back), but I'm trying to be positive. I'm going to look at my band as a "training" for my RNY...at least I know somewhat what to expect for the diet...