Lapbandster

Did your insurance cover the removal?

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Yes, from what I can gather, the majority of his procedures are still bands. But he is a pioneer in the field and lives with the band himself, so he has a unique perspective.

I also wonder about the practices of the other doctors that banders have used. Not every doctor has the advantage of how huge the NYU Langone network is. The care is exceptional. Earlier this year I had to go to the ER unrelated to the band (dehydration because I played seven hours of tennis without realizing that I was dehydrating!) I couldn’t keep down a sip of Water as a result, so I went to their ER. As soon as I mentioned that I was a Fielding patient, they had the on-call doctor from Fielding’s office doing a consult, did an esophagram, did an unfill, gave me more Fluid via IV than they would a non-band patient because they understood that I would have more trouble than most for a while. It wasn’t even a bump in the road because I got proper care. If you don’t have easy access to your team, I can totally see how the band is a less attractive option. I wouldn’t, for instance, do the trip to a doctor in Mexico for the procedure because you won’t have your team when it’s all over.

I’m a battleaxe. I have to stay active here so we all have that support base. But I do think the website founder should do a dedicated forum for revisions.

By the way, you mentioned your surgeon has the band... I assume you used Dr. Fielding?

I hear amazing stories about him and his practice. I think his patients success rates are exponentially higher than average because he has such intimate firsthand knowledge of the band.

Even if your surgeon isn't Dr fielding, any surgeon who's had this procedure understands it better and therefore his patients have better outcomes.

In any event, don't worry at all!

Maybe reach out to some of the "old timers" on here and see if you guys can make a whatsapp group together so you can keep in touch without the negativity.

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This is just one thread. A few months ago there was someone here who went out of her way to comment on any post she could find about the band so she could trash the procedure. There was someone who asked for advice on what to eat after a food trapping who got flooded with negative commentary about the band!

I had. And done and loved it lost 100 pounds unfortunately it moved at 2 years and dearth with it for w long time then has it removed and did the sleeve. Doctor said he could go back in and secure it again but I thought if it moved first time why wouldn’t it move again! Agsin this is what happened to me all are different. If you are having great success that is awesome and don’t let anyone take that from you. You will always hear bad and good on the surgeries. Many fail at the band and instead of taking responsibility for it they cut it down. Do what your doc tells you and you will be fine. Who knows exactly why mine moved? Doc said heavy weight lighting I do, maybe it was when I was really sick and coughing for days. No one will ever know. What I do know I enjoy that 100 lb weight loss and I’m on my way yet again. I won’t give up

Jendkopp, understood. But consider this from the point of view of someone whose only option was the band. We all chose our procedures knowing the risks. I understand that people want to and need to share their experiences, but it is not helpful to flood those of us who have the band with horror stories. Perhaps there should be a dedicated forum for procedure revisions. But I don’t participate in this forum to be told that my choice is wrong and that I will fail eventually. I’m not saying that you personally have done that, but it has been my experience here. I come here to speak with other banders about their day to day with the band. This is supposed to be a support group.

I'm not having reflux in terms of acid coming up, but I still feel like 50% restriction where the band used to be. Yesterday I threw up twice from it [emoji24]

I think this type of stuff (as well as as reflux) goes away eventually, as the scar tissue from where band used to be eventually breaks down. At least that's what my doc says!



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45 minutes ago, MiniMi said:

Lap band is not a weight loss tool but a maintenance too. So, if you have been able to lose weight in the past but keeping it off is the problem then this is the surgery for you. No matter how much you want to binge after, how many slices of pizza you want to put away, you just CAN'T after 1.

Wow, I guess things have changed a whole lot. 6 years ago this was a surgery for weight LOSS and not weight MAINTENANCE.

In fact insurance wouldn't even approve it unless BMI was high enough, and most surgeons wouldn't install it unless the person had 60+ lbs to lose.

As others have said, the band is no longer the "miracle tool" it was once thought to be.

In recent years it has been understood that 1/10 of bandsters will experience SEVERE complications and need it removed eventually (usually as an emergency surgery, which is scary). I am not talking about mild things like a slight slip, or some tightness and reflux... I am referring to erosion into the stomach, permanent damage to the esophagus (in the form of gastroparesis), phrenic nerve damage, vagus nerve damage...

It all comes down to this one question:

Do you want to be constantly worrying about this 10+ years down the line? Yes, this surgery is "reversible" and it's the least risky option at the OUTSET... but unlike with other WLS's the complication risk INCREASES the longer you are banded.

Also, I don't know what your insurance situation is, but remember that for the health of your band, you will need to constantly be seeing your doctor/getting fills/barium swallow tests, etc. - this can add up very quickly - and that's with NO complications.

Yes exactly,

For me, the barium swallow exam showed zero problems and I was worried that insurance wouldn't cover removal since "everything looked perfect".

But then I told the doc that I was feeling discomfort, tightness, throwing up at times, and had some reflux. Insurance covered it and I am so relieved. Having the band removed has been the best thing I've done in many years. I literally feel like I'm walking on clouds! Such a large weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

12 hours ago, Cm3540 said:

That makes no sense to me.

If you have had "years of complications" and the doctor recommends this, then insurance should cover it (slip or not!)

You will need your doctors office submit the necessary authorization forms to your insurance company with the proper codes

Wow what a saga! I'm glad to hear the band is out and that chapter in your life is over. What an experience!

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My doctor had the band done! He looks amazing.

Hi all!

Soooo my story started a few years ago (I think 6).

I was morbidly obese and felt disgusting. HW was about 244 lbs (and I'm only 5 feet tall!!). I didn't have the willpower to lose ALL that weight on my own and began to realize that I needed help.

My mother had RNY a few years earlier and, while she DID lose like 75% of her excess weight, she never looked healthy to me. She suffered with anemia and Vitamin deficiency, never worked out, had very saggy skin etc.

When deciding on a bariatric prodecure I felt attracted to the lap band due to its reversability and low operating risks. The first surgeon I went to was VERY pro the LB- in fact I think he only performed this procedure. The second surgeon I consulted with was vehemently against the band and strongly advised me against it. This was years ago when then "anti band" sentiment was just starting.

I ultimately decided on the lap band because I'm a nervous person in general and wanted the "easiest", lowest risk, and most reversable procedure performed.

The surgery went well and there were no problems. I was able to go back to work within a day or two.

I've heard some people say they have a "love hate relationship" with the band. For me it was a "want to love, yet fear relationship" meaning I WANTED so BADLY for the band to work. But I was constantly afraid of it slipping... Or eroding.. Or food getting stuck (in public!) ... Or suddenly feeling tight when traveling and I didn't have access to a doctor... Or not being able to afford the fills and fluoroscopys... Esaphageal dysmotility, distended pouch... Etc.

My doctor had a strange way of doing fills. Unlike using fluoroscopys to help me find my "sweet spot" he would just put in the needle, fill the band, have me sit up, chug Water, and then release some Fluid. Once I felt the water go down he would remove the needle and tell me that im in the perfect zone.

Boy did that cause issues! Getting lukewarm sink water down is simple... But getting in Proteins and/or veggies down was much harder! I was constantly running back and forth to the doctor for fills/unfills (which wasn't cheap or easy! He was located 1.5 hours away from me and fills we're $50 plus insurance copay. So i was constantly taking off a half day of work and shelling out $80 for this.)

When I'd see him he was thrilled! After all, I WAS losing weight... And getting fitter... But it sadly it had nothing to do with the band. I was just too ashamed to admit it. Rather, I worked out every day, ate under 1200 calories/day, and carb cycled. I was on a mission to prove to the world that I COULD lose weight, and that I didn't get cut up and have a foreign object placed in me for nothing.

It was sad for me, and I really did feel alone... But I made it work and got used to chewing my food up a ton, taking tiny bites, drinking a lot to get the food down. I went from 244 to 178 and was happy. I was far from skinny... But I really felt good.

Fast forward about 5 years!!...

I got married, moved to NY and mostly forgot about my band. I actually gained some weight back after the wedding, but started Medifast/optavia and lost 40 lbs. I was good... Until the heartburn started.

My previous doctor warned that any heartburn can either be the symptom OR cause of a slipped band. I went to a new NY surgeon the next day to get all the fluid removed. A day later I felt mostly better but still tight. Foods were getting stuck and being that there was no fluid in there I was nervous.

Bands that are too tight can cause a slip.

My husband and I are trying to get pregnant and when I asked my surgeon what happens if the band slips/erodes during pregnancy, she just said "things can get complicated and more risky for both you and the fetus"

That's when i just realized that I'd HAD IT WITH THE BAND!! I could no longer live with device that caused me so much stress, fear, and didn't even work in the first place!! (that night I went to a wedding and took a bite of chicken which got stuck and had me dashing to the bathroom and vomiting. This was simply no way to live, yet a common occurrence for me).

Long story short, today I got my band removed and I FEEL SO RELIEVED! I am in practically zero pain and feel like a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders. I'll do another post about the removal process because this is already wayyyyy too long!!

TLDR:

Didn't have any MAJOR complications with the band, but very relieved to have it removed! It may be a less risky, reversable procedure on the outset, but the long term risks of complications are fairly high and can be nerve racking.

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Sometimes my band aches a bit when I push my stomach around it.
I always thought it was normal lol

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If he is unable or unwilling to change his eating behaviors then certainly he should get the band removed.

He is at major risk of a slip/pouch dilation/esophageal problems.

The band is no longer considered safe as long as a patient is not compliant

And on top of that he seems to be miserable with it.

I know foot addiction is a tough thing to watch, but I don't think keeping the lapband is a solution

Just my .02

Hope everything goes well!

Your not his mother and your not his doctor. Your his girlfriend, it's your job to be supportive of what he chooses to do with his body

The bright side is that you had immediate relief after surgery! That does not seem to always be the case.

And yes, why fills are $150 is beyond my comprehension. Really does seem excessive

Eating too fast. Eating too much. Breads, pizza, Pasta, can all expand inside your pouch, causing your stomach to have to move up through the band to digest what won't go down thru the band (slip). Trust me, I was in excruciating pain for several months, and experienced nausea and acid reflux that no amount of Prilosec or Pepcid would take care of. Listen to the band, and always keep meals prepared just in case you go somewhere that isn't bandster friendly (kids birthday parties, super bowl parties, etc)

Thanks for sharing!

Are you doing well now? Have you had any permanent effects from the lapband even after the removal? I am asking because I just may be in the same position as you and need a removal.

So devastating!

And yeah, no one understands the emotional roller coaster tied into this

Revisions cannot always be done at the same time. It depends how badly the bands damaged your stomach

I got it taken out. Instant relief. Wish I had gotten the sleeve from the get-go. I'd say it was a Waste of 15 grand if I didn't lose any weight- but I dropped 130 lbs, so it wasn't a total waste. If I could have done it over again- even knowing all the pain, I still would have done it- Cuz it changed my life. Now it's up to me to work out consistently and not overeat so that I can keep this weight off

Thanks for the update!

Is anyone getting their lapband removed??? My guy had his band 5 years lost maybe 50 pounds and he was a big guy 415. But he's now had some scary side effects which we are now action upon and asking for removal. He has lots of getting stuck episodes where he has to puke up what he's eaten, he has to have a pike cup with him when he eats and on the bedsi de table, he has regurgitation issues at night with either saliva or air, he chokes on it and has even had an episode that caused enough to get in his lungs and cause pneumonia, he has passed out and had seizures twice due to stuck meds and food. Fir $t time I found him in the bathroom unresponsive, jerkinf, puking, lost control of bowels. He had told me he was feeling woozy after his swallowing his meds. Luckily, I had decided to wake up bc it was early and he was supposed to be leaving for work. I ended up catching him as he fell. The second time he had a bite of grilled cheese. Had I not been there to pull him forward he would've died choking on his own vomit. Both times the doctor thought it was unrelated. I disagree. He has never had an issue before and now he's super careful and it hasn't happened since. I did some research and when food gets stuck you can have esophageal spasms which can cause your heart rate to slow and cause seizures it's happened to others as well as the pneumonia... I cannot believe lapband is allowed to be implemented anymore. I would highly caution you against it. Much love. I understand the struggle <3

Not sure whats scarier: The symptoms you described, or the Dr. thinking it's unrelated to the lapband

Keep us posted on how the surgery goes!

I am also having issues with my band.

What I find interesting is how OVERLY CONFIDENT the surgeons are when discussing a surgery that there isn't THAT much research on. (I think we have maximum 15-20 years of research, and we didn't have real reliable data until about 10 years ago since it was such an uncommon surgery. That's my opinion at least)

My surgeon was so pumped for me to get the lapband and minimized the risks

-Now I am reading that 40-50 percent of lapband patients get the bands removed within 10 years (easy to believe based on the amount of posts in the complications forums)

-It is linked to esophageal dysmotility

- Scar tissue builds up around the band making the removal surgery much more complex than the insertion

- The scar tissue can build up so much that it can cause permanent restriction even once the band is removed

I went into this thinking that it was GREAT because it can be "reversed" if needed. That is not the case.

I personally doubt I will recomend this surgery, and am hoping to get my band removed because the more i read the more I feel that my band is a "ticking timebomb" and that something will eventually go wrong. Why wait until it becomes an emergency?

Interesting!

I think it has to do with scar tissue buildup putting pressure around your esophagus

Hopefully it will go away but if not it might be. Blessing lol. The benefits of restriction without the complications of a band

May I ask why it was removed? I'm curious because I'm having issues as well And I think we got banded around the same time