blondylyn

This is a followup to my earlier replies> (I just didn't want to start a new topic.)
I had my band removed two weeks ago. I am so glad I did, don't miss that port at all! Here is what my surgeon, Dr Higa said:
I asked him because I was still feeling restriction-he said that can last up to three months. He also said it will take about that long for everything to heal inside as well. And don't let this happen to you as it did to me: more pain with the removal than the install. Makes sense, though, since there are adhesions, scar tissue, etc. This nurse just kept saying, But you were supposed to go home right after! Meaning, I suppose, that I was being a big baby since I was in such pain and had to spend the night. ******! LOL
Anyhow, I am doing better and have lost another three pounds. I have switched up my food to pretty much vegan because that was my intent with the band in the first place. I just want to be healthy, not skinny! My motivation is still there and I am very aware of what I'm eating. I also asked for the band and port to so I can keep it in my kitchen/fridge to remind myself of it all!
If you are thinking of having it removed or revised, just do it. The band should be the last thing you think of, IMHO! Good luck!

I am in the process of getting authorization to have my band removed. Why? Because I don't feel well and I think it may be the band but even if it isn't, I need to eat healthy and I can't with the band. Yeah, Lay's potato chips go down well but not so with salads or veggies. I am 61 and I want to be healthy which is why I got the band in the first place. I have lost 65 lbs and want to lose 15 more and I believe I can do it on my own. If I gain more than 2 lbs I will join WW but I am pretty sure I will be okay. I am doing this for the sake of my health, not because I want to be thin or pretty. I read above about a study: I too read that most lapbanders only lose 43% of the weight they want to lose and I've beaten that score so I'm ok. My surgeon told me yesterday that he sees a 100% re-gain but I aim to prove him wrong! I am a little worried but not much. I have the tools and the band has taught me to chew my food and take smaller bites. If anyone has advice for me, tips, please speak. Also, as far as problems with the band, does anyone feel like the band may be "poisoning" your body? I kind of feel that way. I just don't feel well a lot of the time and what else could it be?
Anyhow, I am not sorry I got it but I am glad to be getting rid of it.

I am in the process of getting authorization to have my band removed. Why? Because I don't feel well and I think it may be the band but even if it isn't, I need to eat healthy and I can't with the band. Yeah, Lay's potato chips go down well but not so with salads or veggies. I am 61 and I want to be healthy which is why I got the band in the first place. I have lost 65 lbs and want to lose 15 more and I believe I can do it on my own. If I gain more than 2 lbs I will join WW but I am pretty sure I will be okay. I am doing this for the sake of my health, not because I want to be thin or pretty. I read above about a study: I too read that most lapbanders only lose 43% of the weight they want to lose and I've beaten that score so I'm ok. My surgeon told me yesterday that he sees a 100% re-gain but I aim to prove him wrong! I am a little worried but not much. I have the tools and the band has taught me to chew my food and take smaller bites. If anyone has advice for me, tips, please speak. Also, as far as problems with the band, does anyone feel like the band may be "poisoning" your body? I kind of feel that way. I just don't feel well a lot of the time and what else could it be?
Anyhow, I am not sorry I got it but I am glad to be getting rid of it.

Not if you eat right and exercise.
You can't go back to eating like you did pre-band so if you develope good and correct eating habits while banded and continued them if you had to have band removal you should be able to maintain your weight.

Blondylyn,
I understand your feeling of being "poisoned," but am still glad I had the surgery even after the subsequent two surgeries. The first was due to band slippage; I had a gastric prolapse and nothing could get through. The second was to remove the band itself. I had the same symtoms as with the prolapse, but none of the tests they performed show anything wrong with the band or it's position. I had to go to another doctor because my surgeon basically told me it was all "in my head." I am not the first patient who experienced this attitude from him. I spoke with two other doctors who had in fact dealt with similar cirucmstances some of their patients. After removal, all my symptoms disappeared. I feel WAY better, although I miss having my tool.
Tips I can give you are:
Watch what you eat. I stay as close to how I ate while I had my band. This is sometimes difficult because I will still feel hungry after eating those small portions. I will typically eat fresh veggies and drink Water to help.
Exercise. I walk, swim, dance, etc at least 30-45 five days a week.
Do NOT feel guilty after you've eaten something you feel you shouldn't have. I allow myself one day per week to eat a meal I love, regardless of calories, etc. (For me, this is usually Mexican food with the works!! LOL)
Have a code of honor, so to speak. For example, I have decided that I will not eat white rice, and I haven't since I had my initial surgey. I also do not eat potato chips, etc. It doesn't matter if everyone else around me is eating those foods that are on my "NO" list; I simply regard that as non-edible in my world. Does that make sense?
I hope this helps you. Please keep in touch and let me know how you're doing. :-)

I hope you're feeling better since your surgery. I had my band out last August (2011) after having issues with my original band (original surgery Feb 2010). My issue now is dealing with trying not to gain weight. This is very hard. If you need any tips, or if you have any, please let me know!!!

Had my band taken out yesterday, thank goodness!! It all went well and I had no erosion. I;m a bit sore but walking around fine. I've even been able to eat soft foods, porridge, Soup, mash potato, and it all has gone down nicely, no being sick!!
Just want to be able to eat healthy, happy days. xx