Ivy Verde

During the second band surgery, my surgeon said there was a lot of scar tissue building. The more corrective surgeries, the more scar tissue. I hadn't realized just how much there was, though, until my gastroenterologist had a really hard time doing a colonoscopy because of how much scar tissue I had. It was causing my organs to adhere to one another. Also during a hysterectomy (which I had to have open incision) my surgeon remarked that there was an abundance of adhesions and scar tissue. It can often cause a pulling-pinching feeling in your abdomen. Or at least it did for me. And still does occasionally. It's a vicious cycle, though- if you have scar tissue removed during surgery, your body forms more scar tissue. The least amount of surgeries you can have, the better!
I think my esophagus is healed pretty well, but my diaphragm is still pretty screwed up.

Sorry to hear this. It's quite common to have scar tissue build up, causing problems. I had that happen, too. My esophagus was also damaged. And my diaphragm, and my stomach... the list goes on and on.
It's the best course of action, having the band removed, if you're developing scar tissue. It only gets worse, I can attest. I know it's disappointing and painful, though, and I'm very sorry. That's what stinks- doing everything right and having the band fail, anyway. It happens a lot, though. It's not your fault and don't let anyone make you feel like it is.
I didn't have a revision surgery either. Too much damage done by the band. You'll be okay. Keep positive. Talk about it whenever you need to.

I'm sorry you're going through this. Everything you have written sounds very familiar. I've watched the same things happen over and over for the past 10 years. A lot of times the problems start at the 2-3 year mark and then it's a lost cause after that. (Speaking from experience.)
Best of luck to you with the sleeve. I hope it works well for you.

Your situation is very like mine. Lack of concern from a physician is always a bad sign. I wish I had "fired" mine earlier than I did.
I'm very sorry you're experiencing complications. I did, too. I hope you'll feel much better after band removal. I know I did. It was like waking up from a horrible nightmare.
Best of luck to you.

I've been around just about the same length of time, Megan. I got my band done over 10 years ago, had it removed, and still have damage.
Overall, people are very resistant to hearing about the downfalls of banding, though, I've found. Until they go through it themselves, there's really no convincing anyone that you're trying to help. And that's a real shame. With many insurance companies saying, "One WLS per lifetime" it's kind of important to make the correct decision the first time. It may be your only chance.
Best of luck to you.

What do you consider, "negative?" You've asked for "outsider's points of view" but do you only want to be told to GO FOR IT? If I say anything besides, "Go for it," is that considered "negative?" My intention is to help you, so if what I say is perceived as "negative," I apologize in advance. I'm a truthful person and say what I mean.
I don't think having surgery is the lazy way or the easy way out. It's not true. It's very difficult.
I also don't think that the lap band is the solution for long term good health and I wouldn't recommend it. (My opinion, having gone through some pretty bad stuff with the band.)
You need to do some serious soul searching before undergoing surgery. If you're feeling unease and are less than sure about your decision, postpone your surgery date. Read and research everything--- good and bad. It's imperative that you are prepared for as much as you can be prepared for. There's no way to prepare yourself for every change. It's just not possible because there are too many variables. But make sure you know what you're getting yourself into (as much as any of us can.)
Best of luck to you. I hope the turmoil subsides and you're able to have peace.

I've been around just about the same length of time, Megan. I got my band done over 10 years ago, had it removed, and still have damage.
Overall, people are very resistant to hearing about the downfalls of banding, though, I've found. Until they go through it themselves, there's really no convincing anyone that you're trying to help. And that's a real shame. With many insurance companies saying, "One WLS per lifetime" it's kind of important to make the correct decision the first time. It may be your only chance.
Best of luck to you.

I've been around just about the same length of time, Megan. I got my band done over 10 years ago, had it removed, and still have damage.
Overall, people are very resistant to hearing about the downfalls of banding, though, I've found. Until they go through it themselves, there's really no convincing anyone that you're trying to help. And that's a real shame. With many insurance companies saying, "One WLS per lifetime" it's kind of important to make the correct decision the first time. It may be your only chance.
Best of luck to you.

I'm glad to hear there are many that the band has worked for. When I joined this forum many many years ago the band was still new and there were a lot of people that had success with it. But as they years have gone on, not as many are having success. Again it's a personal experience. The band has not worked for me and I won't go into the details as that's between my dr and me. He is the one that has declared that it is not working right. Not me. I still haven't given up on it. But he has stated that the band isn't what they thought it would be and they are not doing as many bands anymore and are doing more and more revisions. I would hate to see newbies come to this site and see all rainbows and sunshine like I did when I started here. Both sides need to be shown. But again, I am glad it is working for some!!! It's good to hear and I congratulate you all!

liquids really go right through, especially if your band is unfilled. You might be swollen from surgery, causing that strange feeling. You'll be okay. Try not to worry.

liquids really go right through, especially if your band is unfilled. You might be swollen from surgery, causing that strange feeling. You'll be okay. Try not to worry.

liquids really go right through, especially if your band is unfilled. You might be swollen from surgery, causing that strange feeling. You'll be okay. Try not to worry.

I am anti-band. Well, I'm anti-pain/disappointment, pro-helping fellow human beings, actually. I had the band and do NOT recommend it.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/lap-band-surgery-half-patients-complications/story?id=13187452
This is just one thing to help you in your research. You should definitely read everything you can find on the subject. You'll find many people who are very happy with their bands. I wasn't one of them.

Thanks for the information Ivy. It is an interesting article i bookmarked it and will show the article to my husband when he comes home for the pros and cons file while i make my decision.

I've been around just about the same length of time, Megan. I got my band done over 10 years ago, had it removed, and still have damage.
Overall, people are very resistant to hearing about the downfalls of banding, though, I've found. Until they go through it themselves, there's really no convincing anyone that you're trying to help. And that's a real shame. With many insurance companies saying, "One WLS per lifetime" it's kind of important to make the correct decision the first time. It may be your only chance.
Best of luck to you.

I have to agree with Megan. I've had a 14cc band for 10 years and have lost nothing. I've been working with my surgeon and a nutritionist. The surgeon has almost stopped doing bands as they do not work as they thought. More banded people have been going to other methods. The band just isn't as good as was once thought. More people need to be aware.

Get the band. Go for it.

Get the band. Go for it.

Thanks everyone. I guess I just was so ignorant about it, I just never, ever dreamed it would be related to my lap band but it has to be. I will go and get Fluid taken off ASAP. I'm in Phoenix and went through True Results, The last time I went in to be seen by them I had to wait 6 weeks to get it. I will explain the urgency and hopefully they will get me in ASAP. I am so grateful for your responses.

Wow... didn't those 4cc / ten year old bands pave the way for our "new" & "modern" bands!
Shouldn't we be slightly interested in any & all complications for "future reference" and education?
Note to self.... never ever ever ever ever ever ever post anything about a bad experience on this forum... geez!!
-I just felt like I witnessed a slaughter-
I'm a newbie and reading these brutal replies to someones post is the only scary experience I have had thus far! WOW

I was like some of you a year or two out from getting my band. Nobody could tell me that it wasn't the best thing I ever did for myself.
I just want to be clear: I am here to voice my story and my opinions about what the band did to me and to lots and lots of people I know. I had a great group of "bandsisters" when I was first banded right on this forum. NONE of them have their bands anymore. I am the last one.
Please do not be in denial about the damage that the band can do. Be vigilant with your complications and please, please know that if you are out a few years and you are gaining weight back, this is the biggest complication yet. Do not blame yourself or feel shame that "you failed" again. Private message me so that you are not attacked by people that are still in the glory days of their bands. I will help you in any way I can.
I wish someone would have posted something like this when I first started to have complications because I felt very much alone. This is why I am here.

I've had my band for 9.5 years and next month will be revising to sleeve.
I am so sad when people blame themselves for the band's faults.
It isn't your fault that you gained weight back. The band does not work long term, and unfortunately, those of us out this far know that there is nothing that most people could have done to change the way it works.
Megan

I am writing this post in the hopes that I help others really understand what life with the band is like.
I was part of the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band clinical trial in October, 2003. I thought I was doing a great service for the medical community, as well as hoping that I might help others that have battled with their weight find an effective treatment.
From the get-go, the band was a major pain in the arse. My fills had to be done by the surgeon under floroscopy because of the study, so I got to see lots of images of my stomach. My port was very hard to find as it had flipped and tilted upwards. I had my port moved once, and after that, we decided we would just have to live with it that way.
I got to my "sweet-spot" once. I lost 70 pounds. I threw up almost several times a week, even though I followed doctors orders and all of the rules. While I was at my sweet spot, I wasn't hungry or thought about food at all. This was about six months of heaven.
Then, I developed GERD and could not sleep in a bed because I would throw up food in my sleep. I was sick to my stomach all the time. I missed work, social outings, etc. because I was constantly in pain. My surgeon unfilled my band and let it rest. And then I got fills, unfills, fills, unfills, etc. I never found the sweet spot again. In fact, I never fully recovered from GERD and had constant heartburn for a few years.
After about 8 years, I finally decided I couldn't take it anymore. I had gained back 50 pounds, and was miserable. My surgeon unfilled me for the last time. Not, I've spent a year working with an eating disorder clinic to help me find peace with food. Now, I am ready for phase two of my WLS surgery journey.
I have been fighting insurance for almost a year for a revision surgery from band to sleeve. I finally won my appeal and will have surgery on Sept. 17th...almost 10 years since my band was placed. I weigh the same today as I did the day I got my band.
If anyone has questions about long-term band issues, I'd be glad to answer them. In advance, I will ignore those that attack me for coming here and talking about complications. But like I said, I would be happy to talk to you about the band and any insurance issues you might have to revise to another surgery.

Mis73,
You and I have gone around and around before...so this is the only reply I will give to any of your posts in this thread.
I've been around long enough to know that people have complications from all bands...sizes, manufacturers, etc.
The mayo Clinic, the number one rated hospital in the world no longer will place any bands. My surgeon at a University hospital will no longer place bands.
If that isn't enough evidence that bands are not a great long-term solution then I'm not sure what is.
Megan

You're still in the healing stage, not the weight loss stage. Your weight will fluctuate for the first couple of months, most likely. Concentrate more on just letting your body heal up for the first 6 weeks. Have you even had the band filled yet? Try not to let this get you down. You're literally JUST starting. Hang in there.