mrsto

I had my lap-band removed Dec.6th this year after living with it for 10 years, and although the first few days were not pleasant, I am beginning to feel a lot better.
My journey hasn't been very successful re losing weight. However, I have a busy life, swim 5 times a week, and have managed a family, full time work, now part time, and a good social life. I am now in my 70s, and am still talking about weight.
My weight had been fairly average (about 140 lbs) until my second child, at 35yrs, which was triplets, the surgeon who did the Caesar made a mess of it, Laughed about the "mess", and told me that "I would always look pregnant thereafter" . I became depressed, tired, and started poor eating habits, and was too exhausted then to consider seeking some useful support. Most of the medical input I received was not helpful, and took the direction of anti depressants. I have gradually been increasing my weight over the last 30 years.
My eldest daughter suggested lap-band surgery in 2008, so I would drop some weight before her wedding. I thought it was a good idea. The surgeon put me on Optifast formula for 2 weeks prior to the Op. and I lost 10 ks prior to the surgery, but very little thereafter.
Had lots and lots of vomiting, which I hated, pain and discomfort, and eventually gave up eating red meat. Found the easy alternative was more milk drinks when in a hurry. The lap band gave me increasing problems, slipped about 5 years ago, and I developed ulceration, regurgitation and constant re-flux. I went back to the surgeon, who refused to remove it, and said he wasn't doing that surgery any more. I did not pursue it, which I should have. However, the complications increased and eventually I sought another surgeon.
I was nervous about having it out , after having it in for so long. It has now only been 4 days, however, I am able to lie down without re flux, eat small amounts comfortably, and have my bowels starting to work normally. Actually I am feeling better than I have in years.
Having read many of the comments on this site, Quickly rereading this, it sounds gloomy, and I'm not really so negative. I think for many women, "weight" is a complicated issue, and often relates to childhood or other Trauma (and the research by Dr. Felitti in his obese work on the ACE scores). So, saying, I have noted the positive comments about Bright Line references and will follow through to explore that, as it appears to have had a good outcome for many people.
I think for me Lap banding was the wrong decision in 2008. Sometimes, we have to take difficult journeys to find out what suits us.

Wow, I'm so glad to hear that you felt so much better after a couple of days - that's great! I'm not happy that you're so hungry, but hopefully that will normalize over the next few days/weeks. Even if a band is empty, it still helps with hunger....just from being there. Once it comes out, it's like a big pendulum swing......which will hopefully slow down somewhere in the middle
I was banded in March 2013, with a starting weight of about 225. My highest weight ever was 228. I dropped 70 pounds with the band/plication, but after about 16 months, started slowly gaining. That was all on me, but a couple of years ago I started getting horrible reflux. I know for sure it's band related, because when the band was emptied it went away. A couple of months ago my doc said.....let's try it again. Within 3 days of the fill, I was choking on acid again.
With the 35 pound weight gain, back came the blood pressure meds. I was off them completely when my weight was down. I know this will resolve once I get the weight off, which I will work very hard on doing. I really don't want a revision surgery; I'm too old to put myself through anymore of this. If my weight continues to climb, I will reconsider.
What type of appetite suppressant did your doctor give you? I've taken them on and off for years; lost tons of weight on them. I tried them again a few months ago (from my internist), but could no longer tolerate them; heart racing, couldn't sleep, etc. At this point, it's up to me to get my act together and stop the madness around food. I'm 62, and you'd think after a lifetime of dealing with this sh-t, I'd be on a healthier path. I have other age (and obesity) related health issues. At this point, living heavy; possibly getting heavier, the stakes are just way too high. Ugh......this yo yo weight issue takes too big of a toll.

I'm guessing that your PCP doesn't do bariatric surgery. You could start there, but it might be a good idea to start with the surgeon who placed your band; ask for his/her advice. If you have the same insurance as you did in Texas, you'll have to follow whatever protocol they mandate for this type of surgery. Maybe, look for a bariatric surgeon where you live now, and have a consultation.

Your bariatric surgeon would be the one to tell you if it's possible. I don't see why not, unless there are other health issues or insurance won't cover it.

But oh.....how I love my wine But the biggest issue with it is, that it makes me eat way more than I normally would. And things that I shouldn't be eating. But that is going to have to change.....if I want to take care of my body. I can't say that I would give up the ritual forever, but maybe limit it to once a month.

Oh I so agree!
I didn't put 2 and 2 together until I eliminated them from my diet. Recently with the fall birthdays and holidays I've eaten a bite or 2 of stuff like that and realized that it really makes my joint/bone pain so much worse. You might try eliminating then testing them! Wine def makes me hurt more!

Wow, I'm so sorry you went through so much, especially breast cancer. That is very scary, but 6 years is great! I hope you never have to deal with it again.
Yes, many struggles for both of us. That's not to say it's impossible to lose weight, but there are more challenges. That's interesting......about processed meats, beef and cheese making your joints hurt much worse. I'm going to pay more attention to that. I know I'm much worse after the weekends, when we drink wine, eat cheese and other more fatty types of foods. We eat pretty healthy during the week, but come the weekend - we're off! It makes a lot of sense, though..... As good as they taste, those foods are toxic. I feel best when I eat lean Protein, veggies and a little bit of carb; like a small red potato or ½ cup of brown rice or quinoa, etc. As long as the carbs are whole, I'm good. bread, crackers, etc.....not so good; even if they're 100% whole grain.
I wish you ALL the best with your upcoming surgery. It's a huge life changing step, and I think you will be very happy with the results. You just have to be prepared for the time when the initial honeymoon is over.... It happens with all of the surgeries, which is when the work really begins.

I haven't had any flare ups with the PKD, so I haven't had to take steroids. I've been pretty lucky so far, but as I age, things can change. It's a weird disease; no cure, but many people don't even know they have it and end up dying from something else. Even still, the last CT scan showed that my kidneys are enlarged with all the cysts, but there isn't really anything to do, unless the labs start to show impairment of function or they see Protein in my urine. For now, it's just a bit of flank pain.....which comes and goes. I just have to be careful and clear all prescription drugs through my nephrologist. I take Meloxicam for joint pain, which he says is a huge no no. I'll have to figure that one out. Though I don't take it every day, it's been a wonder drug for me; the difference between painful/miserable walks, to being able to walk my dog for close to an hour without wanting to lay down in the middle of the street and cry.
I've never heard of the IF diet, but I just looked it up online. It's very interesting. My husband stopped eating dinner a couple of months ago, and dropped a good amount of weight. He wasn't following that plan, but just decided to stop eating at around 4pm. It's worked well for him.
I do have thyroid issues and have been taking meds for many years. I'm hypo-thyroid and have Hashimotos disease. My numbers are good on the dose of Synthroid I'm on, so I've got that part covered. I'm going to work with the nutritionist at my surgeon's office. I love her and she can help me get on an eating plan that works at this stage. This might be TMI, but I had a total hysterectomy a year before my band surgery, and it's 5 times harder to lose the same pound than it was before menopause and losing my ovaries. I remember "older" people always telling me to lose the weight while I'm young; it's much harder when you're older. I was young and cocky and didn't believe them. HA! And here I am.......struggling along
Thanks for your input, FluffyChix - I appreciate it When did you have your surgery? I see you live in Texas. I'm in California, and we've been talking about possibly relocating to someplace around Austin (Hill Country), when we retire in a couple of years.

Thank you for your respond, Within 2 days of the removal im feeling 150% better, but I do feel hungry when i went back to see the doctor and i told him my feeling he gave me a pill so to control my hunger which is working, but i have not gotten on the scale. When i do eat i just make believe i still have the band. Keep me posted on your removal. What is your situation if you don't mind me asking.

Thanks FluffyChix.... I have a new nephrologist and asked him at my visit a few weeks ago. He said that though the bypass can be good, in my case, he's against it. Even though my kidneys are functioning perfectly, given that the bypass changes absorption and anatomy, he doesn't recommend it. The hepatic cysts are really just an extension of the PKD; pretty much a non issue.
When I mentioned this to my bariatric surgeon, he doesn't see any issues with the bypass and PKD. He also said that the bypass can be reversed....if down the road it became an issue. I trust him 100%, but I would not go into a bypass revision with the mindset that I can have it reversed. It's too much of an ordeal, and I don't want to put my body through so much surgical upset.
I lost almost all my weight with the band, but gained half of it back over the past few years. Like the rest of us here, my biggest concern is continuing to slowly gain; ending up where I was when I started this journey close to 5 years ago. I just wish I'd had the bypass to begin with, but I chickened out and went with the band/plication instead. At 62 with about 40 pounds to lose, I'm not sure I want to do anything further. For now, I will have the band removed next week, then work with the nutritionist at my surgeons office. At least I still have the plication, which should help limit the amount I eat in a sitting. The reality is, with ALL of these surgeries, after the honeymoon period is over, WE need to do the work. I was stellar with the band for the first 16 months, then I learned how to eat past the signal. I know a few people who gained a substantial amount of weight a few years after their bypass, and I know some who have stayed thin for many years after the procedure. In the end, we have to make lifestyle changes for continued success. Not always so easy....

Hi there think positive. The band was a tool in loosing weight I'm sure you had to do your part in changing your eating habits etc. I've had my band for 10 yrs and over the last year I've developed bad reflux and now have a Fluid build up in my esophagus which has increased its size times 3. In order to feel better and avoid more medical problems I'm having mine removed on Friday 07-07. Personally I feel my band served its purpose and I to am nervous about gaining weight but I keep telling myself the band was a "TOOL" and that I played a strong part in my weight loss. Not to mention that I'm older and hopefully wiser now. I wish you the best of luck and Thank you for sharing, its nice to know that I'm not alone.

My band was removed on Nov 6,2017 and i am scared to death i'm going to re-gain the weight back. Anyone else out there in my shoes if there is, What are you guys doing to keep the weight off.

What do your nephrologist and hepatologist say? I wouldn't do anything without their blessing--and a 40lb weight differential hardly seems enough to go in and do surgery. Are you self-pay?
My thoughts are that once you start cutting in your abdomen, there will be scars/adhesions. You will be messing in the same area as your liver and also anterior to your kidneys, so it could cause scarring there as well. That could potentially cause problems if it became necessary to do a transplant of either kidney or liver...so that's why I wouldn't do anything without their express consent.
((hugs)) and sorry you suffer with these 2 terrible diseases! I have a friend with PKD.

I had a Lapband revision to bypass surgery laparoscopically in July. The surgeon also found a hiatal hernia that was removed. I was in the hospital for 2 nights and off pain meds the day I got home. My pain was not bad at all but was extremely fatigued for a few weeks. I personally am happy that I had it all done in one surgery.

Hiya MRSTO
I am having band and port removed and revision to RNY in one op. My surgeon only does it in open surgery, not laparoscopic, so recovery is slower because of 8 inch cut through the abdominal muscles.
Surgeon says I will be back at work in 4 weeks, although may tire by 3pm in first couple of weeks back. Fine and fully function8ng by 6 weeks.
Hope that helps!

My being afraid of bypass is what led me to the disasterous decision to do a band to begin with. I have realized very much the hard way that I should not make medical decisions based on things I am afraid of that I have no expertise whatsoever in and that I should listen to the people who do have the expertise.
I went to my revision doctor wanting the sleeve. He suggested bypass as a better option. Thankfully this time i listened. I ultimately realized this was the best course to take to avoid the risk of yet another revision. And I'm done with bariatric surgery!
He was right and I'm mad at myself for wasting 11 years of my life in denial with the band where I could have just had success and eliminated my health issues in one fell swoop instead of trading them in for The new ones the band caused.

I am THRILLED with the health benefits thusfar, after seeing my Endocrinologist today! I had surgery over 2 months ago (9/5/17) and my lab results were wonderful! Hgb A1C is 5.7, and have been off weekly Trulicity injections since just prior to surgery, Cholesterol 168 total (HDL, LDL good), Triglycerides down from 168 to 101 and my weight down 30 lbs. - I've had a few wt. loss stalls, but can't complain! Absolutely NO reflux since surgery, and it was severe before. I have been off Cholesterol med. since before surgery & can stay off. Praise the Lord, I feel very blessed!

That is absolutely ridiculous of ur surgeons!! They're being bastards about it because of the opiod crisis, but gimme a break. This is MAJOR surgery and a 5 or 7 day supply of pain meds is NOT going to create an addict of u, plus it's the right thing to do! My surgeon sent me home with a 5 day liquid supply of hydrocodone. Once it was gone, that was it. Which was fine. At that point, my pain was manageable without opiates anyway, as should the general post op patient. I mean, some folks don't need any pain meds at all post op, but generally speaking, I would say it's the norm for patients to need a few days worth post-op.

Ugh, it just irritates me that these doctors have gone to the other extreme and are just not prescribing opiates at all, especially the ones performing major surgery! So arw they leaving u in the hospital until ur pain is manageable without meds?? Or its next day and buh-bye?

I don't know if ur primary care will give u a few days worth RX if u tell him/her that ur surgeon isnt going to, but what have u got to lose by asking him/her? I would. Good luck!

Ps. You will start to feel better every single day, bit by bit. For me (Im 2 mos post-op), it took about 2 to 2.5 weeks to feel semi-normalcy again. Hang in there. U just had major surgery and ur in major heal mode right now. Ur tummy's mad at u so nausea is normal. Just give urself some time. Take care.

That's just an excuse they're giving u, in my opinion. Yes, opiates can cause constipation, but giving a 5 or 7 day supply after a major surgery isn't out of the realm of acceptable. Besides, were not allowed to eat anything anyway for the first couple of weeks so constipation 5-7 days post op isn't as big of an issue.

I'm also considering having my band removed and the plication taken down. I'm at the 4.5 year mark and having horrible reflux and some other discomfort. The reflux is so bad, I'm hoarse all the time and wake up coughing.
I'm 62 and scared to revise to a RNY at my age. But I've gained about 30 of the 70 pounds I lost with the band, and I'm afraid I will gain all of it back; possibly more. I'm also scared that the band is doing damage.
From those who have already done the revision, how long were you in the hospital and what was your recovery time? I'm self employed (work from home) and need to know how much time to plan. My doc said 2-3 days in the hospital and at least two weeks recovery. I'm interested to hear other's experiences.

@mrsto I'm still doing very well, thank you. ☺ I go to see Dr. Ganta (my surgeon) this Wednesday for 6 week follow up. I did hit a 3 week stall that lasted 3 weeks, but am now starting to lose weight again. I'm told this is COMPLETELY normal, and have read several posts from people referring to the 3 week stall. I stopped weighing daily & weigh once a week now (as difficult as it is to do). Am just focusing on 64 oz. Water, eating as directed, increase walking slowly but at least 5 days a week. The 2 days I don't get out, I do careful exercise inside such as Tai Chi, and added arm exercises of 3 lb. wts. Keep me posted on your journey, it'll all work out. We went through the whole process of trying different saline amts. prior to my Lapband revision with Gastric bypass, and I wish I had known it was what contributed to my severe reflux (GERD) - but am SO thankful it resolved immediately after! God bless you!

Omaj, thanks for your response..... I haven't logged onto this site in a few weeks, but I'm wondering how you're doing 1.5 months post op? I saw my surgeon today and I'm still waiting to see what insurance will approve. We decided to put back 4cc of Fluid into my completely empty band; see if I tolerate it. If I don't, that's more ammunition to make a case with insurance. It's such a game, but I guess that's what we have to do. If I can't get back into banded life comfortably, I'll have the band out. Still not sure about the bypass. I hear some, like you, do very well right out of surgery. Then I hear others who had a lot of complications right out of the gate. Ugh.....I wish I had a crystal ball!

I just had my one year checkup after my conversion from band to Bypass.
I've lost 98 pounds and have a BMI of 22. My surgeon asked me not to lose any more weight.. Words I never expected to hear from a Doctor's mouth.
My story started in 2009 with a lap band. I lost about 60 pounds while throwing up almost daily. Even with repeated fills and unfills, there was no "sweet spot." I either could only have liquids, or experienced no restriction at all. After 3 years, I asked that it be emptied. I ate whatever I wanted and began living on milkshakes and M&M's, My sugar addiction was in full swing. I was drinking 2 liter of Diet Coke daily and felt terrible.
At this point I was 64 and my Dr. gave me a harsh wakeup call, I was 100 pounds overweight and heading for a crash.
I talked to a surgeon who was pessimistic about my success with the band because of my habits. My family shared his doubts. I shared his doubts. I prevailed. My insurance paid for the revision. I had to take the nutrition classes and I spent a lot of time on this website. The time on Bariatric Pal was the most valuable preparation I had going in to the RNY. I learned from the rest of you how awesome and how difficult my life was going to be.
I ate my last big meal and then it was time for surgery.
I had no pain with the lap band insertion or removal and I had none with RNY.
The biggest adjustment was that I no longer wanted to eat.
I followed the rules - got in my protien, Water and supplements.
The weight came off - quickly at first, then slowing.
I developed new eating habits.
I haven't had sugar or diet soda or alcohol since surgery. I don't crave them.
I've gone to the movies without popcorn.
I've colored my hair, purchased a beautiful wardrobe and look 10 years younger.
I accepted a new position at work.
I'm off all my Rx with the exception of the 2 for depression and cholesterol - both genetic conditions.
I've saved a lot of money.
I didn't exercise. I keep thinking about it, but haven't gotten out of my chair, yet.
Thank you all for the information and encouragement I've received on this amazing journey and for letting me share my story with you.

For what it's worth, I had my band removed in 2014 as it caused my stomach to twist in a figure eight (gastric volvulus). I was given the option to convert but I didn't. I had so many complications with the band that I was done with any bariatric surgeries. Flash forward to now and because of scarring from the band, I HAVE to have the bypass surgery even though I don't want it. They may even remove the part of the stomach that they bypass.

So, I say go ahead. You'll probably have to anyway at some point.


Sherry
Lap band placed 12/10
Lap band removed 05/14
Gastric bypass 11/17 due to gastric volvulus caused from lap band adhesions

Hi, I had my band removed due to the same problems as you. I had a bypass Feb 2015. The bypass is so much easier to live with. It is a dream compared to the band. My surgeon repaired a hiatus hernia at the same time as my bypass. I won't comment on recovery time as I had a bleed and was quite poorly afterwards xx