lisacaron

I was always hopeful that it would pass. Only in the last month before I had the band removed was reflux an issue for me. Mostly it was just constant inflammation going on inside as my body kept trying to reject the band.
I would have gone right for the bypass or the sleeve at the same time if it was an option for me, but like you I am also fearful to a degree of what to expect after. My body does not seem to take well to outside interference, didn't like the band being in there, and it even started pushing out the internal sutures that were used in the surgery to remove the band! So I wonder how it will adapt to rerouting and changing the internal process....I just want to be healthy and happy. I'm not so focused on the "weight" of the issue...though so many doctors blame weight as the reason for everything that ales you that it becomes the focus.
I have been having issues with my heart since I was 17 years old and I was at a normal weight and post pregnancy is when the issues started after a heart attack during child birth. So today at 46 I have an arrhythmia that causes tachycardia in my pulse rate all the time with a normal sinus rhythm which is a good thing it means I'm not actually having a heart attack at the moment, but having a heart racing all day as if I were doing sprints makes one quite tired. Mostly they happen at night and keep or wake me up so that's not fun either.
Of course the Dr.'s all say well if you lose weight this will get better...but will it? It hasn't in all these years...and I am getting older not younger...so forgive me if I don't think weight is all to blame for my health.
I'm thinking of putting some questions together for the Dr. and see what kind of feed back they can provide.
One question is:
1. Why would you recommend the sleeve over the bypass for me?
2. I have heard that those revising from band to sleeve do not lose as effectively as those who have never had a bariatric procedure because they are not able to make the sleeve small enough due to scar tissue. Do you find this to be a valid insight? What has your experience with patient revisions been?
3. Have you seen patients who have rejected being sleeved after the surgery? What type of rejection symptoms have been displayed?
food intolerance? (to be expected?)
Inflammation of stomach/other organs? (what could be done to prevent and/or remedy this?)
What other questions do you think....? It might help us both with our decision

I'm in the same boat..... I had my band placed in March 2013, and now going to have it removed with a revision to a gastric bypass (most likely).
My main band issue is horrible reflux. My throat and voice box are so inflamed from acid, my voice is hoarse all the time and I wake up coughing and try to swallow (what feels like) a glob of something in my throat. But there isn't anything to swallow; it's swelling from acid.
Over the past year I've slowing had all of the Fluid removed from my band, with the hope that the issue would resolve. It has not. I saw my surgeon yesterday to discuss all of my options. With reflux as the main issue, the sleeve isn't an option because reflux typically worsens. I was never interested in the sleeve, so I'm okay with that. I was originally scheduled for a bypass, but chickened out at the last minute and went for the band with plication. I did well initially; lost 70 pounds, but gained back about 30 over the past 3 years. My only regret is that I didn't go through with my original plan; to have a gastric bypass.
My options are, to have the band removed and see what happens over the next few months. Or, to have one surgery; band removal, plication taken down and have the bypass done at the same time. I am really scared about having a bypass, but I'm also fearful that I will continue to gain back all of my weight; maybe more over time. I'm 5'1" and currently 185 pounds. It's just too much weight for my frame. And I'm 62, so there are other issues at this point in life. I'm all over the map on the pros & cons; dealing with my fears on both sides of the fence. Ugh..... I cannot believe that I'm still dealing with this issue!
Lisa, I remember you from the Lap-band forums a few years ago. We were both banded in 2013. I'm so sorry to hear that you're having issues and the band never really worked out for you. Being sick all the time is NOT fun and I completely understand your fears about going to another surgery. It's a lot to think about

I had my band removed about a month ago due to a prolapse and slippage. It was unfilled for over a year because of issues I was having with swallowing and pancreatitis flair.
I had a very small amount of Fluid added and well that didn't work out well and the band slipped and it was just time to have it removed before I had any further issues with it. I was banded for about 4 years, and it really never worked with my body. I think my body was just rejecting it from the beginning. I was sick for 2 out of the 4 years.
I have to say I am feeling 100% better since having the surgery to remove the band. I am able to eat and drink without being sick for days, and the surgical site is healing very well.
I am working on all the requirements for revision to the sleeve, however I am still unsure about my feelings for another surgery. Knowing how sick I was for so long...and that if I have another surgery and there are issues, there is no "fix" for it. They can't just go in and take out the equipment to make it better....this time my body has to accept the change and adapt like it didn't with the band.
I'm maintaining my weight, and haven't gained a whole lot since surgery, but I know that possibility is right there....so that's why I am moving ahead to meet the requirements for revision.

I had my band removed about a month ago due to a prolapse and slippage. It was unfilled for over a year because of issues I was having with swallowing and pancreatitis flair.
I had a very small amount of Fluid added and well that didn't work out well and the band slipped and it was just time to have it removed before I had any further issues with it. I was banded for about 4 years, and it really never worked with my body. I think my body was just rejecting it from the beginning. I was sick for 2 out of the 4 years.
I have to say I am feeling 100% better since having the surgery to remove the band. I am able to eat and drink without being sick for days, and the surgical site is healing very well.
I am working on all the requirements for revision to the sleeve, however I am still unsure about my feelings for another surgery. Knowing how sick I was for so long...and that if I have another surgery and there are issues, there is no "fix" for it. They can't just go in and take out the equipment to make it better....this time my body has to accept the change and adapt like it didn't with the band.
I'm maintaining my weight, and haven't gained a whole lot since surgery, but I know that possibility is right there....so that's why I am moving ahead to meet the requirements for revision.

Hi Liz,
Ken is working tonight and Sunday. I probably won't be out near the city until the end of August we have tickets for the Lady Gaga concert at Citifield.
Have a great time, and stay cool!!

Oh yes showing your face probably really helps when trying to find a match You look amazing! I'm hoping that once I get through this surgery, I'll be able to eat better and actually focus on my health and healing once and for all.
I'm still not sure what revision is the best...everyone is pushing the sleeve, but you know if your going to have to do it again I would want to do what's best for me not just what's "popular"because I can see how that doesn't work for everyone just like for me the band was not the winning tool. My body is rejecting it.
With all the technology and tools out there I would think that there would be a way to gather the metrics on a person and determine the type of surgery that would work for that individual over another just because it's less invasive, or less maintenance, or more popular or cost efficient than another which might be the actual golden ticket to help the patient reach their ultimate health goals.
I have to go through all the medical testing to check my breathing and heart and all that stuff again...including my "mental" state...but how about diagnosing the reason for my obesity and why the band was a failure no matter how little, how much, or what foods I ate didn't eat or threw up?

Oh yes showing your face probably really helps when trying to find a match You look amazing! I'm hoping that once I get through this surgery, I'll be able to eat better and actually focus on my health and healing once and for all.
I'm still not sure what revision is the best...everyone is pushing the sleeve, but you know if your going to have to do it again I would want to do what's best for me not just what's "popular"because I can see how that doesn't work for everyone just like for me the band was not the winning tool. My body is rejecting it.
With all the technology and tools out there I would think that there would be a way to gather the metrics on a person and determine the type of surgery that would work for that individual over another just because it's less invasive, or less maintenance, or more popular or cost efficient than another which might be the actual golden ticket to help the patient reach their ultimate health goals.
I have to go through all the medical testing to check my breathing and heart and all that stuff again...including my "mental" state...but how about diagnosing the reason for my obesity and why the band was a failure no matter how little, how much, or what foods I ate didn't eat or threw up?

I had my lap band removed on July 25th I got to the point all I did was throw up everything that went down so I just had my follow-up today which is August 3rd I believe and it went really good I can eat anything I want I just restrict myself to small amounts everything goes in a bowl don't ever eat out of a container I feel a lot better I have some pain in my site where it was removed but other than that it's pretty good I look like a fat turtle that got stuck on his back trying to get out of bed I did not have the sleeve done at the time because I was scared I have a lot of stress going on and I gained all my weight back but since I've had it removed because I can eat a normal amount I've still lost 14 lb so I wish you luck and you will be okay getting it removed with the best thing I did and I was scared really scared I even called in the chaplain before my surgery but it went really well

I had my lap band removed on May 18th of this year. I didn't have any restrictions after surgery concerning eating. My doctor told me that my stomach will be swollen for about six months or so, and because of the large amount of scar tissue I had he can't due revision surgery I hope I helped you a little bit. Goid luck . The hardest part for me was the no lifting for 4 weeks after. Take care.

Lisa I'm so sorry. What an ordeal.

If it were me I'd revise. Not sure whether sleeve or rny but like Liz said, take time to decide.

Damn. I see your posts on FB and I presumed you were having a tough time. Wish I could do something for ya kiddo. We'll be at the ballgame tomorrow night if you feel like heading to Queens.
Listen...I've been having a tough time as well. Corey and I are great but work is super stressful and I've gained 20 lbs. over the last 18 months or so. I keep saying today is a new day but I find myself dicking around and not losing those ten pounds, oops no...15 lbs. Oh wait....now it's 20 lbs. I had to get new clothes...many of my old clothes are too tight. I swore I'd never let that happen again and yet it has.
So for what it's worth, here's what I think you should do. Investigate other WLS options and give yourself a year to decide if you want to move forward with any of them or not. That will give you the time to see if you can do this without surgery or if you need another intervention.
Let me know about tomorrow night...

Thanks Julie!!
It feels so much like a thankless task taking care of the parents but I can also say being one as the mother of 5 can also be one. Hubby and I are that JAM generation stuck in the middle between the aging parents and the Peter Pan kids we have. You know 30 acting like 10 and never want to grow up
Sadly having surgery might be a bit of a holiday for me...cause I really need the down time to refresh my mind. Physically I know it's more stress but I hope to be able to take it easy at least for a few weeks.
While I'm at home I'm going to do some research, I really would like to be able to lose the weight I haven't been able to...I just am afraid to fall into that "failure" percentage again. I know that's negative thinking so I will stop that and focus on doing some research to see what happens after this heals up and insurance clears me again.
They are not touching my plication so at least I will still have that advantage to work with.

Thanks Julie!!
It feels so much like a thankless task taking care of the parents but I can also say being one as the mother of 5 can also be one. Hubby and I are that JAM generation stuck in the middle between the aging parents and the Peter Pan kids we have. You know 30 acting like 10 and never want to grow up
Sadly having surgery might be a bit of a holiday for me...cause I really need the down time to refresh my mind. Physically I know it's more stress but I hope to be able to take it easy at least for a few weeks.
While I'm at home I'm going to do some research, I really would like to be able to lose the weight I haven't been able to...I just am afraid to fall into that "failure" percentage again. I know that's negative thinking so I will stop that and focus on doing some research to see what happens after this heals up and insurance clears me again.
They are not touching my plication so at least I will still have that advantage to work with.

Thanks Julie!!
It feels so much like a thankless task taking care of the parents but I can also say being one as the mother of 5 can also be one. Hubby and I are that JAM generation stuck in the middle between the aging parents and the Peter Pan kids we have. You know 30 acting like 10 and never want to grow up
Sadly having surgery might be a bit of a holiday for me...cause I really need the down time to refresh my mind. Physically I know it's more stress but I hope to be able to take it easy at least for a few weeks.
While I'm at home I'm going to do some research, I really would like to be able to lose the weight I haven't been able to...I just am afraid to fall into that "failure" percentage again. I know that's negative thinking so I will stop that and focus on doing some research to see what happens after this heals up and insurance clears me again.
They are not touching my plication so at least I will still have that advantage to work with.

Sorry to hear that lisacaron.
It is very difficult yet honorable to help parents.
And the difficulties with your band probably just add to the stress!
I've given some thought to what my fall back would be if my band fails.....
The newest endoscopic sleeve(done through the mouth/ throat/). Looks promising.... a bit less money and down time than laparoscopically...
it is still new so of course I don't have any long term results to look at.
But at one point the band was fairly new too. I guess we do the best we can with what we got.
Best to you. Please keep posting. I miss your banter !

Hello my friends! It's been forever since I have had a minute to post anything...and I probably wouldn't be taking this minute now if I didn't need to
The long story short is my hubs and I are stuck and yes I mean stuck cause we are the only ones around taking care of his ailing parents. I want to scream...last year I took care of my father who passed away just about this time last year. Since we have been what I think of as enslaved by the other side of the family. Seriously as sick as my father was he never called me up at 8 am after I got off a 24 hour shift to take him for a shave and to gossip at the gas station with his friends. Really?! My husband is a Saint cause I would be telling him to go scratch. You have a 40 year old son at home that drives your car doesn't pay rent, and does nothing!! Yes he may be "slow" but he's capable and he's gonna step up or I am going to take a bat to him!! That will be a good excuse then when both your legs are broken! Liz you can feel me right?!
OK all that said...I'm having my band removed in the next couple of weeks! I went to the Dr. yesterday and even though I'm not feeling any symptoms it appears that the band has slipped!! Last year I was sick as a dog with Pancreatitis throwing up all the time and nothing was wrong with the band. I had no Fluid in it...and then in January I had an esphogram and put some fluid back in things were looking and feeling good...of course then I broke my foot and was in a brace from February to June!! Now I go in with just a touch of acid reflux and the band has slipped and a have a bad prolapse the surgeon said and they want to take it out ASAP.
So...yeah..here I am. OK they take the band out...can't have a revision for at least 3-6 months they say...and honestly do I want one? I don't know. I always fall in that 1% of people. You know how they say Birth Control pills are 99% effective...? Right that one percent is where I fall. His name is Christopher and he will be 22.
Same for the band if the percentage of the band works for 75% of people I fall right in that 25% of those who it fails.
So my band has failed, the fluid is out again while I wait for all the pre-op testing and other fun stuff so they can remove it....thank goodness I'm not suffering at all some reflux but I'm on liquids from now until what will probably be eternity (it's OK I'm used to it by now it's one of the few things that doesn't make me feel sick.) I haven't lost any more weight...but guys...what would you do?
Would you even think about a revision? Would you do the sleeve cause everyone is on the sleeve train? Would you do the gold standard and do RNY or would you call it a day leave your innards alone and just be you?

Go Walking (Liz) Chasing a dream (Tracy) and I have held our first NYC meet and greet earlier this year. We had been posting on the site for some time, supporting and sharing our journey with each other. We found that not only did we have WLS surgery in common but that many area's of our lives overlapped and we were experiencing similar things.
I was fortunate enough to have met with a couple of ladies who reached out to me privately to inquire about my surgeon. We met at a local restaurant and it was so wonderful to put faces and personalities to the words on the screen we became fast friends!!
Though I live on the East End of Long Island, I work in Nassau county and my bariatric surgeon operates in Nassau county at Syosset hospital, I am originally from Queens NY, and have worked and lived in the "city" for a good portion of my life. My company also has business interests in NYC and I find myself there often.
It was natural for me to reach out to my NYC friend to see if she was amenable to having a get together. I found out that she had in fact been trying to organize a meet up of other bariatric pals in NYC for some time. So we decided to get together to plan the first NYC meet and greet.
We met at a cafe in NYC one Saturday afternoon in February, and we were fortunate enough to meet up with Alex himself. Liz, Tracy and my hubby Ken who is also a WLS patient as well were in attendance.
The meeting was a huge success and we agreed it was something we would like to do more often, and share with others across the country and in other countries as well.
I am very excited to be hosting the NYC/Long Island chapter along with Liz and Tracy. We plan to bring lots of information, on a myriad of topics related to subjects that include, Weight loss surgery, Nutrition, Exercise, Healthy Living, Life style coaching and support and many other topics.
We will host meetings in NYC as well as on area's of Long Island in both Suffolk and Nassau counties for those who are interested. Our meetings will be informative, yet exciting and dynamic with an element of fun learning and overall support.
I hope to see you at our next NY chapter Bartiactric Pal meet and greet. We have a tentative date of June 14th location and details to follow shortly!

Hi All,
Sounds like there have been some great things happening for this group! Sorry I have been largely out of touch. Lots of family issues and some of my own health issues as well.
I'm glad to say (and almost afraid to say..) I am doing better and the in law's seem to be in a stable place right now.
It would be great to meet up again! I'm struggling to get back to that 200 goal..having put on about 35 pounds since having my band emptied back in June. It's always good to have supportive people around on the same journey as you!! It helps so much!

Go Walking (Liz) Chasing a dream (Tracy) and I have held our first NYC meet and greet earlier this year. We had been posting on the site for some time, supporting and sharing our journey with each other. We found that not only did we have WLS surgery in common but that many area's of our lives overlapped and we were experiencing similar things.
I was fortunate enough to have met with a couple of ladies who reached out to me privately to inquire about my surgeon. We met at a local restaurant and it was so wonderful to put faces and personalities to the words on the screen we became fast friends!!
Though I live on the East End of Long Island, I work in Nassau county and my bariatric surgeon operates in Nassau county at Syosset hospital, I am originally from Queens NY, and have worked and lived in the "city" for a good portion of my life. My company also has business interests in NYC and I find myself there often.
It was natural for me to reach out to my NYC friend to see if she was amenable to having a get together. I found out that she had in fact been trying to organize a meet up of other bariatric pals in NYC for some time. So we decided to get together to plan the first NYC meet and greet.
We met at a cafe in NYC one Saturday afternoon in February, and we were fortunate enough to meet up with Alex himself. Liz, Tracy and my hubby Ken who is also a WLS patient as well were in attendance.
The meeting was a huge success and we agreed it was something we would like to do more often, and share with others across the country and in other countries as well.
I am very excited to be hosting the NYC/Long Island chapter along with Liz and Tracy. We plan to bring lots of information, on a myriad of topics related to subjects that include, Weight loss surgery, Nutrition, Exercise, Healthy Living, Life style coaching and support and many other topics.
We will host meetings in NYC as well as on area's of Long Island in both Suffolk and Nassau counties for those who are interested. Our meetings will be informative, yet exciting and dynamic with an element of fun learning and overall support.
I hope to see you at our next NY chapter Bartiactric Pal meet and greet. We have a tentative date of June 14th location and details to follow shortly!

So spacegirl37 how's it going? Did you get your fill?
I am in the same boat. Have had my band empty since June of last year and looking forward to getting back on track. I have gained weight and I'm feeling bloated and uncomfortable all over again. I'd like to lose this extra 36 pounds to start with...and of course 3 weeks ago I pulled all the ligaments in my foot and ankle and have been hobbling around with a walking cast!
I hope a small fill will help stimulate the band and help with the hungry feelings...I'd like to get back to some kind of satiated feeling.

So spacegirl37 how's it going? Did you get your fill?
I am in the same boat. Have had my band empty since June of last year and looking forward to getting back on track. I have gained weight and I'm feeling bloated and uncomfortable all over again. I'd like to lose this extra 36 pounds to start with...and of course 3 weeks ago I pulled all the ligaments in my foot and ankle and have been hobbling around with a walking cast!
I hope a small fill will help stimulate the band and help with the hungry feelings...I'd like to get back to some kind of satiated feeling.

So spacegirl37 how's it going? Did you get your fill?
I am in the same boat. Have had my band empty since June of last year and looking forward to getting back on track. I have gained weight and I'm feeling bloated and uncomfortable all over again. I'd like to lose this extra 36 pounds to start with...and of course 3 weeks ago I pulled all the ligaments in my foot and ankle and have been hobbling around with a walking cast!
I hope a small fill will help stimulate the band and help with the hungry feelings...I'd like to get back to some kind of satiated feeling.

OK so I am an anomaly like my Lizzie tells me. I love ME. I'm not a narcissist, or have a narcissistic tendency. I just enjoy my life. If you pop by my house on the weekend you will find me in my grubbiest clothes sneakers or flip flops hair in a tussle and no make up on.
If I run into you in the super market after work or the drug store you might very well find the same thing. I love to get dressed up and put on my make up and I used to always have these long nails but recently just decided that I like them kind of short it's easier for me to type without hitting all the extra keys and take care of the puppies and lift weights!
I have gained and lost along the years, but I have to say that my motivation was never my confidence. When I got married for the first time I was 17 years old, I was 8 months pregnant and wore my mothers wedding gown which was a size 5! yep belly and all it fit me that's how tiny I was.
Fast forward to 2 years ago at the largest I have ever been and the most weight I have ever carried and I married the love of my life TWICE! We had two wedding ceremonies and I wore two totally different gowns, and had them both aired live so everyone could watch and enjoy! (I didn't invite a soul to join us at the event itself, I was the happiest bride you can ever imagine!) When we got home I had a huge brunch for all the family and friends who made my day by not attending my ceremonies!! I wore this tiny little Marilyn Monroe number, and you know what Large Lisa rocked it, and my hubby looked awesome too!
Confidence has nothing to with size, it has to do with state of mind. If you let someone tell you that you are fat and ugly and you give them the power to make you feel badly about who you are then you have a problem with YOU.
I don't know anyone I have never met another human being who is not totally amazing! If you believe you are then honey you are! What I think, is what you think. What people around you think and say are what you think and say they are your reflections and people will reflect back to you what you put out there.
So put YOU out there and be who and how you want to be. Red hair, Purple, Green Fat skinny freckles, what ever! You can be an anomaly just like me you just gotta like yourself!

Hi Lisa Hopefully everything is well now with you and your band it is not easy with stress that is the same that happens to me with so many surgeries not related to my band but I am trying to go back and start all over again with my band and with the food I am seeing a Bariatric Nutricinist now and is helping me to go back in track .

I have had some similar issues, I've had my band unfilled since June of this year. I have had several tests upper GI, CAT Scans, Barium swallow and all show the band is sitting pretty right where it should be.
I have had several digestive issues which I had before WLS surgery, and these along with a bout of pancreatitis and sever emotional stress taking care of my father who passed in July, and now both my in laws..not to mention the full time job that was in the middle of a take over and 5 kids..who while "grown" present their own mash up of issues.
So yeah...all of that...and more I could probably type for a week or more...caused a big upset internally for me. I was getting sick from everything I ate and even was avoiding food just so I would not get sick. Nothing wanted to stay put, even though it would all pass my band, after about an hour I was nauseated and sick.
I had the band checked while I focused on my health and trying to find some stable ground again in my life. The band has no issues...I'm in a bit of a better place today with some relative stability and just peace of mind knowing there is nothing I can do about any of it and I just have to continue to rise and fall with the waves and occasionally I am going to get wet and I just have to accept it as what it is..let go and hope for the best.
I think I am ready to have a little fill in there and try again. I can't understand why the surgeon would want to remove my band, if there is nothing wrong with it. I could do a revision after 6 months of healing, they told me but you know...why fix what's not broken...and surgery...not just one but two more?
If I haven't lost the weight I wanted to with the band what makes me think I will with any other surgery? I haven't really given the band the full benefit of us working together toward that goal, I have been so busy focusing on other things. So I go tomorrow for a barium swallow, I haven't been sick in over a month now and I feel as though I am ready to focus on me and on this journey.
I just can't see having 2 more surgeries, when there is nothing in there going on other than I am not using this tool to help me reach the goals I set for myself.
So that's where I am sitting today. Now to get that barium swallow and set a goal and work toward it.