SElaine

Thanks! I started a new thread: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f79/keeping-weight-off-after-lap-band-removal-support-thread-58434/ gaynor, HSH, and anyone who is in the same situation, please come join us!

HSH and gaynor, Thanks for your posts. It's reassuring knowing I'm not in this alone. It's not going to be an easy fight, but WE CAN DO IT! Maybe we should start a keeping the weight off after lap-band removal support thread and start out own little support group. What'd ya'll think? We could check in every once in a while and keep each other in check.

Hi smwww, I'm not sure if your question was related just to the OP or both of us. I lost my band due to erosion. Believe me, it wasn't voluntary. I loved my band. I'm scared to death of gaining the weight back but I'm working out, eating right, and doing everything I can to keep it off.

mrspersia, Mine was never that bad. I was uncomforatable at times, but it didn't prevent me from eating. I was on liquids for a while but quickly progressed to a normal diet. I haven't had a problem keeping food down. If you haven't already, I would contact your doc. I know mine had me on some type of medication for it during my stay at the hospital.

Hi mrspersia, How are you feeling now? I had my band out 2-13-08. I did have some acid reflux/indigestion for the first couple of weeks but I feel good as new now. I hope it works out for you as well.

Hi gaynor! How are you doing so far? I lost my band 2-13-08 due to erosion. I was about 25 pounds away from goal. So far, I've managed to maintain my weight loss, but I haven't been able to lose any more. (I've been working my butt off, too.) I hear that a lot of people gain the weight back and I'm fighting it with everything I have. Good luck in keeping the weight off. I'm right there with you.

Hi KayBee.... I was wondering how it was going; thanks for the update. I'm sorry about the docs mix-up documenting your weight. Who knew this would come back to haunt? Good luck tracking down your surgery records and here's to a quick approval.

OK, OK. I'll be there! (You realize this is an old thread, right? No worries.... It's fun looking back and remembering just getting the group started and remembering my posts as a newbie. :thumbup:)

Hi beachgal, My friend Virginia had similar problems with her band. She ended up having it removed and converted to a RNY. You can read her post here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f24/my-story-very-long-cross-posted-55766/ I'm sorry for everything you are going through. Hopefully they can find a solution that works for you. Good luck.

Hey tmazgal, I'm so happy to see your message! I'm doing OK now. Still struggling to keep this weight off, but I'm fighting! I'm glad to know you are doing OK after your rebanding. I'm sending you a PM with all of the specifics.

Interesting question. Unfortunately, I'm one of the few that have had problems with my band. I've had to have several surgeries, I've had infections, and in the end I lost my band due to erosion. I was also a cash pay patient and have since accumulated thousands in additional medical bills. I'm angry at the way things turned out and I wished they would have turned out differently. However, I still do not regret making the decision to get a lap-band. Regret? Nope. Not at all. In the short time I had it, it helped me change my life and I am happy with my progress. Good luck to you.

Hi KayBee! Good luck w/ the insurance process. We met every 2nd Saturday of the month in room 208 of the medical office building. Our next meeting is April 12 at 1pm. Hope to see you there!

Congrats on your date and your insurance approval! Good luck!

Scorpio-- Congrats on making it this far through the pre-op diet. You can do it! Good luck with your surgery. Will you keep us updated?

Hi Boston! I got your PM and answered you before I saw this post. I, too, met with a few docs before deciding where to go. This is a big decision and you need to be comforatable you've made the right one. I had my lap-band surgery with them and they have been great. Good luck on your journey! Looking forward to meeting you!

V- I'm so sorry for everything you've been through. (((Hugs))) I wish there was something I could do. We were in the hospital together the day we got banded and you were there with me through all of my complications and you were there with me when they took the band out. I appreciate and love you so much for everything you've done. You have no idea what a strength and support you've been for me. I hope this new path you have chosen is the right one for you and that you are pain free and successful. No matter what, though, you'll always be my #1 band buddy. ETA: I hear ya on the port pain. I'm still quite sore, too. It's been four weeks for me, and I'm surprised and how sore I am. Dang, if I move wrong or sit in the same position for a long period of time it's even painful. Go figure. At any rate, it was definately easier going in than coming out.

Wow, Nina, that sounds awful. ((((Hugs)))) I am so sorry. I wish I had some advice to offer, but unfortunately, I don't. I never experienced that problem! You will be in my thoughts. Please do come back and give us an update. Good luck to you on your journey.

Thank you for your post, Wheetsin. Although it's only been a month since my erosion and lap-band removal, I've been struggling with the decision of whether or not to have another band put in, if and when it becomes a possibility to do so. I certainly don't want to go through all of this again. I also don't want to gain weight and become the person I used to be. It's a difficult decision and risky either way.

Hi Marion, Thank you so much for your response. I'm glad to hear you are feeling better. I can sympathize with the hunger and will power. I'm there myself and really struggling. My band was taken out the same day they found the erosion. It was taken out on 2-13-08. Unfortunately, I didn't have any time to do research and figure out a plan of action. Anyway, from what I understand, the band has been sent back to Allergan for investigation. I have been in touch with them, but so far have not heard anything. Anyway, it seems hard for me to believe that they would voluntarily admit a defective product. Yes, I am still in contact w/ my surgeon. They have been more than wonderful to me through this horrible process. My doctor also has a lap-band, and was banded only a few days after I was. I think that helps. I'm happy to have found someone who understands the frustration I've been through. To have gone through three surgeries, lots of complications, and spent all of this money, you'd think we'd have something to show for it, right? I'm greatful for the weight I've lost, but feel like I'm back where I started. I've really worked hard this past month-- I've been working out every day and (for the most part) really watching what I eat. (Which is difficult when you are so hungry all of the time). I've barely been able to maintain my weight, much less lose anything. And I know if I screw up even a little bit, it will all come back. Thanks again and please keep in touch and let me know your progress. I really hope the sleeve works out for you. Indigo-ocean, How are you doing now? I'm also happy they found your unlocked band before you experienced more complications.

Hi high hopes, Here's the doctor in Flagstaff that does lap-band: Dr. Robert Berger 77 W Forest Ave # 201 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 773-2222 I know of someone who is having their surgery their soon and have been pleased w/ him so far. Good luck to you.

Turtledove, Where do you live? To answer your questions: 1. No, my surgeon does not REQUIRE (but still recommends) attending post-op support group meetings. We also have an on-line support community so you can ask questions and stay in contact that way. 2. Are you paying cash for your pych eval or is it covered by insurance? I don't know that it's better one way or the other. You are probably more likely to get a psych clearance from the psychologist they recommend, but it may cost more, too.

ShirleyBee, I'm so sorry for what you are going through. I have to say, though, that I think your instincts are usually right in these cases and it's always better to err on the side of caution. I agree with WABB that you should see a doc, whether you make the trip down to Mexico or see someone locally. Good luck and I hope everything goes well for you.

Marion, I am so happy to have found your post. Yes, the same thing happened to me. Your story is very familiar. I have had two abscesses that required surgery, and two infections. Recently, when I was in the hospital because of the most recent abcsess and infection, they discovered erosion AND the latch was unbuckled on my band! How did your recovery go and how are you feeling now? I see it's been several months for you. Are you considering other surgical options? One of the difficult parts of this for me is that I paid cash. I think I'm out of options at this point.

Congrats! :smile2: You'll do great! You'll be sore for a couple of days but back to business in no time. I was doing (slow) laps around the block the day after I came home. Losingjusme had some good advice! Be sure to get your Water and Protein in-- and be careful to sip in the beginning. Good luck to you!

KayBee, Thinking of you and wishing you a quick insurance approval! :biggrin2: