Stevenbek

Hello everyone, I am looking for some advice/support on having my band removed. I was originally banded in 2007 at 319 lbs. I lost 30 lbs to get the band. After it was placed my lowest weight was 275 about 5 months after surgery. Over the next 7 years I gained all of my weight back and then some. I got back up to 330 lbs. Until November of last year I decided to change my lifestyle and eat healthier, exercise etc., I am now 250 lbs and working hard every day to keep the weight off. I have been experiencing all kinds of stomach issues and had all the tests done, endoscopy, upper GI etc. the fluid has been removed from my band but apparently my band is fine. In my head I feel like the band is making me miserable and I want it out!! I no longer want this foreign object in my body if it is not serving me a purpose. I have talked to a surgeon and she thinks we can get it done and insurance will cover it. I would like to get some input from those who have had their bands removed. The thought of any surgery scares the heck out of me and I do not want any other type of surgery such as bypass or the sleeve I just want to be done with it. Are those of you who have had it removed glad that you did it? Have you had any complications? I know weight gain is a big concern but I am not as concerned about that as I am about feeling worse. Right now the band is sitting there doing nothing, should I just leave it? I am so confused...... ~Becky

Don't feel any shame. These Dr's know that in most cases the band is a failure. Please join a support group on Facebook that I have found extremely helpful. It's called Failed Lap Bands and Realize Bands. Just search for it. It's a closed group so it's private. Just request to join and you will be able to share your story and get advice from others in similar situations. Good Luck!

Thank you so much for sharing your story! It sounds like you had a long rough journey with the band. I am actually scheduled to have it out tomorrow morning! Your words of encouragement mean more than you will ever know. This is scary to me and I just want it out and hope to move on and keep up the weight loss on my own. I know it will be tough but I have been fighting my weight my whole life so nothing new.

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! I feel so fortunate that I was approved quite easily for the removal. Not sure why I am scared as hell to go through surgery but I am having out on the 8th. I pray for a decent recovery. You are right it has to come out. I have accepted that so besides my fear I am moving forward. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to respond I needed it!

I had surgery almost 2 years ago. I have gained back 20 of the pounds I originally lost. I now officially have only lost about 15lbs from the day I had surgery. I did better on my own with the motivation of getting surgery. I actually lost over 40lbs on my own so that I could get surgery. I am filled 7.5 cc in my 10 cc band. I have no restriction and my Dr. does not want to fill my band any more until I lose more weight. I have heard if I try liquids for a week or so it will help me get some restriction back. Does any one know if this is true? If so would it be clear liquids as well as full liquids? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the information, I will try the google search. I just have to get my mind right again, I don't know what it will take but I have to find it again!

I can sympathize with your struggle. I was banded 11/07 and originally lost about 90 lbs down from 359 to 272. 40 lbs of that was pre op loss because I had to lose the 10% to have surgery. That surgery date was a huge motivator! I lost over the next few months because I was healing from surgery and really could eat very little. I have since had several fills. I am up to 7.5 in my 10 CC band and have gained back about 20lbs. I am my own worst enemy. I eat soft food, lots of liquids.. things I know I won't struggle with, things I know I can consume in larger volumes. I understand the mental work that needs to go in to this process but I have checked out. I recently went to a seminar offered by my surgeon for new patients to support a friend. I felt so ashamed because everyone assumed I was there considering surgery because I am still so overweight. I did not have the nerve to say I was a patient and a failure. Hearing the information again like a new patient I was reminded that this band is only a tool and as I looked around at the eager faces in this seminar .. I wanted to scream out "it's still a lot of work!" "you will still be dieting" "you still have to exercise" "you still have to watch your calories" Finally, I listened to my own inner screams and thought look dummy you know what you need to do so do it! I am making an effort to go on liquids for 7 days in hopes I will give myself more restriction. My Dr. doesn't want to give me another fill until I drop some of this weight. I hope for all who are struggling they can find the strength to keep fighting. We are worth it!!!

I've been banded since 11/27/07 and have had no complications up do this point. One time after I ate eggs I had a very painful feeling in my stomach and nothing since that time until this past weekend. I ate 1 hot dog at 7:30 pm. I woke up around 2 in the morning with a horrible pain below my right breast. I can't tell if it's a gas pain or what might be wrong. I thought maybe because I was sleeping on my side (sometimes that can be painful) so yesterday I had this pain all day it feels very bloated and uncomfortable it also goes into my back. I do feel better if I can release air but only temporarily. The only thing I ate yesterday was 1/2 cup of turkey chili around 5 pm. I felt better throughout the night and then this morning I had my protein drink. Within 30 minutes of drinking I am now feeling that same terrible pain in the right front below my rib cage and in my back on the same side. Does any one know what might be causing this? I hate to go to the Dr if it may just be gas. Thanks

I tried the carmel and they were fabulous!! I usually hate any kind of rice cake but the drizzle on top is to die for.....these will be my substitute for a starbucks carmel frappucino which I miss sooo much!

I have had my first fill and in the three weeks following I lost 9lbs. I was very excited about my progress. Now it's been almost 5 weeks and I am at the exact same weight. I feel like such a failure. I am able to eat quite a bit more than when I was filled and I find myself not wanting to pick up the phone and make that phone call for another fill! I am embarrassed that I have not lost any more weight. I am eating more than I know I should. I am afraid to face the truth. The surgery truly is a tool and mentally I am still that fat girl that finds comfort in food. Overall, I have lost about 70 lbs from pre op to now, but I still have about 120 more to go, I don't know if I really have it in me to be successful.

I actually had my first fill today. It was a little painful, the Dr. had me squeeze my abdominal muscles like I was doing a crunch. I guess he was trying to locate where the needle should go? I was surprised when taking the sips of water how much discomfort I felt in my chest but it was very brief. I have a 10cc band and was filled to 5cc's. My doc said he hoped that I would only need one or two more adjustments in my life! I was very surprised. I was also surprised that I have to be on liquids for 2 days, mushies for the next 5 days and soft foods the next 5!! Almost like right after surgery!! He explained that my stomach is now like the size of a bypass patients. I loved the time I had with little restriction. I still only ate about 1 or 1 1/2 cups of food but I felt like I was very satisfied. However, my weight was not changing. Now the fun really begins!!! :biggrin1:

I agree, I was banded 11/27 and lost about 20 pounds the first week and a half. These last three weeks I have pretty much stayed the same. It baffles me, even though I have not had my first fill I am still eating wayyyyy less than I would have a month ago. You would think that in itself would help shed some pounds. I don't know maybe I'm just in that plateu stage because I lost the 20 lbs so quickly?

Hello everyone, I just wanted to say what a great information site this is!! I was referred by local support group and really have learned a lot. I myself was banded on 11/27 by Dr. Donald Waldrep in Roseville, CA. I had a tough time choosing the band vs. gastric bypass but I feel as though I have made the right choice. I have learned a lot about myself through this whole experience. Reading the various threads on this site has helped me to understand the different phases and that I am not alone in this! Thank you everyone, for being so open and honest about your individual experiences. You're really providing a great service to those who are in the early stages and feeling alone. Becky High-353 Pre op-312 Current-294 Goal-??