bandproblems

Hi everyone, I had lap band surgery in 2010 and went from 330 lbs to about 215 in 2016, however, I started having some problems with the band where I could barely eat or drink anything and kept loosing weight rapidly. Went to the doctor and they did an upright xray with contrast and you could see that everything was stuck in the esophagus. The doctor said the band had to come out. Obviously I didn't want that and begged them to remove all fluid from the band and wait another week but that did not help. It turned out that there was a lot of scar tissue from the band around where it was installed. The doctor wanted to do a conversion during the band removal but the insurance did not approve since I was 'too skinny' and did not qualify. I asked the hospital if I could pay the difference between removal and doing the sleeve since they already had me there and all the staff, etc. but was told it was not possible and it would be $24,000 which I could not afford. After the removal I gained all the weight back and now I am between 320-325 lbs again. I had been with two employers since then but like most of them they specifically exclude bariatric surgery nowadays. Now I am with a new employer and they will apparently pay for it. [sorry for the long background story] I am consider whether to get a sleeve or bypass. After doing a lot of research I think a sleeve would be better since it is less intrusive and the stomach function pretty much remains intact and you don't have to take medication for the rest of your life. What do you all suggest?

My insurance does not cover bariatric surgery, however, I had a band done overseas 4 1/2 years ago and have since lost 110 lbs. Lately I have been having some problems with not being able to eat or even drink at times. Had my band checked (x-ray w/ barium) and it showed nothing passing and a dilated esophagus. The doc unfilled the band completely and recommends removal of the band and conversion to bypass but I do not really want to have major surgery (bypass). I am wondering if the insurance would pay just for the removal (laparoscopic) if it is medically required or do I need to wait for serious health issue and go to ER ?

I have gained 5 or 6 pounds in the last 2 weeks but that is o.k. It is just so much joy being able to eat real food again after years of misery. I realize I will need to control my food intake but even if I eat half portions from what is commonly served it is probably still twice of what I used to eat with my band and the restriction. I am not sure if the enlarged esophagus caused less of the food and nutrients to be absorbed but eventually the food must have ended up in the stomach. I went from maybe 2 bowel movements per week to daily which indicates more food. Many friends and colleagues have commented that I look so much better (happier) even though they do not know about my procedure.

It have gained 5 or 6 pounds in the last 2 weeks but that is o.k. I is just so much joy being able to eat real food again after years of misery. I realize I will need to control my food intake but even if I eat half portions from what is commonly served it is probably still twice of what I used to eat with my band and the restriction. I am not sure if the enlarged esophagus caused less of the food and nutrients to be absorbed but eventually the food must have ended up in the stomach. I went from maybe 2 bowel movements per week to daily which indicates more food. Many friends and colleagues have commented that I look so much better (happier) even though they do not know about my procedure.

With your current bmi I would go for the sleeve over bypass. I had my band removed and gained a lot. It's hard to remember years later what it feels like with zero restriction. I was like an empty pit and completely starving in the months before my sleeve.Yep! Just had my band out last Friday and have gained almost 10 pounds! !!! YIKES I have gained 5 or 6 pounds in the last 2 weeks but that is o.k. I is just so much joy being able to eat real food again after years of misery. I realize I will need to control my food intake but even if I eat half portions from what is commonly served it is probably still twice of what I used to eat with my band and the restriction. I am not sure if the enlarged esophagus caused less of the food and nutrients to be absorbed but eventually the food must have ended up in the stomach. I went from maybe 2 bowel movements to daily which indicates more food. Many friends and colleagues have commented that I look so much better (happier) even though they do not know about my procedure.

I have gained 5 or 6 pounds in the last 2 weeks but that is o.k. I is just so much joy being able to eat real food again after years of misery. I realize I will need to control my food intake but even if I eat half portions from what is commonly served it is probably still twice of what I used to eat with my band and the restriction. I am not sure if the enlarged esophagus caused less of the food and nutrients to be absorbed but eventually the food must have ended up in the stomach. I went from maybe 2 bowel movements to daily which indicates more food. Many friends and colleagues have commented that I look so much better (happier) even though they do not know about my procedure.

I already lost 110 lbs with the band but the band needs to come out now because of problems and nothing passing through even after removing all fluid. My surgeon recommend bypass but I am more for a sleeve. The insurance just came back and approved removal but not revision since my BMI is 28. How shortsighted. They did not even pay for my band initially since I was overseas and that insurance covered it. I do not really want to loose that much more weight since many people already ask me if I am sick or anything since I have been loosing so much in the last 4 years, and especially the last 2 years. If I could maintain my weight without the band I would be happy but I am not sure I have the willpower and most stories I hear or read say that people will gain back their weight even between removal and revision.

Well, my band was removed after almost exactly 4 years and 120 lbs weight loss. Since the insurance did not cover the conversion I decided to do just the removal. I had the surgery last Wednesday around 8 am and was back home around 1 pm. I only ate some Soup that day and a few chips. It was an amazing feeling being able to actually eat a cup of soup and having it go down without having to vomit it all out again. The next day I already ate some solids. The third day a regular Breakfast and lunch. Amazing. My stomach and belly were pretty sore for the first 3 days, especially when sitting down, getting up and eating. I also had a lot of issues using the restroom (urinary and bowel retention are very common after anesthesia) but it is getting back to almost normal. I realize I will probably gain some weight back but I will try to keep it to 10-15 lbs. I plan on continuing eating only half portions in restaurants and no more than 6-8 oz at home. Hopefully my willpower will be enough. I definitely do not want to get anywhere close to my old weight. I will keep you updated.

Well, my band was removed after almost exactly 4 years and 120 lbs weight loss. Since the insurance did not cover the conversion I decided to do just the removal. I had the surgery last Wednesday around 8 am and was back home around 1 pm. I only ate some Soup that day and a few chips. It was an amazing feeling being able to actually eat a cup of soup and having it go down without having to vomit it all out again. The next day I already ate some solids. The third day a regular Breakfast and lunch. Amazing. My stomach and belly were pretty sore for the first 3 days, especially when sitting down, getting up and eating. I also had a lot of issues using the restroom (urinary and bowel retention are very common after anesthesia) but it is getting back to almost normal. I realize I will probably gain some weight back but I will try to keep it to 10-15 lbs. I plan on continuing eating only half portions in restaurants and no more than 6-8 oz at home. Hopefully my willpower will be enough. I definitely do not want to get anywhere close to my old weight. I will keep you updated.

Well, my band was removed after almost exactly 4 years and 120 lbs weight loss. Since the insurance did not cover the conversion I decided to do just the removal. I had the surgery last Wednesday around 8 am and was back home around 1 pm. I only ate some Soup that day and a few chips. It was an amazing feeling being able to actually eat a cup of soup and having it go down without having to vomit it all out again. The next day I already ate some solids. The third day a regular Breakfast and lunch. Amazing. My stomach and belly were pretty sore for the first 3 days, especially when sitting down, getting up and eating. I also had a lot of issues using the restroom (urinary and bowel retention are very common after anesthesia) but it is getting back to almost normal. I realize I will probably gain some weight back but I will try to keep it to 10-15 lbs. I plan on continuing eating only half portions in restaurants and no more than 6-8 oz at home. Hopefully my willpower will be enough. I definitely do not want to get anywhere close to my old weight. I will keep you updated.

Well, my band was removed after almost exactly 4 years and 120 lbs weight loss. Since the insurance did not cover the conversion I decided to do just the removal. I had the surgery last Wednesday around 8 am and was back home around 1 pm. I only ate some Soup that day and a few chips. It was an amazing feeling being able to actually eat a cup of soup and having it go down without having to vomit it all out again. The next day I already ate some solids. The third day a regular Breakfast and lunch. Amazing. My stomach and belly were pretty sore for the first 3 days, especially when sitting down, getting up and eating. I also had a lot of issues using the restroom (urinary and bowel retention are very common after anesthesia) but it is getting back to almost normal. I realize I will probably gain some weight back but I will try to keep it to 10-15 lbs. I plan on continuing eating only half portions in restaurants and no more than 6-8 oz at home. Hopefully my willpower will be enough. I definitely do not want to get anywhere close to my old weight. I will keep you updated.

Jake, I am in the same situation as you, having had my band for 4 1/2 years and having lost 115 lbs. After more and more problems eating I had an UGI and it turns out nothing will pass through the band, even after complete unfill. My surgeon says that my food gets digested in the enlarged esophagus. I am still not completely sure how that works since I can sometimes feel the food pass through even during the meal, but the UGI showed none of the barium liquid pass through. The band needs to come out. The surgeon wants to do a conversion to bypass but I think a sleeve would be better, although a sleeve is irreversible and leaves you will only a small part of your stomach which could be an issue if you later develop some problems with the stomach such as cancer. My insurance will only cover removal since my BMI is now only 28. I am also considering just the removal since I do not have $10,000-12,000 to pay out of pocket for conversion. I am wondering if I could control myself and keep eating small portions just because of fear that I would gain all my weight back and have to get another surgery in a few years. BTW, I do not really need to loose more weight, maybe 10 more pounds, Will a conversion to sleeve result in even more weight loss or will I be able to maintain only ? Is is possible to leave more of the stomach if a patient already lost most of the goal weight ? TX

I already lost 110 lbs with the band but the band needs to come out now because of problems and nothing passing through even after removing all fluid. My surgeon recommend bypass but I am more for a sleeve. The insurance just came back and approved removal but not revision since my BMI is 28. How shortsighted. They did not even pay for my band initially since I was overseas and that insurance covered it. I am not going to be able to pay for the revision out of pocket. I do not really want to loose that much more weight since many people already ask me if I am sick or anything since I have been loosing so much in the last 4 years, and especially the last 2 years. If I could maintain my weight without the band I would be happy but I am not sure I have the willpower and most stories I hear or read say that people will gain back their weight even between removal and revision. The question is whether I would loose a lot more after bypass or sleeve revision.

The insurance approved the removal, however, they declined the revision to bypass since my BMI is now 28 and they require 35. Kind of shortsighted since I have read and heard that most people will gain their weight back after lap band removal. If someone gains their weight back and gets the BMI is over 35 again then they will pay ??? Not sure if I can maintain my weight without any help. I sure would like to and I really would prefer not to have parts of my stomach cut out or my intestines rerouted. That was why I choose the band in the first place. Nowadays they barely recommend the band anymore because of all the problems and revisions required.

I have had a band in late 2010 and have lost 110 lbs (330 - 220#). I have always had issues with certain foods but recently 3-6 months it has gotten worse where sometimes I can't even drink Water. Had an UGI done 2 weeks ago and it showed nothing was passing through and dilated esophagus. Did another a week later with same result. My doc recommends conversion to bypass but I think I prefer a sleeve since it is less invasive and does not re-arrange your digestive system and has fewer side effects. That was the reason why I did not do a bypass in the first place. It seems like bands have really fallen out of favor with almost 70% complications and conversions. I am still not comfortable having another surgery but probably don't have another option. I am waiting for insurance approval. Not sure if they will approve since I probably do not need more weight loss but I am worried I will gain all the weight back if I do only the band removal. My doc even bet me $1000 that I will. I do not really need to loose (much) more weight as people are already asking me constantly about the weight loss and I have even had some ask if I had some medical issues, even though I do not feel skinny. My BMI is still close to 30 which makes me overweight but after losing 110 lbs already I do already have a lot of extra skin which is not that attractive. I am wondering if a sleeve or bypass will cause even more weight loss ? I don't mind loosing up to 20 lbs more but it should be no more than 1 lb per month. If I can get to 199-200 lbs in 2 years I would be happy.

Jake, thank you for your reply. After doing some more research I also tend more towards the sleeve instead of the bypass since the digestive system is not rearranged and there are no foreign objects implanted in your body as with the lap band. It is much less complicated than a gastric bypass and has a reduced risk of malnutrition or Vitamin deficiency. The only negative and possible complication appears to be the long staple line which presents an increased risk of staple line leaks and bleeding.

I had a lap band surgery about 4 1/2 years ago and went from 330 lbs to 220 lbs since then. I am pretty happy with my weight loss. Although I have had some issues with eating certain foods I have managed until maybe 3-4 months ago, perhaps it started before but I did not realize it. I was having more and more problems eating and even drinking. In the morning or during the day (several hours after last meal) I could not eat anything. Sometimes even a few sips of Water would not go down and I had to go and purge (?). I would also sometimes drink a couple sips of water before going to bed and then I could feel it trying to go through and some air bubbling up and it always felt like it was stuck in my throat so I would have to go purge it in order to be able to sleep. At other times I could eat almost 'normal' within reason and small portions (much smaller than before the band). Since I had the surgery done overseas, I did not do any follow-ups for almost 4 years. I initially had two fills of 2 ml (cc) each for a total of 4 ml. I finally went to see a doctor last week and he did a fluoroscopy with barium and it showed nothing was passing through as well as an enlarged esophagus. He unfilled the band completely, although only got about 3 cc's out. He also told me that I needed to have the band removed and should have a conversion to a gastric bypass done. Besides the fact that my insurance probably won't pay for a conversion since I am no longer obese per their definition (BMI > 35) I really do not want to have surgery and especially not a bypass. I had opted for the band as it seemed to be the least invasive procedure and would not require Vitamins and other supplements for the rest of my life. Since I was skeptical the doctor said we would do another x-ray in a week and I should eat (drink) only liquids. That was tough and I have eaten a few regular meals. The food seems to go down easier now that the band was unfilled but after talking to the doctor and seeing the x-ray for myself I may just be filling up my esophagus again. The 2nd x-ray will be on Thursday afternoon and I am planning to switch to all liquid today (Tuesday). When I had the first x-ray I asked them if I should come with an empty stomach and was told it was not necessary but I suspect that some of my lunch (noon) may have still been in my esophagus at 3 pm and may have been blocking the opening of the band. Even though they unfilled it I am sure it would take a little while for the opening to widen, perhaps hours, days or even weeks. I know this is short notice and I have not see a lot of activity on these boards but I hope I can get some feedback and advise from you.

I had a lap band surgery about 4 1/2 years ago in Europe and went from 330 lbs to 220 lbs since then. I am pretty happy with my weight loss. Although I have had some issues with eating certain foods I have managed until maybe 3-4 months ago, perhaps it started before but I did not realize it. I was having more and more problems eating and even drinking. In the morning or during the day (several hours after last meal) I could not eat anything. Sometimes even a few sips of Water would not go down and I had to go and purge (?). I would also sometimes drink a couple sips of water before going to bed and then I could feel it trying to go through and some air bubbling up and it always felt like it was stuck in my throat so I would have to go purge it in order to be able to sleep. At other times I could eat almost 'normal' within reason and small portions (much smaller than before the band). Since I had the surgery done overseas, I did not do any follow-ups for almost 4 years. I initially had two fills of 2 ml (cc) each for a total of 4 ml (cc). I finally went to see a doctor last week and he did a fluoroscopy with barium and it showed nothing was passing through as well as an enlarged esophagus. He unfilled the band completely, although only got about 3 cc's out. He also told me that I needed to have the band removed and should have a conversion to a gastric bypass done. Besides the fact that my insurance probably won't pay for a conversion since I am no longer obese per their definition (BMI > 35) I really do not want to have surgery and especially not a bypass. I had opted for the band as it seemed to be the least invasive procedure and would not require Vitamins and other supplements for the rest of my life. Since I was skeptical the doctor said we would do another x-ray in a week and I should eat (drink) only liquids. That was tough and I have eaten a few regular meals. The food seems to go down easier now that the band was unfilled but after talking to the doctor and seeing the x-ray for myself I may just be filling up my esophagus again. Even though I thought food was passing easier the 2nd UGI showed exactly the same. The barium liquid did not pass through at all. I really do not understand how one can have regular (although fewer) bowel movements and not starve to death if all the food is 'digested' in the esophagus. How does food get digested in the esophagus if there is no stomach acid ? Once it is digested it must pass into the stomach, so why does the barium not show anything passing ? My doctor wants to do a band to bypass conversion, but I am not sure. I didn't want to do a bypass in the first place since it is a much more intrusive procedure and non-reversible. I am considering doing only the band removal but I am worried about gaining all, or most, of my pre-band weight back. Statistically most patients gain the weight back after band removal. I am not sure I have the willpower to continue eating the same small portions with the band as I am doing now. I have been doing a lot of research about bypass and sleeve. The sleeve seems a little less invasive but may have more side-effects. I would appreciate any feedback from conversion patients ? What food to you eat and how much after conversion ? Any side effects ?

I may need to get my band removed due to dilated esophagus and restriction. The doctor recommends a conversion to bypass but I really don't want that as it seems such an invasive surgery which is why I had the band in the first place. I lost 110 lbs since 12/2010 (330 -> 220) and I am pretty happy, however, I am worried about potential weight gain after removal. Not sure I got the will power and discipline without the band. I definitely do not want to get back to my old weight or even close to it and I also do not want to have the removal surgery and then maybe another surgery later for bypass.