confused

Hello everyone! I posted on here that I failed my band and felt like a failure because of it. Well after having my band completely removed because it slipped so bad that it could have caused serious damage, I know longer feel like a failure or feel like I failed my band. I have realized over time that it was my band that failed me, and that it was the failure. I'm 3 years without my band and yes there are days I miss my band and I miss all the weight loss but I then realize I choose life and the ability to eat without throwing up all the time.

Well I never got the gastric sleeve, Insurance has a rule...only 1 weight loss surgery per person per lifetime, so on July 27, 2013 my lap band was completely removed for good...I'm on my own, well not yet I'm still healing, because I can say this it hurts a whole lot more taking a Lap Band out then putting one in, all my muscles are so sore still, and I'm so tired of restrictions (No bending, lifting, pushing, pulling).

I want to just say that in 2007 I had a lap band, in 2010 I got a new lap band, sometime this year (2013) I will be getting a gastric sleeve...why because the lap band never worked for me, they slipped both times...this one is so bad NO one can even imagine the pain even with the Fluid out of it, it still hurts...it's around my esophagus junction with NO stomach in the band at all. The bands just never worked for me, how I lost weight was by throwing up everything that ever crossed my lips and working out all the time for hours everyday...in my opinion it was an eating disorder nightmare that not only myself but my insurance company had to pay for not once but twice. I CAN SAY I DIDN'T FAIL MY BAND....MY BAND FAILED ME AND MY EXPECTATIONS!!!! I was told that only 1-5 percent of people experience issues...I mean I can't be the only person in the world to experience all this not once but twice even.

If your band is working for you I will be the first to say GREAT, I'M HAPPY FOR YOU AND YOUR BAND... I like many other people are here because we are NOT happy either with ourselves or our band and we just want to have someone listen to each of us.

I was banded the first time in 2008 and then rebanded in 2010 because my first band slipped. With my first band I lost all my weight and reached my goal weight, but I never had restriction I just couldn't eat anything ever, everything came up. With the second band I have great restriction I'm just always hungry and I have gained every pound back, well almost every pound I'm 30 pounds away from my starting weight. My doctor gave me phentermine to "jump start" a weight loss again. I didn't want to take diet pills because, wanted to do it all on my own, but at this point I'm just happy to be getting some kind of help from somewhere. I have only been on the pills a week and I haven't seen any weight loss as of yet, but I can tell you that I'm eating less just by looking back at my food journal.

I sit here struggling with the notion to write this or not...but something someone said to me yesterday is very disturbing. I think her words were "A Slipped Band is not a BIG Deal, quit your whining it can be fixed."

I followed all the rules the Doctor gave me and for 18 months have had phenominal success with my band. I eat right and I excercise and within this time have lost 129 lbs...putting me 5 lbs under my original goal. Two weeks ago I came down extremely ill with the FLU and my world changed. I've never been so sick in all my life and the vomitting was non-stop. It landed me in the ER for two days, my LAP-BAND® slipped, they unfilled it...hoping it would fall back into place. Unfortunately it didn't and surgery was scheduled. My Doctor was not sure what they would find. Could I have been so sick that it could of caused a possible errosion. I was lucky...but it is a VERY BIG DEAL! I was in surgery for 4 hours to fix my Slipped LAP-BAND®...and a 3 day hospital stay. It just really angered me yesterday when someone told me to quit whining about surgery. Surgery is risky no matter who you are or how healthy you are. Don't get me wrong I LOVE my LAP-BAND® and I love the success I've had with it...but surgery of any kind is scary. Things like "throwing up" shouldn't be taken so lightly or carelessly. A slipped band can and will happen if you don't take care of yourself properly.

I thought this forum was for sharing your stories and helping and supporting one another. If I can help one person not go through what I did, then its a success. Obviously I couldn't stop the Flu from happening, but I wish I would of gone to the Doctor at the first sign of being sick and had my LAP-BAND® unfilled. Maybe then I'd be out running today instead of being on day 7 of recovery.

I will however not let this stop me or drag me down. I'm loving life and love the "new me". Everyone has a story and deserves to be heard!

I was first banded in 2007, I slipped my band and was rebanded in 2010. I loved my first band...I lost weight. Like you I did everything right, and was a self confirmed exercise junkie. When my band slipped even though I was still doing everything right I was gaining like 2 pounds a day until the day they did my surgery. My new band and I have a love/hate relationship...I love that I have restriction (because my first band had to be filled every month..no restriction), but the hate part is I'm not losing the weight as fast as I did the first time or that I'm not losing the weight as fast as I gained it back. I gained back 37 pounds. It makes you rethink all the rules...eating and exercise. It really is a big deal!!! and they will think the same when they slip their band. I have heard from other people that..it's really not a slip as much as it is a band switch...what I mean is when you first got banded you were bigger and so your stomach was larger, so they had to use a band that would go around your larger stomach, now that you have lost weight your band moved because it was for the bigger stomach...so now you have to have a smaller band put around your now smaller stomach. If you think about it it makes sense in some crazy way, but it's still a big deal because like yours mine also took 4 hours, unlike the first surgery of only an 1 hour.

Also, does anyone here use Protein shots? Where do you buy them and how much do they cost? Thanks!!

My husband drinks the shooters...I order them from supplementwarehouse.com, I believe the last time we ordered they were 23-25 dollars for the case...oh and don't order the orange they are nasty, so my husband says.

Ok, I know I'm going to get myself in trouble but it seems like most of you are basically on a very restricitive diet! If that works long term, great, but I think all my dieting is how I got fat.

I eat small portions of regular food! I will NEVER eat anything low fat or low calorie or fake sugar or anything like that!

I eat regular food, focus on Protein, but my band only lets me eat tiny meals....

yesterday I had two portions of lasagna, a serving of sauteed spinach , some sushi, cheeses and crackers, and some wine.

I probably eat bout six times a day...

I'm not on a restrictive diet..I eat whatever I want when I want to eat it...I just know that I shouldn't be able to wolf down a whole grilled chicken sandwich from McDonalds...or a 6 inch sub from subway. You said it yourself....little protions...and what I'm able to eat right now isn't little anything.

yesterday:

22-grams Protein Shake

1 bowl of Soup (cream of chicken) with crumbled crackers

1 grilled chicken sandwich (McDonalds)

Man I really think I need a fill.

Well I'm still here!!!

I gained a lot of weight...man it's so easy to do, and really didn't realize how much I had gained until I tried putting on my summer shorts from last summer...tried was the key word in that statement. I can sit here and say that it's harder to lose the weight a second time, with a second band. When they told me that before I had the band redone I didn't believe them, just kept telling myself that I lost the weight once that I can do it again. Man I have been doing everything that I was told to do with the first band and I have only lost like 6 pounds in 10 weeks. So I'm happy to say that goodwill will be getting a lot of clothes that right now I feel like I will never be able to wear again, and if I do get to those sizes again I will have to just go shopping.

So here I am wanting to know what I can do to jumpstart the weight loss stuff. I once was going to gym, but it took so much time out of my day, that I put a gym in my house...treadmill, ellipitcal, weights...So I run all the time on the treadmill. I find myself getting bored with it, and then I start thinking about going back to the gym, then my brain says that would be a waste because I already have the equipment at home. I thought about taking dance lessons, but I don't think I'm able to do that...can't follow directions. I just have to find something that sparks the energy to lose the weight again.

Another question to anyone!!! Has anyone ever had this happen...you workout(let's say today)your weight on the scale this morning before your workout (let's also say 1XX), you get up then the next morning and get on the scale and you weight 2 pounds heavier then you did the day before, then of course you have to wait like 2 days before your back to the weight you were before the exercise? I have explained this to the doctor and he doesn't get it...hell I don't get it, so why would I think he would. I know that I also have a problem with being chained to the scale, yes I know I shouldn't weight myself daily or even twice a day, but I define myself worth by a number on the scale. I also know that instead of a number on the scale I should be defined as a size.

Thanks for listening...everyone have a wonderful day!!!

I'm the biggest failure here.

I was first banded January 2007 and lost almost 90 pounds and those were some happy days. In May of 2010 we discovered that my band slipped. How did we discover it I was slowly gaining weight and with the first couple of pounds I just kept telling myself that I can take it back off. July 2010 I had my slipped band replaced, and I have had to fills since, but I don't feel any restriction. So I find myself eating all the time whenever my head says to eat I'm right there with it. I haven't lost weight since the new band, but I can tell you that I have still gained though. I am up 32 pounds from the weight that I was before my slipped band. I stopped exercising because I just want to curl up and die. I started exercising again and it has been a slow road to even find that motivation but even with the exercise I still get up every morining to stand on the scale and see that it weights more then the morning before. I'm tired of it all I want my body back, I want my band to work, and I want to be able to have restriction. Oh hell at this moment I would take an eating disorder...one other then the overeating one that I have. I cry every morning because my scrubs don't fit for work but I squeeze my thighs and hips into them and pray that I don't have to bend over to much. I can't wear my normal clothes either, so I have started just wearing my stretchy yoga pants. I refuse to buy bigger scrubs or jeans because I'm afraid if I purchase the bigger size I will just continue to get bigger and then have to buy the bigger size again. I just keep saying that I will get back into my clothes and they make me feel bad about myself, but that is the one thing that has motivated me to exercise again.

I eat really good at work, like yesterday I had a side salad and my Protein shake, I get all my Water in even...I get home and that's when things change. Last night after being so good at work my husband decides to buy pizza and wings for him and the kids...I had 5 boneless hot wings. Of course he (hubby) keeps telling me that I'm not eating enough and that is why I'm still gaining weight.

My band slipped. I never had any pain or vomitting with the slip..I started gaining weight..lot's of weight, but I was only eating what I would normally eat and I was still exercising. My band slipped because I was overfilled by the surgeon's assistant. I had surgery to fix the slip 7/30/10 I was in surgery for 4 hours and they almost couldn't get the band back around my stomach in position. I was told that I would have been an easier bypass patient. I spent 3 days in the hospital, I don't remember the first surgery hurting so much as the repair did. I then got an infection and had a couple of the scars bust open and drain. The weight that I put on still hasn't come off, and it's so depressing. My clothes that I wore don't fit anymore and I refuse to purchase new clothes in a larger size. I just keep working at losing it, and hoping that when I see my doctor on Thursday this week he will fill me. It just feels like a nightmare, I mean we all were fat and we know what it feels like to have to go buy larger clothes. Well that feeling is worse when you have a band and know that you shouldn't be buying larger clothes, it just makes you feel like a failure, like everyone who knows you is looking at you and talking about you behind your back about how you have this great tool and how you got again fat.

Well 2 weeks ago I was bumped up to baby/mushy foods..that's always a good thing. I started classes again so it makes it easy to eat something for lunch. 2 of the scars that I had told the doctor about was dark purple and it concerned me..well I'm don't so concerned anymore they busted open and drained....so I had an infection. I have also realized that when I call to freak out about something like that I want my doctor or his assistant that I know, not the on call doctor because I have never meet that doctor and he was just a pain to deal with. I spent a week on antibactics that made me feel worse then the infection. I see the doctor on wednesday and I will keep everyone posted.

Hope everyone is doing good. Everyone have a happy holiday tomorrow. Stay safe.

If you don't mind me asking what is rebanding? Is this quite common? I am fairly new to this.

My band slipped so I had to be rebanded because when they went in to just slide the band back into position it wouldn't go, so they had to remove my band and replace it. It does happen, I don't know how often but it does happen because of being over filled, or vomiting, or just because. Mine happened because I had some scar tissue that caused it.

Does any one have an idea how soon after surgery can you start exercising? I am interested in running and taking exercise classes? I am getting a little anxious to start working out again. Just curious if anyone knows. Thank you.

You will see your doctor for your post surgery exam, then you will be able to just walk till further notice. That's how my doctor does things. I was just rebanded and so I know what you're feeling because I was so into running and that's all I want to do right now. I started walking right after I came home from the hospital, just a little bit at a time...if it makes you say ouch don't do it...that's always my rule in the beginning. Exercise classes...I know I was told the first time I was banded NO classes or lifting for 6 weeks.

yesterday

1/2 bowl Soup

41 grams Protein Shake

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

1 bowl soup

Seeing that I was just rebanded...in on my 5 week of liquids praying for the baby food stage.

I could only wish for shoulder pain...I was banded in 2007, then I was just rebanded in 2010...my first band slipped. Well the pain I have is in the center of my breast bone and under my right ribs. I first thought that it was muscles because it went away with tylenol. I have thought of gas and have tried taking chewable gas ex. I'm even scared and thinking that it's something to do with the band or port. I can't bend over to tie my shoes or pick up things. I can't sleep on my sides or stomach. I just find myself praying for some kinds of answers or for the day the pain goes away.

It has been almost 5 weeks since surgery and this is still going on. I don't remember any kind of pain the first time that I was banded that is why I have come here for some kind of help or answers. Thanks to everyone...and best wishes.

I was just rebanded on July 30, and I have this pain..it feels like it's on my right side affecting my breathing and lung..sometimes it feels like it's affecting my heart. I also noticed that I have this pain more after standing. So I first thought it was a gas bubble from surgery still moving around. Then after standing for a period of time yesterday and my stomach being pulled in, I have started thinking it maybe a muscle spasm and muscle tightening. I was just wondering if anyone else has ever experienced this...also if I take Tylenol the pain subsides at least enough to where I'm able to sleep.< /p>

Hello everyone...I have been home a week now and I seen the doctor Thursday. I'm healing good. The sick feeling finally went away when he upped my food from clear to full liquids. I will be on full liquids until further notice. I don't know what he did to me though because I have been wanting milk...I hate milk, I never drink milk...milk tastes sour and gross even if it is fresh. But now since surgery all I want is milk, and it taste's so good...lol...I also have a craving for cottage cheese, so i'm looking forward to mushy's so I can have cottage cheese. I'm a side and stomach sleeper, so to just be able to lay on my side's to sleep is a good day, can lay on my stomach a little bit before i have to turn...everyday is getting better.

Hello everyone. I got home from the hospital on sunday after having surgery on friday. Surgery was ruff. The surgeon told my hubby he couldn't just take out the Fluid and pushing the band back up. He then had to take the whole band apart and put it where it's suppose to be around the stomach. He also told my hubby that he was real close to just taking it out and not putting it back in. So I'm still a bandster.

I'm still so sick..I just want to stop feeling sick. I go for a check up on Thursday this week. Well every day that goes by I am getting a little bit better.

Well it's the morning of surgery and I will be leaving shortly. I just wanted to tell everyone to have a lovely morning. I will write and let everyone know what they did to me when I get home.

Well wish me luck, talk to everyone later.

In January of 2007 I got my band...in July of 2009 I got a new port and tubing...In July of 2010 I'm scheduled to have a revision, replacement, reposition surgery. They aren't quit sure how or what they are going to do to me yet...won't know till they go and look around.

To explain my story...my port and tubing was replaced because it wasn't sealing anymore after they would fill it, so shortly after a fill it would all leak out. Now the reason why I slipped...I was over filled in January and have never been right since. Lots of nausea, reflux is becoming a wonderful new symptom...and I'm experiencing pain and discomfort...I can't wait till the 30th, that is when I'm going into the hospital.

Surgery has been scheduled for Friday the 30th of July. His nurse called to comfirm the date and said that they will be practicing the 3 R's...repostion, replace, revision...they are going to try and repostion my band that I have now, and if that works all is good...if not he will move on to replacing my lapband with a new lapband..and if there was to much damage to my stomach from being like this since january then they will revise me to a bypass. It's nice to know how things work. Well as you might know I'm worried and scared...getting ticked that I have had to do this surgery so many times. Well I guess if someone ever asks me if I would do it again I can say I have done it 3 times. Well on a lighter note if I have to have a new band put in does that mean I have to go join the July group...or can I stay here with everyone...I know I now have dual membership (January and July)...lol.

They shouldn't allow radiologist's to talk to patients after they do x-rays, especially when they don't have a clue on what it is they are talking to the patient about. With that said, I have to have surgery as soon as my insurance and the doctor's office can work things out. I slipped my band back in January when they over filled me, of course the doctor isn't taking any responsiblity for his assistant's mistake. The other news he shared with me when I say him was that I may have to be converted to a bypass, he won't know until he gets in there and looks at the damage. You know with all the trouble I have had with his assistant screwing up my band I might just want the bypass because at least she couldn't screw me up again ever. Due to her poking a hole in my tubing last July I had to have my port and tubing replaced, now I have to have the whole band done...goody.. The doctor told me that it's just like the first time they place the band in you..liquids forever, then mushy, then food...no heavy lifting, no anything until they tell you that you can move...Oh and let's not forget the best part and over night stay at the hospital!!! I hate laying around I'm a very active person and have people to see and places to go!!! I start my fall classes soon and this just sucks!!!!

Well I made it though the liquid diet, and the upper GI. The good news is there isn't anything wrong with my band or my stomach...I'm fine. So let me share with everyone what was wrong with me...in a minute. Has anyone been told that they should drink there Protein and take there Vitamins because if not your hair will fall out? Well I stopped drinking my protein and taking my vitamins..my hair didn't fall out, but this is where my problem comes in...I was starving...really. I don't eat enough to just stop taking my Protein Shakes and all the pain and nausea was because I had protein deficiency. I seen myself gaining weight because I wasn't eating enough and completely cut out more food...I let the "fat" person that still lives in my head drive. It's easy to do when you have let that person drive for so long before. All is better now have started drinking my protein and taking my vitamins again and all the problems went away as soon as I did.

well it's day 3 of a 13 day liquid diet, all is good but can I just say...Man I'm Hungry!!! I sit and think about all the things that I would like to eat. Since doing this though some of the pain I have been experiencing in my stomach is gone, I wish for the day that I feel like I once did before all this.