JudyBR

I had my lap-band removed Dec.6th this year after living with it for 10 years, and although the first few days were not pleasant, I am beginning to feel a lot better.
My journey hasn't been very successful re losing weight. However, I have a busy life, swim 5 times a week, and have managed a family, full time work, now part time, and a good social life. I am now in my 70s, and am still talking about weight.
My weight had been fairly average (about 140 lbs) until my second child, at 35yrs, which was triplets, the surgeon who did the Caesar made a mess of it, Laughed about the "mess", and told me that "I would always look pregnant thereafter" . I became depressed, tired, and started poor eating habits, and was too exhausted then to consider seeking some useful support. Most of the medical input I received was not helpful, and took the direction of anti depressants. I have gradually been increasing my weight over the last 30 years.
My eldest daughter suggested lap-band surgery in 2008, so I would drop some weight before her wedding. I thought it was a good idea. The surgeon put me on Optifast formula for 2 weeks prior to the Op. and I lost 10 ks prior to the surgery, but very little thereafter.
Had lots and lots of vomiting, which I hated, pain and discomfort, and eventually gave up eating red meat. Found the easy alternative was more milk drinks when in a hurry. The lap band gave me increasing problems, slipped about 5 years ago, and I developed ulceration, regurgitation and constant re-flux. I went back to the surgeon, who refused to remove it, and said he wasn't doing that surgery any more. I did not pursue it, which I should have. However, the complications increased and eventually I sought another surgeon.
I was nervous about having it out , after having it in for so long. It has now only been 4 days, however, I am able to lie down without re flux, eat small amounts comfortably, and have my bowels starting to work normally. Actually I am feeling better than I have in years.
Having read many of the comments on this site, Quickly rereading this, it sounds gloomy, and I'm not really so negative. I think for many women, "weight" is a complicated issue, and often relates to childhood or other Trauma (and the research by Dr. Felitti in his obese work on the ACE scores). So, saying, I have noted the positive comments about Bright Line references and will follow through to explore that, as it appears to have had a good outcome for many people.
I think for me Lap banding was the wrong decision in 2008. Sometimes, we have to take difficult journeys to find out what suits us.

Wow, I'm so glad to hear that you felt so much better after a couple of days - that's great! I'm not happy that you're so hungry, but hopefully that will normalize over the next few days/weeks. Even if a band is empty, it still helps with hunger....just from being there. Once it comes out, it's like a big pendulum swing......which will hopefully slow down somewhere in the middle
I was banded in March 2013, with a starting weight of about 225. My highest weight ever was 228. I dropped 70 pounds with the band/plication, but after about 16 months, started slowly gaining. That was all on me, but a couple of years ago I started getting horrible reflux. I know for sure it's band related, because when the band was emptied it went away. A couple of months ago my doc said.....let's try it again. Within 3 days of the fill, I was choking on acid again.
With the 35 pound weight gain, back came the blood pressure meds. I was off them completely when my weight was down. I know this will resolve once I get the weight off, which I will work very hard on doing. I really don't want a revision surgery; I'm too old to put myself through anymore of this. If my weight continues to climb, I will reconsider.
What type of appetite suppressant did your doctor give you? I've taken them on and off for years; lost tons of weight on them. I tried them again a few months ago (from my internist), but could no longer tolerate them; heart racing, couldn't sleep, etc. At this point, it's up to me to get my act together and stop the madness around food. I'm 62, and you'd think after a lifetime of dealing with this sh-t, I'd be on a healthier path. I have other age (and obesity) related health issues. At this point, living heavy; possibly getting heavier, the stakes are just way too high. Ugh......this yo yo weight issue takes too big of a toll.