starrgirrl

Hi Pete- I'm sure you will attune to what is best for you. I also had a major slip with my band and it was removed 7/2008. At the time, I was told that a revision was not possible due to the guidelines with my surgeon's office & insurance company. I begged them to do something because I was terrified that I would regain the weight. All they could offer me was an appointment with a dietitian who told me how to eat. It's no surprise that it didn't work.... and sadly, I have regained all of the weight + an extra 10 pounds for good measure. I'm now with another surgeon who says that I am a candidate for revision and I'm in their bariatric program. The strange thing is that had I been offered a revision right away after the band slip I would have said yes right away. But 18 months later, I'm not as quick to jump in. While I'm unhappy with the regain, I'm realizing that none of the surgeries are a "magic bullet" solution. Through the bariatric program I'm in a mindful eating class that is really helping me to rewire my relationship with food. So I'm still attuning to what will best serve me for the long term. I'm inclined towards the VSG although the bariatric office that I'm with is more pro-RNY. I'm taking my time and allowing the wisdom to come forward about my next steps. Lots of light to you on your journey. May it be paved with grace!

Hi Michael- Kaiser has several Bariatric Departments in Northern CA. Each has its own policies. From what I understand the South San Francisco department will consider doing VSG on a case-by-case basis, but they do not talk about it in their classes or orientation. I would recommend calling some of Kaiser Bariatric Departments to find out if you would qualify for their program should you switch to Kaiser. I believe the South San Francisco Kaiser program is the biggest in the region and I've heard of people coming from Sacremento to participate. Kaiser also has Bariatric Departments in Fremont and Richmond. There may be more, but that's all I know of at the moment. From what I know of Kaiser & CalPers, you should qualify for their bariatric program. Usually you need to get a referral from your PCP and then you go into their program. The program is well-rounded and provides an excellent level of care. That's really amazing news about UCDavis cancelling all Lap-Band procedures. All the best to you!!

Hi Michele- I was banded in 2004 and released about 60 lbs. I was really happy with my weight loss and the band... but about a year ago I started gaining weight because I could eat more... I also started experiencing bad acid reflux. It turned out the my band had slipped and needed to be removed. I had surgery to take it out in July of this year... I've gained back most of the weight I had lost. I'm not anti-band... but for me, I need to investigate other options. If you click on my name to the left, you can pull up my posts that share more about my jounrey. Lots of light and success to you!

Hi JMH- My heart goes out to you. What a challenging journey! God bless, and you're self-pay, too! I'm not writing with any brilliant insight or answers. I recently had my band out, too, but I was fortunate to have it for four years and my insurance paid for it. Now I'm investigating other options. The thing that I really liked about the band is that it wasn't really altering how my body metabolized the food. I've been reluctant to have pieces of my digestive track removed or rerouted. I'm seriously considering the sleeve. However it's still in the early days of the procedure (meaning that there aren't a lot of people that are 5+ years out). The medical community is watching closely and assembling the data. However it looks very hopeful. The other day I was wondering if I should try and get rebanded, too. Hopefully I could have the band for a few more years -- then ifhave complications again I could go for another procedure... but it's an odd thing to know that I might not keep the band for the long haul. I've been talking with a lot of bandsters who are 4+ years out and there seems to be a lot of us who are experiencing complications. However, I'm sending prayers that whatever procedue you are guided to do, it works beautifully for you!!!

Hi Marlena- I'm not a medical expert on the sleeve or the band, but I'm a former bandster who is also investigating the sleeve. To help with my research, I subscribe to the medical journal, Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. As it's a medical journal, the articles are intended for doctors, therefore the language is sometimes hard for me to understand due to all the medical terms. However, it has been very helpful to be able to read about all the studies that are happening regarding WLS. In this month's issue, there is an article about bariatric surgery reducing the cancer risk in morbidly obese patients. I mention it in case you feel guided to buy the article or get an annual subscription. I paid around $148 U.S. for my subscription and it's been worth every penny. It's allowed me to gain a better understanding of the developments in bariatric surgery. I figure if I'm going to have pieces of my anatomy removed, I want to learn all I can about the process. Their web site is www.soard.org Wishing you well on your journey! Laurel

Hi- I thought I would post an update to my June post on this thread. In July I had my band removed. It's not the outcome I wanted, but my doctor felt there was too much scarring to give me another one. Since then, I've regained quite a bit of weight and I'm almost back at my starting weight pre-band. It's so hard... I'm now investigating the gastric sleeve. All this and I'm still pro-band. However, I do suggest that before having the band or any other WLS that you research this in depth. I subscribed to the Obesity-related medical journals so that I could read the studies coming out about the various WLS methods. Don't rely upon these boards for your statistics. Speak with your surgeon and read the medical reports for yourself. My surgeon cooborated what I've read in several journal articles that complication rates for bands are as high as 25%. And a good number of patients will require intervention at the four or five year mark and beyond. If you are a long-time bandster and experiencing complications or weight gain, please don't hide out from your doctor. Please get evaluated. Wishing you all the best~

Hi Vampyrekiss- Sending lots of prayers to your situation. Did your doctor do a floroscopy to see if your band is properly situated? If things have resolved with the unfill, you may be able to keep it. I had my band removed in July due to a slip, and I've gained back most of my weight. It's been challenging. What I'm really missing is the "full" signal that I received from the band (even will little fill). So now I'm back to managing my food intake the old fashioned way. It may be that you or your husband will find another job after the first of the year that will give you even better health insurance. Whatever decision you make, affirm that it is the best one for you... Attune to your guidance and knowing. :smile2:

I didn't know that my band had slipped until it showed up under florouscopy. I went to the doctor because I didn't have much restriction. I had been diagnosed with a stretched esophogus, but didn't realize I had a slip. I was gaining weight and had developed acid reflux. I'm so sad... my band was taken out a few months ago and I've been gaining weight. My insurance won't pay for a revision and so I'm not sure what to do.

Dear Cat- I'm afraid that I don't have any solutions... However I am here to tell you that you're not alone. I was originally banded in 2/2004 and had my band removed on 7/3/08. I haven't had the courage to step on the scale, but my clothes are all tighter on me. The experience of hunger is scaring me. For most of my banded time, I stopped eating around 5 pm... I wasn't able to process food later in the day and if I did try and eat an evening meal, I had to stay up past my bedtime. Now I'm getting hungry again around 6pm and need to eat an evening meal. I was uprepared emotionally to feel that kind of hunger again. Just typing this makes me want to cry. People are giving me well-meaning advice, but I just can't seem to make them understand how terrifying it is to think that my only option right now to control the number creeping up on the scale is something akin to Weight Watchers. Well, shucks, if that had worked in the first place I wouldn't have required surgery. Due to scarring, I'm not a candidate for rebanding, at least not through my health care provider. I'm sending lots of prayers to all of us experiencing this challenge!!!

Hi Beautiful Family-<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> This is my first foray into emaiing since the surgery. The band was removed on Thursday. Surprisingly, I feel at peace with the outcome. There was much scarring as a result of the band, and I know for my long term health, this was the best solution. I didn't realize how much scar tissue could build up as a result of the band. The doctor provided us with pictures -- and once I saw them, I was somewhat relieved to have it out. The current challenge is that there is quite a bit of residual pain from where the port was removed – and it is difficult to get in and out of bed. I continue to be on medication and am not moving around too much. It is quite similar to the pain I felt when I was originally banded. <o:p></o:p> <o:p>On the bright side, the acid reflux is gone. I'm able to eat without any problems. And my appetite is quiet, so I'm just eating small amounts. This is such a relief!</o:p> <o:p></o:p> I’m so grateful for the prayers and words of encouragement that you are sending my way! <o:p></o:p> I can appreciate what others have posted about tears coming forward at the idea of losing the band. I went through a deep greiving process last week. On Wednesday, I just sobbed and sobbed. It was terrifying to think of going back into the dark abyss of obesity and out-of-control eating. But the funny thing about grieving, is that there's usually a point of completion. I work a lot with the angels, and I asked them to help lift the grief and fear. By the time I woke up on Thursday, I felt myself come into alignment with whatever outcome was for my highest good. And I've been in peace ever since then. So please don't grieve for my journey... it is what it is supposed to be. We are all pioneers in this journey of treating obesity. We are likely influenced by chemical factors that are leftovers from an anthropological past that is no longer needed. There are brilliant minds working on finding methods of relieving the imbalance. I've been reading the medical journals in the weeks leading up to my surgery. There are talks of a vaccinne... doctors doing the gastric sleeve believe that the surgery reduces the amount of grehlin the body makes... and even more options. So I know that we are all contributing to the time when our body's appetite can be calibrated in a way that honors vital health and wellness in an organic and supportive way. I'll post more in the days to come...

Hi BandofHope- You are wise to read about the possibility of complications with the band (or any other surgery). Only you will know if it is the right decision for you. I was banded in 2/2004. Within the first year, I had two out-patient procedures to fix the port placement and leaky tubing. I also had a challenging time finding the sweet spot. Tomorrow I go in for surgery to fix a slipped band and it may need to come out. All that said, it was and still is totally worth it. For the first time in my life, I felt freedom from the monster appetite that seemed to have held me hostage. I was able to work in partnership with my band to manage the food intake. As a result I released 60 lbs. I've regained approximately 30 pounds with the slip... but I would do it again. Actually, I'm praying that I get to continue with the journey. The complication rates for long-time bandsters are higher than I was originally led to believe. This procedure was approved by the FDA in 2001 and the data is still being collected. However, as you will no doubt hear from the Band community at large, the majority of us are grateful for the opportunity to give this option a try. Know that you need to make the decision that is best for you regarding the band. There are plenty of anecdotal stories to read on this and other web sites. Each of us has a unique journey. May your path be blessed and may you connect with clear guidance~!

Hi Julie- Thank you for your prayers and light to you, too! My doctor says that if there is scarring, his recommendation would be not to replace the band now or in the future. He said that if I wanted, he could leave in the tubing and the port in case I wanted to go out of network to have the band. But I told him that if his opinion (and the opinion of his collegues) is that I'm not a candidate for rebanding, then I don't want to shop around until I find a doctor who will say yes. The most important part of this is that I want to be healthy... so I trust him to make the decision tomorrow that will provide me with long-term health. I was banded in 2/2004, so I've had four years with the band. However, I'm realizing that I haven't had proper restriction for about 18 months. I'm really hoping that I awaken tomorrow rebanded. I went out today and purchased Protein drinks and other Clear liquids in hopes that I'll be on liquids for a while while the band heals. If he is able to reposition the band, they'll keep me in the hospital overnight. If he removes the band, they will send me home tomorrow. Keep me on liquids for a day, and then I'll be on my own once again. I pray for miracles beyon my imagination surrounding all of this~!

Tomorrow I'm having surgery to fix my slipped band. The doctor has prepared me for the possiblity that it may have to come out. He says that quite often, when there is a slip, there is quite a bit of scar tissue that makes it difficult to reband. He says that the scarring can involve the liver and stomach and that when this is the case, it is best to remove the band. I told him that I would really like to keep the band and have a second chance at banded life. I won't know the outcome until I wake up from the anesthesia tomorrow. I'm so filled with emotions and have been crying on and off today. Few people understand what a big issue this is for me... I have so many blessings in my life and all day today, my inbox has been filled with friends sending prayers of light and grace for tomorrow's surgery. If you would, could you please send prayers my way for a graceful and successful surgery tomorrow. And that if it is for my highest and best good, that I awaken still banded and ready to being Part Two of my band adventure... And if the band has to come out, please send prayers that I gracefully navigate my new journey with food, my body and my experience with my appetite. Thank You! I'll post an update as soon as I'm able...

YES! Too tight is a problem. Take it from a long-time bandster. Remember, you want to keep the band for the long haul. When the band is too tight, it opens you up to a whole host of problems. Slippage. Acid Reflux. Erosion. If you are throwing up, unable to keep down solid foods, then you are too tight and risk damaging the very system that you worked and prayed so hard to get. The truth is, with the band properly adjusted, you should be able to eat small amounts of solid food, feel full and loose weight on a regular basis. For any weight loss to be healthy and long-lasting, it is important to continue eating a moderate amount of nutrition and calories. Please... see your doctor and insist that they work with you until you hit your sweet spot. Lots of light to you!

Hi Janine- How wonderful that you are going to be rebanded! As a seasoned bandster, you will know the best way to care for yourself and your new band. Congratulations! Sending you lots of light!!!