NaNa

Thanks for sharing your story, I hope and pray that you will eventually heal and will be able to resume your normal life. The band has caused some horrible complications in many people from what I've read on various message boards over the years and some have permanent damage to their body. However, everyone does not suffer from horrible complications and the band has saved their lives from other life threatening issues from being obese. I for one, am very grateful for my lap band, and I've had two, and both have been good to me, there are no perfect weight loss surgeries, things happen sometimes without fault of our own, but those are risks we take when getting any type of elected weight loss surgery.

I purchase small bowls to eat in, and put no more than 2-4 oz in my bowl and take the time to eat and concentrate, and not get distracted while eating. You will really need to get used to eating slowly and taking pea size bites to prevent any vomiting. You can do it!!

Well if your band has slipped, you need to figure out WHY it slipped. If it slipped from non-compliance and keeping it too tight and vomiting and purging, then it may not be a good idea to get a band replacement. The Sleeve has been a good viable for option for those who've had band slippage, some surgeons wait for the stomach to heal before revising to the Sleeve and some surgeons will do it all in one surgery, I guess depending on the damage and adhesion's left from your band. Also, some people have had slipped bands, learned their lessons and have gotten rebanded, and have been complication free and successful, but from what I've read getting rebanded comes with more risk and everyone is not a candidate for rebanding depending on the damage the band may have caused. Edited to add: I got rebanded last year, and had the old band removed hiatal hernia repaired and new AP band placed, however I did not have band slippage, so your case may be a bit different, I am very happy that I decided to get a new band, it's working great so far. Talk it over with your surgeon, they know more about your medical history and what may be best for you. Good luck!

Jim, I've watched you post, and I really like you and noticed that your wife has a new band too, so I know you are probably a bit nervous and don't want to hear anything negative about the band. However, when people REPORT negative things we have to be upfront and advise people about the dangers. I know we all wish there were no side effects and there was always rainbows and sunshine with the band, but unfortunately it's not. I hope you are not going into this with your eyes closed because you don't have any issue -- now...and if you were to develop any issues down the road, hopefully you will know what to do. You've never heard me create a topic about band "issues" lately because I've not had any and I hope to keep it that way from past knowledge and lessons learned throughout the years...but I am not naive either to know that unforeseen issues can't crop up... But I would like to keep MY band journey as positive as possible and cheer on the newbies with their weight loss and scale victories..etc...that's what support is all about. I wish you and your wife a continued uneventful journey!

I don't have a low opinion of the lap band at ALL-- I was/still is the biggest lap band supporter, if I hated the band do you honestly think I would have gotten a replacement? I could have easily revised to the Sleeve or Bypass --LIKE MANY LONG TERM BANDERS DO who've had issues with their bands. However, I've learned that there IS NO PERFECT weight loss surgery, I've seen others revise to the Sleeve and had little to NO weight loss, and have worse reflux that the band causes.... Also, I am not happy about revising to the Bypass...or rearranging my insides...so the lap band was a viable option for me again... All weight loss surgeries COMES WITH SIDE EFFECTS AND ISSUES...NON ARE PERFECT...even the lap band... There are ways to live with the lap band to avoid complications and reflux....telling newbies how to avoid these issues...is actually helping them TO AVOID GLOOM AND DOOM.... I hope to avoid gloom and doom with my new band too.

Correct...surgeons cannot determined the status of the band if it is unfilled...they don't unfill the band BEFORE performing an Upper Gi...the band must be filled where they can get a snapshot of the position and pouch size...while the band is still filled...

I am NOT spreading gloom...but if someone here posts and SAY...Help I have Acid reflux and coughing at night....and I've KNOWN MANY FRIENDS that eventually had to have emergency surgery to remove their bands...I should just keep quiet..and say nothing and say -- everything is going to be OK? To me, that's not being supportive, true support means advising newbies -- on how to avoid complications with their bands...and letting them know dangerous symptoms that NEVER should be ignored. I have a brand new AP 10cc band, at my sweet spot.(I am very lucky to have a successful band replacement)..losing weight again...after gaining back some weight over the years....I am back on the board helping those who WANT TO BE HELPED....everyone can ignore my posts and ignore reflux too.... I put the message and warning out there....people don't have to listen...this is a free country and people can take the advice that I give or ignore it.... Edited to add: I got a new band because I was successful with my old band...and Loved my old band, I never had any horrible complications...even with a mild pouch dilation, it was managed and treatable.... Also with my old band my hiatal hernia was preventing me from getting into the green zone without having reflux...this is the main reason I decided to get a new band again.... However....I've seen others have horrible complications from Acid reflux...even though I've not.. By the way...I love my new band...you can still love your band and warn newbies of issues with them....

Thank you Whispers... You are correct, my lap band DID NOT HAVE TO COME OUT. I decided to get it replaced because of a hiatal hernia. I am very fortunate to be able to get a new band, many of my friends are no longer able to get rebanded due to esophageal dilation..pouch dilation's and esophageal dilation are totally different. In my first year of being banded, my surgeon filled me too tightly, and I traveled and developed edema...which dilated my pouch, which was a "mild dilation and did not warrant repairing or removing my band, I was able to get good restriction and "live with my band and continued to lose weight for many years". Also remember I had the older 4cc band that was more prone to pouch dilation's and issues, the reasons why surgeons no longer use 4cc band in the USA. However, I also had an undiagnosed hiatal hernia which surgeons were not routinely repairing hiatal hernias back in 2005....so my hernia got inflamed...and I no longer could get into the green zone without reflux.... But I still could have kept my old band, my band replacement was NOT URGENT and my new surgeon intended to repair my hernia and NOT replace my old band, because I WANTED TO KEEP MY OLD 4CC BAND...but since the older bands don't unbuckle like the new AP bands do without destroying the entire lap band system, my new surgeon removed my old band, repaired my hernia and installed a new 10cc band all in one surgery.. And so far NO ISSUES....I have excellent restriction with my new 10cc band and no reflux....I am a happy camper... I come here to bring value, of what I've experienced and seen others go through over the years....I have no bones to pick...or try to scare people.. I hope others understand this...seems to be people who are trying to suppress information especially about reflux...may be having this issue themselves and may not want to hear that it can be dangerous to lap banders...but even if they do have reflux, if caught early it can be managed.... Also, the good news is with the new AP bands, surgeons can unbuckle the band and fix a dilated pouch or hiatal hernia without removing the band.....so reflux can be managed and treated surgically for people go be able to gain restriction again, without issues....

Strange...typically surgeons don't unfill the band before a Upper GI, if they suspect a "problem" ... If surgeons suspect an issue with the band, the band MUST be filled to determine if there is a problem. But I guess in your case -- the surgeon is just unfilling the band to perform an Upper Gi? If there is a problem then the surgeon will remove saline...or remove saline if you want it removed... With my old 4cc band I've been unfilled several times...during 7 years...a few times I was empty --- and it was NO FUN....gained weight quickly. I currently have the AP 10cc band and currently at 6.9cc and at my sweet spot...and hopefully to stay here for as long as I can. But everyone is different, hopefully you can keep your weight down by rigorous exercise daily. Good luck

Who are you? And you don't tell me who to respond to....I've been a member here over 7 years and long before you thought about a lap band... Oh...I see...as long as OTHERS say...it sounds like Classic Pouch dilation...but if I say MORE...then I am putting fear into newbies... Newbies -- NEED FEAR and to be cautious with their bands....the lap band HAS A VERY HIGH COMPLICATION RATE....HAVE YOU NOTICED THIS?... I've seen SO MANY PEOPLE lose their bands because they IGNORED Acid reflux and choking...thinking it's not serious and does not warrant attention from their surgeon... Many think...Oh I had reflux before the band...Band reflux IS TOTALLY different and ALWAYS INDICATE A LAP BAND PROBLEM....please don't try to encourage others to IGNORE THIS......and make them think things are going to be OK if they ignore lap band reflux... It can be managed and treated in a few cases...but for others that ignored reflux ended up with emergency band removal...I am not talking about ASSUMPTIONS HERE I AM TALKING FACT... If you don't like TRUE ADVICE...please avoid my posts....I am not here to scare but some people would like to KNOW how to avoid reflux and treat it immediately if it happens. I don't have to scare or warn anyone -- I have a brand new band, with very good restriction with no issues....as a very experienced lap band veteran, I feel it's my duty to warn others and not just skip posts like these... Again...if you have a personal problem with me... please ignore my post...AND PLEASE find someone else to argue with..... If anyone cares about their band they should read this...and the responses about lap band reflux ...and avoiding complications... http://arturorodriguezmd.com/lap-band-slippage-causes-and-prevention/

You are doing good, but remember weight loss is never guaranteed to stay off regardless if you are at your sweet spot or not, you have to constantly work your band and stay within your calorie range...however being in the green zone and having good restriction, will make it easier to lose weight and maintain your weight loss.

Everyone have different experiences with the band, some good some bad....good to hear you got it out and on the mend!!!

Pouch dilation is very tricky...typically it occur from being too tight, and eating too much on a too tight band...then after awhile....most will notice they can eat more food and think they need a fill...and sometimes with the ability to eat more food, and hunger...many experience reflux... Over inflating the band can also dilate the pouch... Your lap band surgeon can tell if your pouch is a bit dilated with an Upper GI...most surgeons are not really concerned with mild dilation since this can be treated...and managed with unfilling the band, and you can also help too..by watching your portion sizes when filled tightly and avoiding vomiting...

Any time you have any symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks that does not resolve with going on liquids, if you've been irritated with food being stuck, should be examined by your lap band surgeon. Classic signs of band slippage or pouch dilation are, new onset reflux and coughing especially at night, with stuff coming back up. And painful eating, and food intolerance issues. Sometimes, if you've had a very bad stuck episode, it does not mean slippage, sometimes going on liquids a bit to see if things resolve will help, but again...slippage symptoms will not let up until you get some saline removed. Chest pains (where the lap band pouch is located) not associated with heart issues, and painful eating, frequent vomiting and stomach pain and nausea..

Some times we are blind with the messinger.... If you can take the time to CLEARLY READ my post... Could be a dilated pouch, dilated esophagus, Hiatal hernia, slipped band, or just too tight. It mentioned -- Could BE....and I will repeat one more time....this could help someone else that is serious about their lap band and its longetivity..... This is not diagnosing her problem, I am just simply saying based on experience AND what I've seen in thousands of other lap banders over the years...just saying.... And you are right...we don't know...what it is...she needs to get diagnostic testing to find out which problem it is....but based on what I've seen over the years...Horrible Acid reflux and coughing....has been one of those issues above that I've listed....

Just FYI...I did not mean to scare you, but wanted you to take this VERY SERIOUS. Many have not in the past and would use a band aid of PP's, sleeping in recliners, etc. Once that reflux starts to shoot up in your nose and mouth...if that is happening...that is SERIOUS and needs attention ASAP...you are doing the right thing by seeing your surgeon, and you need to tell your surgeon the EXACT symptoms, sometimes -- getting a small amount of saline out will resolve any issues .... I am not diagnosing your issue, but this IS VERY COMMON in long term lap banders, and it can be managed sometimes with PP's, and changing your diet, but sadly....this only helps up to a certain point until surgical intervention is required. Most people start out with an Upper Gi -- to learn the status of their bands. Again...good luck.

The Lap Band has been around a lot longer, and has a long history of stability, many people love their Lap band and Realize Band. Both works great for many. Personally, I prefer the Lap band. Good luck

Reflux and coughing at night = BAD Means either a little saline removed or all of the saline removed or band removed/fixed, depending on the severity. Could be a dilated pouch, dilated esophagus, Hiatal hernia, slipped band, or just too tight. Good luck

I think this is a very important document for anyone who has a band or who is interested getting one read very carefully.... Ideally, what I've told people here, if their bands are "fitted" properly, they should have wiggle room on an empty band, meaning, they should NOT have tight restriction on an empty band. For most people when they get their bands emptied they should not feel any restriction, it will be the same as removing the band. Some people have post op edema and swelling which can mimic restriction and this can last up to a few months post op, but after about 1-4 months, that person should need a fill, the lap band is made FOR ADDING SALINE...if some never need a fill, and has tight restriction with no saline...something is wrong. But -- some people who get the band plus Plication, this is totally different and should not be treated as the same as a regular banded stomach, their stomachs are smaller with the Plication and it may take years before they need any fills, if they ever need fill.s Per Allergan: The LAP-BAND AP® System is available in two sizes, Standard and Large. The physician should choose the appropriate size depending upon the patient’s individual anatomy. Most patients with correctly fitted bands report minimal, if any, restriction following resolution post-operative edema until saline is added to the band, regardless of band size.

Here is a link of information for those who are researching the band, their surgeons, what causes complications, how to avoid them. Fluid -- you should never get a lap band that is too tight with little or no saline, there are two sizes AP small and AP large. How to know you are in the Green Zone and when you are too tight Also here is a link for those who are researching BAND-FRIENDLY surgeons that offer great aftercare, Allergan highly recommends a Band friendly surgeon. Or you should make sure your surgeon has done MANY lap bands and has a very low revision rate. Also most importantly -- WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO GO TO A LAP-BAND® SPECIALIST Not all weight loss centers are the same. It's important that your patients go to a LAP-BAND® System Specialist for your LAP-BAND® surgery. Use the LAP-BAND® specialist locator to find a qualified specialist for your patient. http://www.lapband.com/HCP/product-description/

You are actually SHOCKING ME MORE each time you respond to a post, and you SAY you are a nurse. I am happy I've never been at a hospital where you work ....lol...use COMMON sense here...WHY would Allergan PRE FILL A BAND? Use your brain please. Allergan DOES NOT pre fill lap band...that IS NOT THEIR JOB... Right before surgery, they fill the band up with saline and check for any defects, and leaks...to ensure they are not installing a faulty band inside of a patient..and once they've tested the band they leave a little primer Fluid inside the band...AND NOT enough saline to qualify for a REAL FILL.... Some patients have a lot of swelling, it can take 1-3 months before all the swelling completely go away, and if the band is not too small for that person's anatomy, then after about 3-4 months that person will be ready for a REAL FILL... Also many patients have a fat pad around their stomachs and after losing weight, their bands will loosen up even further....those who's band is too tight for their anatomy....their bands will barely budge and will still be too tight regardless of how much they lose.... Here are some step by step instructions how the band filled up with saline, to test for defects: during band installation -- the AP band is blown up to the max with 15cc of saline and typically about 5cc is left in the band...I had 5cc of saline in my lap band post surgery... Now You learned something today...and hopefully you can add that to your RN resume.... http://www.lapband.c...band AP_dfu.pdf For the Scrub Tech/rN: 1. After the Circulator opens outer LAP-BAND AP® System package, pick up inner sterile container by the tab and put on back table in a secure location. 2. Peel outer wrapping at the yellow indicator on the bottom side of the Tyvek® and remove LAP-BAND AP® System and priming needle. 3. Connect priming needle to the LAP-BAND AP® System tubing end. 4. Fill a 20 cc syringe with at least 15 cc of saline and connect syringe to the priming needle. Flush the band and inflatable shell area several times, each time drawing out air bubbles. A residual amount of saline will stay in the LAP-BAND AP® System. 5. View the inflatable portion of the band for leaks or uneven inflation. 6. Inject about 5 cc saline and disconnect the syringe. The

Wow!! Beautiful dress for a beautiful bride to be!!

Congrats!! You look great, you've come a long way baby!

Honestly, if I purchased an elliptical, I am sure I would not use it daily, treadmill, you can walk at your own pace and eventually increase as you lose weight and start running...so I would go with a treadmill any day...it helped shed a lot of weight for me.

I agree with a lot of people here, I remember someone had mentioned this to a stranger, and turns out that "stranger" who was morbidly obese HAD ALREADY HAD THE BYPASS, years ago and had regained weight so you never know what is going on with someone, and you never know what your future will hold with your lap band. Also every obese person DO NOT WANT WLS, some people are not candidates for medical reasons, some people can't afford it, don't have insurance, etc. Also, OBESE PEOPLE KNOW THEY ARE FAT, no one has to tell them that, food can be a horrible addiction like drugs, and when people tell them to lose weight, sometimes the opposite can happen and they turn to food, from being hurt. Also there are MANY obese people that lose weight successfully without weight loss surgery and keep it off, and yes it can be done. I've known many that have successfully lost weight the good ole fashion way and have kept it off for many years, they changed their lifestyle joined weight watchers and exercise daily. So you can't get cocky just because you have a tool that is making it difficult for you to eat and judge others or look down on other obese people because they have not decided to do what you are doing. I agree with most here, never mention it UNLESS they ask, "hey how are you losing your weight? Then perhaps they will get inspired by your weight loss with your band, and then they can decide if the lap band is a viable option for them. Edited to Add: Also most people have a "breaking point" when they've had enough and want to do something drastic...perhaps these friends just not have reached that breaking point. A lot of people get weight loss surgery for the wrong reasons, for vanity, spouse leaves them, etc....perhaps their health is not at a critical point yet.