Baba Wawa

I know you asked Jean, but the VSG is the first stage of the DS. The DS component can be done as part of a two stage process. My understanding is that a slightly larger bougie is used for DS. There doesn't seem to be a problem revising a sleeve to DS. I have heard of VSG with a band a few times. Not sure how that works, though. Hope this answers your questions.

There was no "attack" on Cheryl.

Actually she did, then it was either edited or moderated, but it did indeed say suck. I expect responses and I don't expect everyone to agree with me. I also expect to be treated like an adult and not belittled. I've been polite, responded appropriately, and stated my purpose for the post. I don't object to disagreement, but I won't be bullied into not posting. Guess I'm here for a while.

Worse, lol. OH is pretty quiet these days.

Many assumptions are made within this sentence....all incorrect.

Plication was first done in Iran....does it really matter?

I lost one of my brothers in 2001...he weighed 411 lb when he died. I think that when we are saving our own lives we make tough choices. I understand your passion and determination. Many lives have been saved through research and investigative procedures. I wish you continued health and success. (((Hugs)))

I'm sorry, I wasn't intending to criticize your decision, I was responding to another poster.

There are several people over on another forum who have considered this and their doctors told them it is irreversible after 3-4 weeks, since the tissue that is plicated grows together, scar tissue develops and that the patients they've seen with this procedure who want to be revised, are limited to RNY. I'll post some links for you...bear in mind that I can only post LBT approved links, but here goes... http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/14816-gps-update-important-new-information/

Is sex better?

It's an ill-conceived, dangerous surgery that is irreversible after 2-3 weeks, can cause gastric necrosis and can only be revised to a pouch. Not recommended by many.

I agree that the 4cc band study is irrelevant, but your statement " Just because half the Lap Band patients are messing up their own bands with their own ignorant behavior isn't a reflection on those who actually follow the rules and do the right thing." is just unkind, and arrogant. As stated before, if you're so happy with your band and complication free, why are you here on the complications forum? What scares you about someone posting this information? If its irrelevant, readers can do their own research and figure that out. There's a wealth of information available today vs several years ago, when many of us were banded. I'm sorry, but there are just too many variables within the banded community; the patients, doctors, hospitals, clinics, etc all have variables. Doctors protocols are very different in their dietary requirements pre and post op. There are huge differences in pre band testing requirements, screening for ability and willingness to comply. Some band mills took advantage of people, taking their money, operating on them and charging exorbitant fees for follow up....and many of those patients have had complications and or failure to lose due to incompetence on the doctor's part. Imagine that this OP is someone you care about, is truly struggling and looking for real support...few of the responses on this thread meet that need.

Since you are full for 4-5 hours and losing 3 lbs per week, you are in the green zone. Go slow on the fills...being too aggressive with fills can bring problems. Congrats! Keep up the positive attitude!

Good advice from 2muchfun, make an appt with your nutritionist, stay with your food plan and take charge of this situation. It is important to continue with the positive band habits since without fill, you are more prone to a slip if you over eat, take too big of bites, etc. Good luck and keep us posted!

Great Post! When our body and the band are "in sync" it's a wonderful thing. I appreciate that it helped me to stick to my food plan by keeping me satiated to the point I have to remind myself to eat, sometimes. Though my band and body are out of sync right now, I still follow my food plan, whenever possible. With no fill, I still have restriction, and at times have difficulty with many foods. That said, I've lost 17 lbs since my unfill 7 months ago. I hope to be able to keep my band, my doctors and I are working on a solution to my problems. It is a choice, by taking ownership, we empower ourselves to succeed.

Since this is a complications forum, you're going to see negative posts. It seems to me that the OP had her band surgery with a band mill type of operation. I was fully informed prior to my surgery, but still have major complications, even though I was and am completely compliant. Stuff happens, bands DO fail, sometimes people fail, but you're reading a post complications forum...it's unreasonable to expect to find positive posts here.

Thank you! I am following up with my gastroenterologist next month. Will post as things evolve.

Nana, sorry you got hammered. Apparently there are some who reside on this site who have nothing better to do than add insult to injury. PM me if you would like a link to a group that will actually support you.

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Thank you!

Thank you for understanding the purpose of my post. I'm sorry you're going through this, too. My reflux came on strong after my unfill too. I'd wake up choking on acid, horrible way to exist. In addition to dealing with my motility issues, I've had influenza A and B plus a stomach virus in the last 5 weeks. My immune system is really run down and I think stress and the fact I only can eat properly about half the time aren't helping. Hope you find some answers! Let me know how your doctors appt goes! We have a Failed Bands group on FB, let me know if you want to join. The admin is very knowledgable about revision surgery and the kind of problems we've been having.

Have no idea who the OP is...this site seems very hostile, though and a bit paranoid. Jean knows me...

Thanks...I've had very negative experiences here and on another site in the past when I share my negative experience...that's why I said that. I love my band, my GI doc thinks it just aggravated a preexisting condition. I don't love how I feel right now.

Like I told Cheryl, I didn't ask for help, I'm sharing my story. That's what this forum is about, right.

FU