I was banded Dec 26, 2007. I initially lost about 55 pounds and was soooo happy with my band. I was being pretty agressive with my fills. Then I started getting stuck A LOT! I had a few unfills and was happy for a while.

Then about 3 months after my last unfill I had a horrible experience. I got stuck on something I ate and I was stuck for almost 3 days straight. On the third day I couldn't even drink Water. I tried to get into my doctor's but because of a recent change of insurance they wouldn't take me right away. I ended up in the ER and getting admitted to the hospital. They unfilled my band completely which immediately gave me relief. They did an upper GI and everything was normal.

Almost 4 months later I am still completely unfilled and UP about 20 pounds. I still get pretty anxious when I think about what happened.

BUT... I have realized that my band is a great tool that worked so well for many months. AND I have an appointment with my new lapband doctor on Thursday and I can't wait to start getting filled again. This time I'm going to take it slow and be patient.

I hope my story will help anyone that is going through a tough time with their band! I still am very happy with my decision to get the lapband! I"m getting back on My Journey!! Can't wait! :tongue_smilie:

I was glad to see the part about a new doctor. You couldn't get in because of an insurance change? They risked your health just to make sure they were going to get paid?

But on to a more positive note, if my math is right your still down 35 pounds or so? I don't know about you but I gained almost every year of my adult life, so you have a wonderful head start and with a re commitment you can do as well as before. Congratulations on your fill.

I changed insurance and hadn't set up with my new doctor yet. It was kinda my fault...

Yes I am still down 35 or so! I am very happy that I kept some off and I have been working out and trying to eat healthy until my next fill. It is just so hard when I can eat the same as I did before I got the lapband...

I am trying to get recommitted to my band and weight-loss! I want to be healthy and keep the pounds off for good! :tongue_smilie:

Thanks for the encouragement!!

Gayle, thank you for your story. I ride the edge of being totally closed off because I am afraid my doc will take too much fill if I go in and tell them how much I am really barfing and in trouble....my fears are not groundless, I have been ill treated in the past.

I wish you luck on restarting your journey and congratulations on the solid 35 pound loss.

Mimi