Band worked fine for the first 18 months. I lost weight, but put some of it back on...

In November, I started having some odd health issues... If I sat for too long, I would start to get bad headaches - a pounding in my ears. Also had pain in my neck and shoulders.

At first I thought it was an inner ear infection. Went to the doctor and they talked to me about orthostatic hypotension.

The first though is that I must be dehydrated. That wasn't it. Then I stopped taking some meds that might have caused it. No change.

Problem got worse, and I actually had a "syncope event" at work. Passed out - hit the floor!

My internist ordered a bunch of tests - brain CAT scan, heart EKG, 24 hour heart monitor, all sorts of blood and Fluid tests. All came back fine. No issues.

So I go to my lap band doctor, and he says the band looks fine and shouldn't be the problem. But after a consultation with my internist, we all decide to unfill my band. Problem persists...

With no more ideas to go on, I had the band removed yesterday. I just think that it was pressing on my vagus nerve when I sat too long and caused these issues. My doctor says he has never heard of this in the 6,000+ bands he has installed, but agrees that the band might well be the cause.

So here I sit, about 20 hours post-op. I can still feel the pressure in my head when I sit too long, but maybe it's a little less than yesterday. And the doctor said it might take a week or so for me to get relief.

I sure hope this solves my problem. If not, I am off to find a good neuroligist...

This was all paid for out of pocket. That just kills me. My insurance wouldn't pay for the band, and I didn't even ask them to pay for the removal. I wonder if I should have? Probably have a valid argument that the removal was medically necessary, even though it was my decision to put on the band. Any thoughts?

Anyways... there is my story...

:Banane20:

That sucks, I'm sorry this is happening.:Banane20:

I would submit the removal cost to the ins. they might reimburse you. Good luck.