I got my band put in on 09/14/10. I took out loans to do the surgery self pay, as my insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery at all. Nothing for weight loss will even be considered under my policy. I did very well up until January 2011. I was at 6cc's of restriction and I started experiencing projectile vomiting and was unable to tolerate even liquids. From January to March, my surgeon's office only removed 1.5 cc's and the whole time I was dealing with all of my complications, my surgeon only saw me once. Initally after each adjustment, I would do well for a week or so and then start having issues again. I dealt with the Physician's Assistant during everything, the surgeon didn't even remember me from one week to the next and was very sarcastic and rude to me.

I finally went to another doctor for a second opinion (paid out of pocket as well.) The new surgeon and his PA are a lot more compassionate and seem genuinely concerned for my well being. Nevertheless, I'm miserable. I can't eat or even drink Water in the morning. SOME days I can tolerate food in the afternoon and evening, other days I throw up no matter what goes in my mouth whether it's liquids or solids. I constantly have uncontrollable burping and it's completely humiliating. People at work are starting to catch on that I'm not eating and I always seem to have an excuse. I burp all day long... and I never feel relieved!! If I never burp another day in my life, it will be TOO SOON. Even with all this, I'm not losing weight. I've only lost a total of 26 pounds since September and I'm wondering- is this even WORTH it??? I have never been so unhappy in my life!! I'm sad every day, I cry constantly... I'm completely shutting down. On top of feeling physically horrible, I'm $16,000 in debt. The Dr I got the 2nd opinion from ordered an Upper GI which I'm scheduled to have this Friday. It'll be my 2nd UGI in 3 months so who knows if my insurance will even consider it. So that will be another $300 - $400 I'll have to dish out. IF he decides I need my band removed, that'll be thousands of dollars more. I doubt I can even get any more loans. HELP me please!! I desperately need some words of encouragement. I feel like I can't go on like this.

Glad u are feeling better Dan. I was worried for you.

Well, I had my follow up with Dr. Hamn.

He was very nice and relaxed. He didn't criticize. He suggested I convert to a gastric sleeve. I don't think I'm ready to make that leap.

After examinging my band through a flourescope and seeing that the barium was not flowing, he unfilled my band. I think this will help. He said my esophagus was exhausted. It was dialated to the max and wasn't returning to its normal size. He thinks if I go easy on the food intake for the next 30 days, it will give my esophagus a chance to return to normal.

I didn't ask him what it would if it doesn't. I figured I'll deal with that if it happens when it is time.

Later,

Danny

I hope that helps Dan. Please keep us updated!! It must feel better to not be so restricted so you can heal.