Living with this band has been the worst thing I've ever had to do. One port revision surgery and a stomach full of scars! I've had the horrid pain in my left arm since day one and it never left me. I now have esophageal dysmotility, acid reflux, need to sleep propped up so that I don't gag at night. Have not had any decent meals in 4 years, can't eat any kind of meat, rice, lettuce, fruits. I am anemic and my skin is breaking out due to hormonal imbalances. Oh and no period for the last 5 months due to my anemia!

Nice, huh?

I hate this band and I am not sad to wish it good riddance! I only lost 20 pounds and gained it back, all of it.

Good for you!!! Glad you're getting to get it out. I wish that the availability of the problems with this danged thing were more available four years ago. (Because that means I would have also been able to find it three years ago. GRR!)

When is your surgery date?

Thanks its on 7/6 and i am psyched!

Woohoo!!! Just a few more weeks! Color me green with envy! Good luck and let us know how it goes.

How are you doing...How do you feel? Was the surgery to remove it as painful as putting it in? I hated that pain from them putting in the gas to expand the abdominal cavity. It was the worst. I'm considering having mine out, but i have no insurance and no money for it. I've had repeated prolapses and struggling with acid, and pain.

I'll be having mine out on August 24th. I've talked to others and they said it wasn't any worse than having it put in. One gal is six months out and she's already down 120lbs, and only 5lbs from her goal. That's WAY closer than she (or I) EVER got with the band. I think I can deal with some pain for those results. And if you look at the long term results in general, the VSG is more successful.

Sorry for your struggles w/your band - Maybe surgeon not the actual band was your problem.. Hope you get well soon

I'm 4 yrs out and no issues - little heart burn now and then - nothing a tums doesn't take care of - lost 114 lbs and have maintain that loss for 3 yrs now. But the band didn't lose the weight - I did - it's only a tool and you have to maintain that tool and follow the rules for it to work.

If you don't want complications ck your surgeon - follow the rules - that being said - sometime crap happens..

I am so sorry for all the issues that you have had from the band. Hope all goes well!

Best of luck to a successful and minimally painful surgery! I think that its a great decision to have it removed. Since my mother's death due to her band and its side effects, I have done alot of research. I dont believe enough patient education is done before doing the lap band procedure. If my mother would have survived the ARDS, I would have made her have it removed. That measly bit of weight that she lost wasnt worth paying for it with her life. You will be in my prayers! Best of luck!

Best of luck to a successful and minimally painful surgery! I think that its a great decision to have it removed. Since my mother's death due to her band and its side effects, I have done alot of research. I dont believe enough patient education is done before doing the lap band procedure. If my mother would have survived the ARDS, I would have made her have it removed. That measly bit of weight that she lost wasnt worth paying for it with her life. You will be in my prayers! Best of luck!

What happened to your Mother? So sorry for you loss. I am also looking into getting this thing removed.