I was wondering for those of you who had to have your band removed do to complications...after the removal was it as if you never had the band? or did you feel any of the things that you did with the band? For example phantom band symptoms. I know that may sound like a crazy question but, I wondered if it made a change in your actual esophogus/stomach.

I still occasionally get "stuck" - and my band was removed 7/04. Sometimes I still feel like I can "feel" it in there, but the restriction I have (which lets me get "stuck") doesn't seem to affect my appetite at all. Unfortunately the hunger level is the same as preband.

I was told that I would still have some restriction for a while, b/c of scar tissue from the band, but I haven't noticed ANY restriction. I WISH I had some!!!

Nope difinately different for me..it is like i never had the band. I may have had phantom restriction twice in the very beginning when I ate bread but now it is like I never had the band , it has been 2 months

Still have discomfort from eating, but no more choking sensation unless I swallow something hard like a medication. Tried that ONCE, never again, back to chewing all pills and emptying all capsules. My digestion is definitely not back to normal though.

I'm same as LaMadam...had some phantom restriction at first and now it's like I never had it. It's been 7 months for me.

I had the phantom restriction for about two weeks postop, (I'm almost 4 mos. postop band removal) but now it's like I was never banded. I used to joke that they'd actually banded my brain, because I was rarely hungry in any sort of 'inappropriate way'..now..well I'm doing my best, but the weight is coming back pretty quickly.. I'm having DS-BPD surgery next week in Brazil.. Deb

banded 1/4/2002 Ortiz/Mexico @230 lbs

lost 90 lbs 1st year and maintained goal weight of 140 lbs for 2 years <5'8>"

c/w 173

Deb, You are certainly braver than I to be trying any WLS again. I was 235 at 5'8" before banding, now 215 and holding steady. I've discovered that for me there are worse things than being overweight, and constant pain and messed up digestion are two of them! I hope and pray these symptoms go away and I learn to accept this body I'm stuck with.

Amanda.. I'm sorry to hear you're still having a tough time.. I'm very lucky in that I have no after effects at all.. No pain, no problems eating. It's literally like none of it ever happened. I did have a breast lift/reduction and tummy tuck though, and have been very happy with this new body. I wanna keep it.. :mad: !! Best of luck to you girl.. Deb