Having My Band Removed On Sunday

[kazzeeeee 0]

I was banded on May 15th 2011 and 8 months later I'm going to have it removed.

I've had on going problems from day 1.

I'm feeling pretty down about having it removed although I know it's for the best.

It just feels like a waste of time and money.

Somone out there please tell me that there is life after lapbanding!

[Bunz1969 4]

I'm not here to beat you up or question your decision, curiosity has gotten the best of me. What type of problems have you had since day one? Is the surgeon who installed it doing the removal?

I'm sure there is life after the lapband for people.

[readytogoforit 172]

I am sorry you have to go through this. tell us more?

[mafiamamy 2]

Hi,what time of problems have you had ? i my self have had problems with it...like a hernia and i am also thinking about removal...

[kazzeeeee 0]

Hi,

Thanks for all your replies.

From day one I had problems, I got infected in the wound site for starters, then I have never been able to tolerate solid food at all. Acid reflux is horrendous and not controlled with a ppi at all.

I'm in the UK and the company is Heathy Weight, the surgeon was Prof. Favretti, he is pretty well respected and did the second lap band operation ever, apparantly.

Anyway, I'm hoping someone out there will lead the way and show me where to go once this is done. I'm not sure about weight loss after this, if it's possible. It was barely possible with the band in place!

[NWgirl 574]

It seems that from what I've read when people get the lapband removed, they also get another form of weight loss surgery at the same time (if there are no complications)- such as the sleeve. Is another WLS procedure an option?

[kazzeeeee 0]

The sleeve is not an option for me as I simply do not want any more weight loss surgery.

[size10again 11]

My band was removed on 12-8-11. I went in for a revision due to a slippage and a hiatal hernia repair. When I woke up I was told the band had to be removed, my stomach blood flow was compromised, not getting enough oxygen and it was at risk of dying, necrosis.

I lost 60# in the year I had my band, 20# to go until goal weight. I was quite sick due to severe allergies and reflux, especially the last few months. I have really bad allergies which cause post nasal drip, plugged pouch, vomiting and on and on. I would get fills and had many deflates due to vomiting and pain. I was really depressed that my band was removed but believe my body just couldn't tolerate it. When it was good it was wonderful but when it was bad it was horrid!

I have gained weight since the band removal but am determined to lose the rest of my weight and to maintain this loss!

Joan

[Bunz1969 4]

I'm so sorry to hear about what you've had to endure with your band.

[NoMoBand 278]

My band was removed on 12-8-11. I went in for a revision due to a slippage and a hiatal hernia repair. When I woke up I was told the band had to be removed, my stomach blood flow was compromised, not getting enough oxygen and it was at risk of dying, necrosis.

I lost 60# in the year I had my band, 20# to go until goal weight. I was quite sick due to severe allergies and reflux, especially the last few months. I have really bad allergies which cause post nasal drip, plugged pouch, vomiting and on and on. I would get fills and had many deflates due to vomiting and pain. I was really depressed that my band was removed but believe my body just couldn't tolerate it. When it was good it was wonderful but when it was bad it was horrid!

I have gained weight since the band removal but am determined to lose the rest of my weight and to maintain this loss!

Joan

Joan, Thanks for sharing your story. I also have extreme allergies (hayfever) and have to get deflates during allergy season. This really concerns me! My allergies are all drainage to the stomach and don't have the sneezing and watery eyes and ...... associated with allergies. With allergy season in dormant stage right now I asked my band doctor about Kenalog injections in the spring time. I used to get these years back before banded life and they are awesome taking all the symptoms away. My band doctor gave me the ok on these injections, so, come around April or so I will get one. See what happens. Just wanted to mention this to other allergy sufferers. See what their doctors think about these injections.

I'm so sorry you lost your band and wish you the best of luck. You can and will keep the weight off with the determination you have. Keep the positive attitude. Jake

[NoMoBand 278]

I was banded on May 15th 2011 and 8 months later I'm going to have it removed.

I've had on going problems from day 1.

I'm feeling pretty down about having it removed although I know it's for the best.

It just feels like a waste of time and money.

Somone out there please tell me that there is life after lapbanding!

Kazeeeee, I'm saddened that the band didn't work out for you. The most important thing right now is your safety and health. Don't look at this as a waste of $ and time. Take what you've learned and go forth with no regrets - you can do it.

It amazes me how the medical field has not come up with a definite pre-op answer as to why the band does not work for some. The scary thing for me is that we are all candidates for complications that can result in removal, thus we are all not guaranteed a life time with the band. Surely, there is life after the band and what you learned from the banded lifestyle can make you successful in the future. I also wish you the best of luck and the advice I have is "Never, ever give up! Jake

[elcee 3,340]

Do you have to get it removed? Is it currently causing problems? Would it be possible to get it completely unfilled for a while and see if that helps? There are people out there that thought their bands were not working and they have gone to a different Dr and things have been successfully sorted out.

Wound site infections are relatively common but they are not a deal breaker. Generally they are easily cured.

The acid reflux is a problem but is it possible that your band is too tight? Do you currently have fill in it or is it empty? I would want to ensure that I had explored every possible avenue to get my band to work before having it removed especially if I wasn't intending to have some sort of revision.

I see that you are new on here - have you had any kind of support previously? If not there are lots of people here with lots of experience that might potentially be able to suggest something that helps.

It would be nice if it would be possible for your esperience to be able to be turned around from a negative one to a positive one so if there is anything we can do to help or any advice that we can offer please let us know. If not and your surgery is already scheduled then all the best - I hope it goes well.

[kazzeeeee 0]

Thank you all so much.

The band was emptied completely on two and a half months ago and I'm still having problems.

I've just come to the end of my tether with it all.

[size10again 11]

Joan, Thanks for sharing your story. I also have extreme allergies (hayfever) and have to get deflates during allergy season. This really concerns me! My allergies are all drainage to the stomach and don't have the sneezing and watery eyes and ...... associated with allergies. With allergy season in dormant stage right now I asked my band doctor about Kenalog injections in the spring time. I used to get these years back before banded life and they are awesome taking all the symptoms away. My band doctor gave me the ok on these injections, so, come around April or so I will get one. See what happens. Just wanted to mention this to other allergy sufferers. See what their doctors think about these injections.

I'm so sorry you lost your band and wish you the best of luck. You can and will keep the weight off with the determination you have. Keep the positive attitude. Jake

Jake,

I did get a kenalog injection about two weeks before the band removal. I barely noticed any improvement. The NP at my surgeons office said that when the band is causing stomach problems that an increase in mucous/drainage can occur like the body is reacting to the irritation.

Even in January I am still having allergies, not crazy like in spring and fall but still daily sneezing and runny nose. I had allergy testing done and tried different allergy meds. I began having hot tea w/ a spoon of local honey each day, the theory is that this will work similar to the way allergy shots work.

Before things were so out of control w/ my band I had planned to have deflates each spring and fall like you are planning.

Best wishes to you, I hope things work out great for you and your band.

Joan

[size10again 11]

Thank you all so much.

The band was emptied completely on two and a half months ago and I'm still having problems.

I've just come to the end of my tether with it all.

My band was also completely empty for a few months before removal and it didn't help the band go back into place. My stomach was so tiny I could hardly eat and then the acid reflux was causing me to cough constantly and vomit every day or so.

I am sad my band was removed but kinda relieved at the same time. My husband would have a fit if I ever considered another band, he was really worried about me and my health. I have joined a TOPS club in my city and am really motivated to go forward.

I wish you the best and know that you will feel like a new person when the band is removed!

Joan