I'm done with the band. I don't think it's a bad choice, but I'm just done with it. I have to have surgery and have my band removed -- the doctor is convinced that there will be too much scar tissue to have another one put in, or to have the current one repositioned (if it could be) . I'd have to wait 6 months to a year, then have another band put in.

No thanks.

$16,500 to lose 40 lbs. And it's been hard. I've had 10 fills/unfills now. I was completely miserable for 2 weeks after my surgery, was miserable after my slip, and am miserable when I look in the mirror and see what a failure the last year has been. I'm not looking for sympathy, or for anyone to say "but you look great" or anything like that. I'm being honest with myself. I had goals, and I failed to meet them. The lap-band, like ANY weight loss surgery solution, has a complication rate because there are, at times, complications. I rolled the dice and crapped out. Someone has to. This time, it was me.

My new insurance *does* cover bariatric surgery. I don't know what it will do for me, but I'm leaving it in the hands of the surgeon I have a consult with on March 2nd. He's supposed to be one of the best bariatric surgeons in Dallas.

If I get what I want, I'll have a revision to bypass (I think he only does RNY, not DS, but I'll ask, and try to investigate the differences) and it won't cost me anything.

If it has to cost a little, I might be able to do it, but to be honest, my wife and I are both graduate students, and the $16,500 was my life savings.

If revision will cost too much, then I'll just have the band removed. I'm pretty sure my insurance will cover that. If that's what happens, I don't know what I'll do. I imagine I'll pretty much lose my mind, or re-evaluate my decision to do without the band. Although, MY band, as it is now, is completely useless.

I feel like (for some reason) my insurance will come through for me.

Of course, with *my* luck, bypass will kill me. But, c'est la vie. Ou, peut-etre, c'est la mort.

Either way. *shrug*

Regarding the RNY - I say go for it! Youve got my support!!!

(((hugs))) dont forget about us, ok?

I'm not goin' anywhere. *hugs*

Best of luck to you Jonathan, everything does have a reason. Something better must be in store for you!

You better be here to let us know what it is!!!!!!

Jonathan I'm so sorry you've had to endure so many trials and tribulations, I wish you the best, whatever path you chose. Hugs!

sorry jonathan.

i am a firm believer in 'everything happens for a reason' not that it gives you much comfort. *sigh*

*hugs*

JOHN YOUR NOT A FAILURE! YOU HAVE LOST 40 POUNDS THUS FAR.You can do it if you really want to loss weight.It will be hard for you,but you can. Im sorry for your trouble you are having.

You have helped people here at this site so please don't leave,maybe we call all talk you through some kind of program to keep you losing weight.

Please let me no what I'can do to help! JOHNQ

JOHN YOUR NOT A FAILURE! YOU HAVE LOST 40 POUNDS THUS FAR.You can do it if you really want to loss weight.It will be hard for you,but you can. Im sorry for your trouble you are having.

You have helped people here at this site so please don't leave,maybe we call all talk you through some kind of program to keep you losing weight.

Please let me no what I'can do to help! JOHNQ

Jonathan....JohnQ is right! You ARE NOT A FAILURE! This is an ongoing process guy and we are here for you. And I know you have always been there for us....always an inspiration. Take care. You are in my prayers!

Jonathon, I am so sorry to hear of your troubles but I am happy for you that you have made some clear decisions and have resolved some of your feelings. I hope that if you get the bypass it will be of the upmost success for you!! Please make sure you share with us how you are doing as you continue your journey. I have been contemplating the same thing and would be very interested to know the results, challenges and victories with your proactive band removal and revision.

BEST OF LUCK!!!!

Hi Jonathon

I've only posted a few times but you have sent me some messages which I really appreciated. I'm sorry things havn't worked out for you. I hope the new journey is successful

Oh no, I'm so sorry

Your not a failure, a failure is some one who gives up... doesn't sound like your giving up to me. With or without the RNY or Band, you won't quit... your a fighter...you'll get there.

Hugs to you !!!

jonathan-i am new to the band and your posts helped me in many ways...i want you to know that and thank you for it.

my thoughts will be with you on this new journey : ) let us know how you are doing.....

Jonathan -

Boy, you have really had a tough row to hoe. And you have done it with grace and courage.

I'm sorry your roll of the dice didn't pan out this time, but we're here to help cheer you on for your next move.

((hugs))

Hey buddy, how do I say this without sounding selfish? I'm not glad you're losing your band, but I am glad somebody understands where I'm coming from when I say I won't be re-banded. I crapped out, too. The band isn't for all of us. Poop. xo

Reading your post, my heart really goes out to you Jonathan.

You aren't by chance, the same guy who's wife posted on another forum about this very thing, are you?

I remember several months back, maybe 8, a woman came on saying her husband was still in the hospitla after banding because he couldn't keep his own saliva down.

I couldn't help but think. "Crap, if he had only had a different surgeon" and "Why didn't he give him something to stop vomiting," etc

But it is what it is now, and I'm sorry you had this happen to you. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Hi Jonathan,

Sorry you have had such a bad experience with your band. Seems like there must be a way to reposition the slippage before you go all out and have a RNY? I understand that you have every right to be totally frustrated and want to give up , but a reposition surgery wouldnt be covered by insurance? IF not go for some other form of WLS. I would if my band no longer worked or I couldnt get my insurance to cover the reposition if thats what I had to do.

Good luck whatever your decision.

Babs in TX

334/180ish

[ I don't think people realize that posts like the one previously (or any posts that ask, "Oh gosh, maybe you could try XYZ") sometimes can unintentionally make people feel worse. There is a big difference in when people come to us asking for advice and guidance, versus when they come with finality having made a decision. Complications suck, but they you MUCH opportunity to think about what your next step will be. So OF COURSE he's probably considered every option. What's the right decision for some people is just that, and questioning decisions that people make and then announce here sometimes reads like second-guessing even though it's not meant that way. I often think this is what DeLarla gently hints at in her well-stated posts on topics like this.But lacking her restraint, I'll just move on to responding to the Original Poster.]

Jonathan,

Bless you for your experiences and for sharing them with us. We know this decision was not a hasty one, and it's been a lot of soul-searching. None of us can ever predict our journeys, but I know you'll move into the next phase your weight loss process with your eyes fixed on success. Hopefully when you're farther down the success route, this part of your journey will seem like a smaller bump on a long journey.

You deserve all the success and I know you will undoubtedly achieve it.

HUGS.