It's Out!!

[pattymmw 4]

I had my first banned placed in August 07 and developed an infection in my abdomen in January 08. While the surgeon was operating to see what was going on with the infection he removed the band. I had lost about 60lbs and was somewhat indifferent about having it removed until I started gaining more and more weight. Last February I quit smoking and have continued to put more weight on. I now am about 30lbs heavier than when I had the first band surgery. I feel discusted with myself, I have no energy, my back hurts constantly and exercising is so difficult. On Tuesday June 26th I am having surgery to have another band placed. I am hoping and praying this will help me to get back to feeling good physically and mentally.

[blondylyn 3]

This is a followup to my earlier replies> (I just didn't want to start a new topic.)

I had my band removed two weeks ago. I am so glad I did, don't miss that port at all! Here is what my surgeon, Dr Higa said:

I asked him because I was still feeling restriction-he said that can last up to three months. He also said it will take about that long for everything to heal inside as well. And don't let this happen to you as it did to me: more pain with the removal than the install. Makes sense, though, since there are adhesions, scar tissue, etc. This nurse just kept saying, But you were supposed to go home right after! Meaning, I suppose, that I was being a big baby since I was in such pain and had to spend the night. ******! LOL

Anyhow, I am doing better and have lost another three pounds. I have switched up my food to pretty much vegan because that was my intent with the band in the first place. I just want to be healthy, not skinny! My motivation is still there and I am very aware of what I'm eating. I also asked for the band and port to so I can keep it in my kitchen/fridge to remind myself of it all!

If you are thinking of having it removed or revised, just do it. The band should be the last thing you think of, IMHO! Good luck!

[DizzyLizzy 21]

For those considering having the band removed, I haven't had my band removed, and don't plan to. But I did have to have all my Fluid taken out due to a bulge in my pouch that tilted it. This was about 2 1/2 months ago. Since that time I have gained 12lbs!. I gained 5bls the 1st month. When I went back he gave me a small fill and even with that I gained another 7lbs! Even though I've upped my workout and been counting calories and keeping them about 1500 a day and I work out 4 days a week for anywhere from and hour to two hours each work out! So for those of you thinking you can keep the weight off after having the band removed, it's going to take some serious work! It seems to be harder for me to lose weight than before I had the band. I don't know if because when you have the band for so long, your body gets used to the low calories, when you go back to even eating low for a normal person, it's still too much for you. So, good luck!

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

I was the first surgery Wednesday and was allowed to go home after 6 pm same day. I would have been happy to stay 1 night an get good drugs but my doc swears I was insisting post-op that I'd be fine to go home same day. Naturally I was drunk as a skunk and have no recollection of even seeing the man tat day. I was on Clear Liquids a

That day and told to advanc as tolerated. I did full liquids Thursday, mushers Friday, and today just tried to be careful, no major hard solid Proteins just yet. Happy to say each and everything passé through easily which hasn't happened to me in months! Just take it slow and easy and you'll be fine.

[Summer2954 0]

For those of you who have or are looking to take your band out, have you tried keeping your band in with all the Fluid removed first?

I had to have all of the Fluid removed from mine because I stretched my pouch. But even without any fluid I have some restriction still and cannot totally pig out like I could prior to getting my band, but I can eat pretty much anything as long as it isn't too dry. And I've still mangage I think to lose a couple of pounds over the last 5 weeks since I had the fluid taken out. (waiting to get on the doctor's scale for confirmatin of that).

Just curious as to why if the doctor says there is nothing wrong with the band, why removing fluid hasn't helped for those of you who say you can't eat at all.

[Summer2954 0]

Hi Dizzy Lizzy, I am having my liquid taken out tomorrow. I'm tired of not being able to eat fruits and vegies, having acid reflux, etc. I was just wondering how you knew that your pouch was stretched out. What are the symptoms? I hope that I still have some restriction like you experience when it's all out. I am really afraid of gaining weight back even though I say that I know that I can do it now since I've been eating small meals for 6 years now. Thanks for your sharing.

[DizzyLizzy 21]

Hi Dizzy Lizzy, I am having my liquid taken out tomorrow. I'm tired of not being able to eat fruits and vegies, having acid reflux, etc. I was just wondering how you knew that your pouch was stretched out. What are the symptoms? I hope that I still have some restriction like you experience when it's all out. I am really afraid of gaining weight back even though I say that I know that I can do it now since I've been eating small meals for 6 years now. Thanks for your sharing.

Sorry so late in my reply. I was having bad acid reflux suddenly, actually couldn't even keep Water down. I went to the doctor and they did the floroscope (xray) and found that my pouch was bulging on one side (stretched) and hanging a little over the band, so things were getting stuck in there and when I would lie down, even if I hadn't had anything for hours, the stuff sitting there would come up along with the acid that naturally forms trying to digest it. So they removed all the Fluid in my band and when I went back they checked again and it was back to normal. They have been filling me a little bit each month since, but I think since I stretched my pouch, it may be permanently "loose" because still no matter how much Im' filled I can eat a lot sometimes. So I may need to have my band moved up or down to create a pouch with firmer tissue.