I had revision surgery for a slipped band in November. A month later, I started having fainting spells and spasms that originate mostly in my stomach and diaphram. I have been to hospitals and doctors, had lots of tests and no one can get to the bottom of it. My lapband surgeon says it is not related to my band. All my friends and family think I should have my lapband taken out. I don't want to lose my lapband. It is my $16, 000 investment that did help me lose 85 lbs and feel super. Now I can't exercise or do much because exertion brings on these spells. I am on three medications to control the seizures but an EEG did not show they were seizures. One doctor thinks it is some kind of problem being caused by the placement of my band in proximity to the vegas nerve and is irritating the vegas nerve. I am in limbo, waiting for the medications to stop the fainting and seizures, and wanting to get back to my sweet spot and my exercise program. I also am waiting for surgery for a mass in my sinus. Has anyone ever heard of the band or the tubing irritating the vegas nerve and causing this? I am really down because my activities have been seriously cut back and I am gaining weight. Thanks for any suggestions or information you have.

Lynda

I had my lap band surgery 4 years ago. It hasn't been a walk in the park. I don't regret having it done and despite my friends and some family members wanting me to have it removed I never want to be without my band. However, I will say I have had my band flip (not sure of the correct medical term) and had to have it repaired. I had lost 80 plus pounds but have since gained 20 pounds back. I use food as my drug of choice, I abuse myself with it, pleasure myself with it and never really know when I am hungry or full. It is horrible!!! I still throw up often. This seems to come in cycles - I will do well for a while and can eat anything and then I start throwing up and have a difficult time getting anything down. I work out hard and often (3-4 times a week for 90 minutes) and I now am struggling with low blood sugar. This makes me have severe weak spells, break out into a sweat, my hands start shaking and I feel like I could pass out. I am suppose to eat more often but I still struggle with putting this change into practice. I WANT TO BE THIN AND HEALTHY BUT I AM ALMOST KILLING MYSELF TO GET THAT WAY AND THEN I REWARD MYSELF WITH FOOD FOR ALL MY HARDWORK. I am like a hamster on a wheel. I also have had a problem with the vegas nerve. The first time it happened I was driving down an interstate 75 mph. Thank the Lord my friend grabbed the wheel. I was drinking a slurpee type drink. It was very cold and I was very hot. I became "detached" the doctor said. It only lasted a few seconds but for that moment I was mentally out of it. When I came back around I thought I had passed out but couldn't understand how I was still driving. My friend demanded I immediately pull over and she took over. It was scary!!!! I also have a problem with low blood pressure. I have never had high blood pressure but now it will bottom out - 91 over 63. It makes you feel miserably weak and tired. Does anyone have any words of encouragement.

I just found your message. I haven't been on here for quite a while. Sounds like you are trying very hard but you are fighting the beast that made you and I fat in the first place, craving food. Maybe joining a group or does your lapband clinic have support in place that you can access. Unfortunately I live two hours from my clinic so I don't get to access all the lapband support they offer. If not, then start a group of lapbanders to get together where you live. You need emotional support to stop your cravings for food.You are sabotaging your own efforts and the band. I do the same then hate myself. Good luck and keep your chin up. Let me know how you are doing.

Lynda

P.S. In case I don't go on this site very often and see your message, you can email me at lwood@xplornet.ca

I just found your message. I haven't been on here for quite a while. Sounds like you are trying very hard but you are fighting the beast that made you and I fat in the first place, craving food. Maybe joining a group or does your lapband clinic have support in place that you can access. Unfortunately I live two hours from my clinic so I don't get to access all the lapband support they offer. If not, then start a group of lapbanders to get together where you live. You need emotional support to stop your cravings for food.You are sabotaging your own efforts and the band. I do the same then hate myself. Good luck and keep your chin up. Let me know how you are doing.

Lynda

P.S. In case I don't go on this site very often and see your message, you can email me at lwood@xplornet.ca

Oh, and my family and friends have been telling me to remove the band too which I don't want to. I picture myself getting up to a huge size and hating myself. Do what you need to do. Maybe counselling for your eating habits. We have to make the band work for us again like it did in the beginning.

I had a problem with being "detached" the doctor called it. I was driving down the road 70 mph with my daughter and two friends when all of a sudden I just started to lose myself. I felt like I went to sleep or something. It was weird. It only lasted a few seconds but very scary. My friend grabbed the steering wheel and she drove the rest of the way home. Nothing was ever determined other than a vasal vagal (sp) episode. I have had times when I felt like I was going to pass out but I didn't. My trainer at the gym told me to make sure I was eating enough, keeping it down and it was the right kinds of food. Try using Myfitnesspal.com and see how you are doing with your eating plan. Make sure to set it up to tell you your protein, fats, calories..... You may be surprised. Whatever you do GIVING UP ISN'T AN OPTIION. Take care and God Bless.