:cry Just thought I would let you all know what happened when I went to see the surgeon today. As some you of know I have been having problems with my lap band for over the past 5 months or so. It was not a very good day for me, and I really wasn’t anticipating what he had said to me. Basically, the cliff note version of what happened was my band is going to have to come out. My body doesn’t seem to want it inside of me. It’s pretty much rejecting it. I probably will never be able to have proper restriction with the band. And now due to the reflux that I have been having from the band it most likely will get worse (the reflux) with the band inside of me and it will have to come out anyway. So my two options are at this point is to have the band removed completely and I guess stay fat the rest of my life and unhealthy or have the band removed and have a revision to RNY. So I have a lot to think about. We did go ahead and put a little bit of a fill in the band to try and give it that once last shot, but nobody thinks it will work. The amount that they put in will still not give me restriction but it will help some. If this fill does manage to stay in they will try and put a little more in next month and see what happens with that one. If this one has to be removed (unfilled) or the next one has to be unfilled then the band needs to come out.

So basically that’s it in a nutshell, very sad and depressing. I have a lot to think about in the next coming weeks and to make a final decision. If any of you have any input I would love to hear it.

Well just wanted to let you all know!! I hope your having a better day than me!!

Take care and talk to you all soon!!

Jo Ann

First, I'm sorry that yet another one of us is having to go through this. That said, decide NOW what you are going to do NEXT about weight loss, because that might save you the time/money of a third surgery, (band in/band out/different procedure.) Some people are at a good enough place that they decide to go it alone. A couple of us had the band removed WHILE having the DS. (In my case, the surgeon's program fee is $1000 more because I'm a revision, but that's WAY cheaper than paying for a third surgery.) I think someone here has had an RnY or is thinking about it.

I think there MAY be a tendency, once we decide that band IS coming out, to want it out NOW. I'm just saying that factoring in your NEXT move in weight loss, may be worthwhile.

Sue

Thanks so much Sue for your response. You bring up a good point and I have thought a little bit about that. I don't think that I can go at it alone. If I could of gone at it alone in the first place I wouldn't be fat to begin with right?? LOL!! It's like a never ending vicious cycle!! I wouldn't have to go through 3 surgeries. He said he would take the band out and do the revision at the same time. I don't know too much about the DS, but it's something to look into. But I am taking your advice to heart. I'm at a crossroads and I have a lot of thinking and decision making to do. With the help of God and my friends and family and with help from people on here like you I hope I can make the right decision.

Jo Ann

Wow Jo Ann, I'm at a loss of words. I wish you a speedy recovery, and am so sorry this is happening to you.

(((hugs)))

This news breaks my heart for you. :cry So sorry you have to be faced with this decision. I am preband and I don't know the protocol, but would it be worth it to get a second opinion? Just a thought. I will pray for you regardless....take care!!! :hug:

JoAnn, I'm sorry your may have to shorten your time with the band. It's sad, but with all the removals lately, I can't help but think I'll be next, no reason, just because...it can happen to any of us at any time.

Hugs!!!

Thank you all so much for your kind words and thoughts. They are much needed and appreciated at this time!! It's nice to know that there are people out there who know what your going through and to care. It brings a little happiness into my day when it is so very much needed.

Thank you!!

Wow Joanne, this is terrible news. I've been reading about the problems you have been experiencing, but didn't expect THIS. I thought they would come up with something. SO sorry.

this is terrible and I am sorry to hear that. I used to pray for the people that i Knew that was banded but now I see my prayers need to go out to all bandsters. May God protect you and guide you.

You have my total sympathy and understanding. :cry I got my band in December 2004, and have been having reflux-like symptoms for the past few months. My doctor did a scope last week and discovered I have slippage and erosion, so my band has to come out. To make matters worse, he doesn't recommend getting another band later because of scarring (?). I love my band and am really afraid of struggling through life without it. I'm still in shock, but I'll keep everyone posted as I learn more. Please keep writing. You are not alone in this.

Lena

Oh my goodness, Razz and Lena.. I'm so sorry to hear about this with you both. I can't imagine what you must each be struggling with right now. Huge decisions. You'll both be in my thoughts and prayers.

I am so sorry to hear about your band Razz. You too Lena my heart goes out to both of you..

Thank you all for all of your kind words and keeping me in your prayers. Like I said before it is so needed to hear these kind words. They truely mean a lot to me. Thank you all!!

Lena, I am so sorry to hear about your band!! It is such a horrible position to be in. Especially for after having it for so long and then having to have to part with it. My heart goes out to you and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. You too keep writing and let us know how your doing.

As I sit here right now I have been up most of the night choking on acid and having major pain so in a little while I will be driving up to my surgeons office to have them remove the little bit of saline that they put in me yesterday for that "last try". It kinda made it final through the night that my band is going to have to come out. Where I go from there, I'm not sure. RNY scares me, but if I could keep my weight off without surgical intervention I would of done so a long time ago. I just don't know what to do and I feel so lost and helpless. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers that I can make the right decision for myself. I really truely thought that the lap band would of been the answer for me, it's not.

Thank you all again!!

I'll keep you all updated!!

Jo Ann

Jo Ann, you are in my thoughts and prayers... You shouldn't have to live being uncomfortable or in pain, if you don't have to. Spend some time, as Sue said and evaluate your options. If you decide on another WLS, it might be the time to do it while your having your band removed.

Best wishes. Shawn

I know the surgeons say this is rare and chances are slim, but heck...just on this little board it isn't rare! I have to woder if the band can be in anyone long term? And if it can't, then why we do we go through this? :-(

Jo Ann and Lena- Wow I'm so sorry!

Prayers are with you both.

It is a very personal decision on what to do next. When I was having my band replaced I had decided that I would have the ryn if I couldn't have the band. I don't know if I would if push came to shove.

If you go onto the NC site there is someone there who we won't let leave, who just had the rny. She is doing really well and I'm sure she'd be happy to talk to you. jjtaurus is who she is. I could be spelling that wrong.

God Bless big HUGS