Not Criticizing, But Amazed....used To Be Able To Relate

[critterlady 3]

I've been reading some of your posts about some "issues" you've had with your bands.

Some of you are freaking out about losing the band, or getting unfilled, or whatever. I used to, too.

I understand the fervor of getting that thing filled and losing weight, I really do!

BUT!!! I've had such horrible problems for the past 2 out of 3 years I've had the band....I shared your frantic emotions about the possibility of losing my band, or my restriction, early on, but now, I want and need it out for my health. I'm still obese. I lost 50 lb with the band, but have regained about 10 of those in the past two years. That doesn't bother me as much as my other health issues do.

I have been eating Zantacs like candy for the past two years. Everything I eat, and sometimes everything I drink, gets stuck. The reflux is practically killing me, and lately I've been having stomach pain. I have vomited blood a couple times in the last month. I had an EGD this week, which revealed erosive esophagitis and stomach ulcers. (no slip or erosion, according to my surgeon) That was the assurance that my surgeon needed in order to remove my band. It's coming out in 10 days, if y'all haven't read my previous posts.

I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from getting the band....just PLEASE be aware of the potential side effects or problems that exist.

I can't wait to be able to eat "normally" with no feelings of being stuck or the horrible reflux. Yes, I'm looking forward to eating the "bad" stuff, but I also can't wait to eat grapes, carrots, apples, and tomatoes (with the peels on!).

One day I guess I'll get to goal. But until then, I look forward to feeling normal again.

Good luck in all your goals!

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Wow I am so incredibly sorry. That is awful. Will your esophagus and stomach heal once the band comes out? I don't blame you, btw. If I were in your shoes, I'd want it out too.

Are you considering revising to a different WLS?

[critterlady 3]

Thanks, Mis. No, no revision for me. I"m ready to do this by myself. Or not. I just want to feel better. I know my general health would be better with another 40 lb weight loss, but i'll either do it or I won't. I hope I will, but I'm just looking to feel better. this really sucks.

[Maddysgram 6,159]

Hope you feel better really soon!!

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Well best wishes to you. What matters is that you're healthy and happy, it sounds like it's necessary for that band to come out so you can be that again. Plus, going through life miserable with all those digestive problems is simply no way to live. I'd personally rather be overweight than to live in constant pain.

Good luck!

[elcee 3,340]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience and hope that you are better soon. Good luck too with maintaining all by yourself, I know that I could never do that. I don't have an issue eating healthy food - I do that all the time - I have an issue with the constant hunger that makes me look for food when I shouldn't really need any.

[donna12 742]

I think with your attitude you will be able to take your pounds off, stay positive like you are and get healthy again, you can do it!!! It is a good thing you found this problem before it turned out to be esophagus cancer from all the heartburn and acid reflux. Good luck to you, I have faith in you and keep us posted.

[ElleG 394]

Sorry you had such a bad experience! Hope all goes well with the removal. Best wishes

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

Best wishes my friend! I have to say reflux free life is awesome!!!! Not waking at night choking or with my sinus cavities on fire is a great great thing . And for me it's apples and celery......they are heaven, pure heaven. Good luck, I hope you heal quickly and are a huge success with weight loss on your own. I'm now 2 months out and really fighting not to regain a ton before my revision in February.