I'm scheduled to have my lap-band removed. After struggling with pain for the past 4 1/2 years, and minor weight loss (30 pounds), I am ready to say goodbye to the band. When I got banded in 2008, I had all good intentions. Follow up with the doctor, follow the diet guidelines, and get support through classes. I tried to find the sweet spot. After being filled, unfilled, refilled, there was never any sweet spot. In fact, with the band unfilled, I still have restriction, and pain. The pain is centered in my chest, and feels like someone is standing on my sternum when I wake up in the morning. The band has my stomach so irritated, I cannot eat eggs in the morning, and must stick to liquids. Any vegetables I eat must be heavily steamed. And if I'm in a social situation, and take a bite of food without chewing thoroughly, I will throw it up. Even the most unlikely foods (like Japanese seaweed salad) reacts with my band. Rice? Forget it. Steak? Nope. How about a chilean sea bass? It's not tolerated.

This is no way to live life. I am tired of the burping. I'm tired of the pain.

So, enough is enough, and the band is coming out. Yes, I know it's a tool, and not the answer to my weight loss, but it was a tool that hurt more than it helped.

Wish me luck. Out it comes next week.

I wish you luck and success!! If you need any tips on maintaining your weight after the surgery, just let me know!! It's been 18 months since mine was removed, and I'm maintaining!! It isn't easy, but you can do it. Also, I understand your want of relief from the pain. :-)

Best of luck and life to you!

Best wishes!

Thanks for the well wishes. The band is gone, and I'm recovering from the surgery. I can tell this was the right decision because I can take deep breaths again, and no longer feel the foreign object in my chest.

Best of luck to everyone on your journey. I'm going to take the holistic approach now, before considering surgery again.

Take care,

Patti

Thanks for the well wishes. The band is gone' date=' and I'm recovering from the surgery. I can tell this was the right decision because I can take deep breaths again, and no longer feel the foreign object in my chest.

Best of luck to everyone on your journey. I'm going to take the holistic approach now, before considering surgery again.

Take care,

Patti[/quote']

I just got mine removed Tuesday I'm just trying to find out if anyone still feels like its still in and if the heartburn goes away soon I still have it.

Beth

I would love some helpful tips on maintaining after removal. I'm having mine removed in the next month . And trying to mentally prepare myself for the journey ahead. Any advice would be great!

glad your are feeling relief....~hugs~

I just got mine removed Tuesday I'm just trying to find out if anyone still feels like its still in and if the heartburn goes away soon I still have it.

Beth

I just spoke with my surgeon it takes 3-5 days to feel better like the band is no longer there he said that it takes time for the stomache to soften up and not feel like its still in there.

I just spoke with my surgeon it takes 3-5 days to feel better like the band is no longer there he said that it takes time for the stomache to soften up and not feel like its still in there.

Still not feeling better and it is going to be 3 weeks after the removal going to make appt with my gastro doctor

By all means please post your post band experience. Mine will be coming out too, I fear.

By all means please post your post band experience. Mine will be coming out too' date=' I fear.[/quote']

Coming out was not so bad it's the recovery that I'm having issues, as soon as I make my appt with the gastro doctor ill post wallaby the results are, don't be nervous at lest I'm not throwing up or my food no longer gets stuck worst feeling ever.

Mine is coming out Friday for about the same reasons. They said it was moving down my stomach. I'm scared!

I am wanting my band removed.i have had nothing but problems from it.im soooo over it

I am post band removal over a month still don't feel 100% still have the heartburn and a menthol feeling in my mouth and throat went to gastro they don't know what it is had a sonogram!! Driving me nuts anyone out there have similar feelings?