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 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?

I'm not feeling that way but I am post band removal... 2 weeks!

So happy when I got my band in March 2010, had no problems that couldn't be handled after the surgery. Lost about 40%, which I understand is pretty close to normal, in the first year. Second year I started joking/complaining that if I didn't know better I felt I didn't have a band, meaning that I didn't have any symptoms that others seem to complain about. Into the third year, an insult from the NP and a promise she would call me with some test results last September and I have yet to hear from her, I switched clinics and seen my new doctor last Thursday. He asked when was my last fill and if they had been done under fluoroscope. Mine had all been done blind. Before he would give me a fill he checked the band with the barium only to find my band has eroded. I have not had any discomfort, no pain, no heartburn, no nothing. Come to find out in researching the band all weekend, 1 out of 3 bands erode and usually three years is when problems arise. Now I'm scheduled for an endoscopy on Thurs to see how bad this is, then scheduling for the removal and don't have a choice on this. This really makes me sad, as I had faith in the band and felt so good, actually still do. Just wish I had done better research and made a different choice, so I wouldn't have to go through another surgery or two. So to all of you that have had problems from almost day one and now want the band out I empathize. For me, who never had a problem even to complain about had to be that one out of three, that has an eroded band and didn't even know it and wish it didn't have to be removed.

So happy when I got my band in March 2010' date=' had no problems that couldn't be handled after the surgery. Lost about 40%, which I understand is pretty close to normal, in the first year. Second year I started joking/complaining that if I didn't know better I felt I didn't have a band, meaning that I didn't have any symptoms that others seem to complain about. Into the third year, an insult from the NP and a promise she would call me with some test results last September and I have yet to hear from her, I switched clinics and seen my new doctor last Thursday. He asked when was my last fill and if they had been done under fluoroscope. Mine had all been done blind. Before he would give me a fill he checked the band with the barium only to find my band has eroded. I have not had any discomfort, no pain, no heartburn, no nothing. Come to find out in researching the band all weekend, 1 out of 3 bands erode and usually three years is when problems arise. Now I'm scheduled for an endoscopy on Thurs to see how bad this is, then scheduling for the removal and don't have a choice on this. This really makes me sad, as I had faith in the band and felt so good, actually still do. Just wish I had done better research and made a different choice, so I wouldn't have to go through another surgery or two. So to all of you that have had problems from almost day one and now want the band out I empathize. For me, who never had a problem even to complain about had to be that one out of three, that has an eroded band and didn't even know it and wish it didn't have to be removed.[/quote']

Same problem..

Wish mine didnt have to go but had no choice.

I was banded Nov 2010. I was doing great for the first year but I was overfilled by the NP in my office for 3 fills and began to have issues. I PB all the time. I have had 2 barium swallows since June 2012 with the second one being this past week. My esophagus is in distention. I have horrible heart burn, I cannot eat solid protien so I am living on slider foods, tea, yogurt, shakes. I have regained all of my weight and I feel like a failure. I am not happy with my band. I am uncomfortable and I need to have it removed. My surgeon wants to switch my to an RNY. He said the RNY is the best for people with reflux issues. Now, I have been completely unfilled since December 2012 due to a horrible stuck episode that lasted for 3 hours of me in the bathroom PBing......I am still tight, I have full restriction even though my band is empty. I think this just isn't the tool for me. I am so scared of the RNY but I am 40years old and I have done every diet known to man. I feel like this is my only option but I am still scared. I am waiting for my insurance to give the go ahead...yes I am stressing from all of this and the heartburn isn't helping...sorry for the rant...

Hi louismom, I had my band out 2 months ago and still have the heartburn it's getting better though, the RNY was not an option for me I'm too nervous to do that or the sleeve I don't really want to go through anymore surgeries I haven't gained any of my weight back I actually lost 10 lbs snd am now exercising 4 days a week thanks to my husband who is helping me and giving me the motivation I needed for now that is what I'm going to stick with for now you never know what the future my bring I might change my mind if I did I would do the sleeve the RNY is just too risky I work for a doctor and saw and heard things that changed my mind away from the RNY but to each is own if that's what you want then you should do it good luck! : ) just take time to heal before you do anymore surgery!

Beth

Hi beth, what did your doc say about te RNY? You can message me if you like. My doc won't do the sleeve, they are not doing the sleeve where I live.

Hi beth' date=' what did your doc say about te RNY? You can message me if you like. My doc won't do the sleeve, they are not doing the sleeve where I live.[/quote']

Hi Louismom,

My doctor just said that it has different risks than the sleeve, it's less invasive. I'm just not the type of person who is comfortable rearranging my insides I am 47 years old and have three kids I'm just scared, I know of a patient that lost her hair and was and still sick from the surgery it doesn't happen to everyone, don't let me scare you, I do know a lot of patients that did amazing and look and feel great! So whatever your choice is good luck!

P.S look around your area for another doctor and see about the sleeve and get information on it.

I agree--bye bye lap band, it's been real....a real pain!

I was banded almost 7 years ago. As of two days ago, I am banded no more.I can feel the relief already. The pressure is gone, no more pain, I can swallow normally, even my breathing seems better. I am wondering if my bowel issues will improve--so far, so good, but it's only been two days.

I have hated myself for the band's failure 6 of the 7 years. The first year, I lost a bit more than 100 pounds. My surgeon told me how wonderful I was doing, I got compliments galore, I looked pretty darn good, but I was in misery. I could hardly eat anything without being sick and vomiting and I had to travel back and forth to the surgeon (2 hrs each way) to get a fill, get some taken out, get some, get it all taken out, start again...and again. I had bad lower back pain the whole first year. The doctor determined that I indeed had gall stones--the probable cause of the back pain, so had my gall bladder removed--but after the surgery, I still had the same pain (gee, could it have been the band?). Then I developed very bad reflux--so bad I was vomiting in my sleep and aspirating it, and therefore, usually ended up on puffers. I then developed 'motility' issues where it felt like sometimes that food got stuck and I would have to vomit, in spite of eating slow and chew chew chewing. The motility issues even happened with Water. I was on Tecta for reflux, had nitro pills for the swallowing issues, puffers for my lungs, and then started meds for anxiety. I had no fill in my band for months at a time and still I could not eat a healthy meal without pain, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. Then I discovered ways to "eat around" the band because I was hungry--this meant choosing foods that would go down more easily--fatty foods, foods with gravy, sauces, creamy things--and I started to gain weight. So I would go back and do the fill thing--and suffer again. The surgeon thought he should have a look at the band, even offered to replace it to see if that would help. So I went for that two years ago--a new band. That did not help. Same issues. I have not had a fill in about a year and have managed to keep off about 35 of the original 100 I lost.

Seven years of hell for 35 pounds. Hmmmm.

I know it works for lots of people. And for you lucky ones, hurray for you! Excellent. But please do not tell those for whom the band does not work that we do not try hard enough, that we do not follow the rules--it does NOT work for everyone and it is NOT our fault.

I just had my band removed after having it for nearly 9 years. I could not be happier. I had complications all the time with the band-- it would also get loose, then tight-- and it was a nightmare trying to take any medications. I don't regret getting it, it was right for me at the time. I lost about 70 lbs, but now have it all back again. I had to keep getting unfills because it would get too tight, swollen, stressed. I was a good bandster (had my mistakes and bad steps, but in 9 years, who wouldn't!). When the doc removed it he said the port was "swimming in pus" and that I had a small erosion of the stomach. I'm only 2 weeks band free, but I'm excited for the next step in the journey of life. I know I'm going to be without this "tool" but i'm okay without it and I shall do the best I can.

Well, my band is gone!!!! I had my band to RNY bypass may 14th. In over that 1 week, I am down 14lbs. I am feeling great and happy to have the band gone. I am still home recovering, because it was 2 surgeries not one. I am walking everyday, and doing great. No more issues with pain or swallowing. Thank god...

Similar story to all the others so bye bye band on 6/25 ! Going to be sleeved. Bye bye band I won't miss you but you taught me so many things about myself in the last 5 1/2 years and helped me not balloon to 400 lbs. hello sleeve to continue my journey to a healthier me.

I wish you all well. I've only had my band 6 months who knows what is down the pike for me but so far I'm holding onto the band.

My daughter on the other hand is going for the vertical sleeve on June 18rh. Her surgeon stopped doing bands because of the high failure rate she told me. She opted for the sleeve over bypass because she did not want the problems bypass surgery can cause. For instance, her surgeon told her she can never ever have anything containing sugar and he also mentioned about uncontrollable diarrhea . She's a high school teacher so she could not take that chance.

Wishing all the people that are now non-banded success on ther weight loss journey

I wish you all well. I've only had my band 6 months who knows what is down the pike for me but so far I'm holding onto the band.

My daughter on the other hand is going for the vertical sleeve on June 18rh. Her surgeon stopped doing bands because of the high failure rate she told me. She opted for the sleeve over bypass because she did not want the problems bypass surgery can cause. For instance, her surgeon told her she can never ever have anything containing sugar and he also mentioned about uncontrollable diarrhea . She's a high school teacher so she could not take that chance.

Wishing all the people that are now non-banded success on ther weight loss journey

Good luck to your daughter. I too though the bypass is not for me. That is why I chose the sleeve. I think my surgeon only does bands if someone really wants it. I don't think he recommends it. He was not my original surgeon though but I am 100% confident in my new surgeon. That is the only advice I can give on he sleeve, since there is more risk than the band, make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon and he has answered all of your questions. After all surgery is no light decision. Sorry got off on a tangent. I just want to wish your daughter well on her journey.

Thank you, I appreciate it. I think she has age on her side. I would only convert to the sleeve if my surgeon felt it was necessary.

Louisemom,

Wow! You're story hits real close to home for me! I was banded in 2009, and lost 60 lbs the first year. Second year, my weight loss slowed down, and I started having problems keeping food down. in 2011 I was diagnosed with severe RA and had onset of symptoms, so my weight loss took a back seat. I've gotten to the point now, where no foods stay down. Most days I am lucky if I am able to eat a few bites of food.... All DAY. If any food does stay down, it upsets my stomach terribly. I always have stomach "discomfort", as if I've just eaten Thanksgiving dinner, even though my stomach is empty. My port site alway feels bruised or sore. Some days even a sip of water feels like it is "stuck". I have been taking steroids for two years straight, up to 60mgs a day at some points, in order to keep some of the inflammation under control. Taking all the pills is a nightmare. And of course I have gained every single flipping pound back. I feel like a failure. Which is one reason I haven't seen my doc about this issue. Plain and simple, I am embarrassed.

Until I read your posts, I thought maybe it was the inflammation causing my problems, but now I wonder if there is a problem with my band?

Thank u for opening my eyes! I am so very tired of throwing up six to ten times a day! I thought this was something I was just going to have to live with. But now I wonder if there is hope that this can be fixed!

Shelly