How I Got Here

[Riaa90 9]

I was banded in 2006 when I was 16 years old (part of a child study) back then I didn't know what I was getting myself into, not to mention I wasn't mature enough to fully grasp that it was a life changing experience. Since the beginning I had many complications. I never followed the post op liquid/ purée diet and I look back now in disgust with myself. I lost only 40 lbs in the first 2 years, only because I learned how to control my band. I drank while eating, and then would throw up my food only to re eat what I had lost. Eventually I gave myself a hiatal hernia from all the abuse i was giving my band, i also made myself a second stomach (a bulging pouch above my band). My doctors decided to revise my band and fix my hernia in 2009, since then I just haven't had any success. Now, being older and more mature knowing that I have to focus on my health I am in the process of being sleeved. So far I have lost 10 lbs pre op, just waiting for a date. I'm so excited and terrified at the same time, I hope I will have better luck this time.

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

It sounds like you are already doing some of the preparation work. The band SUCKS there is no doubt about it, but I think we can all look back and see how we could have done things better - how we contributed to the less then stellar success. I am trying to learn from my mistakes and to learn from people on these forums that are MOST successful.

The sleeve does a much better job of reducing appetite/reducing food desire, but, you still need to work at it. This won't be a surprise to a bandster, but seems to be a surprise to some people who are sleeved as their first WLS.

Good luck!

[petite-size-me! 70]

The band does not remove the upper part of the stomach the produces the hormone hunger sensation., tue sleeve does The band imo is about as clever as wiring your teeth shut, your still hungry and if u try hard enough u can get past it. 16 is so young as well.

Forgive yourself. First off, it wasn't your fault. Yes, you could have acted in a way completely unknown to you and beyond your years, but.. C'mon.. It isn't likely any of us would have succeeded in those circumstances.

If you look for a silver lining, treat it like my first marriage-- damn it sucked! But now I know how good my second marriage is and appreciate my husband so much more!

Ditch that ex band and get it on with your new partner, the sleeve! You can do it!

[reshiapooh96 31]

I am so glad you mentioned a second bulging stomach. I am looking toward to the revision also. But I asked my Dr. why was my upper stomach so huge? He turned, looked at me, and said "I DON'T KNOW" and then turned and walked out the door. I look a good 7 months pregnant. Deep down inside I sort of felt that maybe I had made a second upper belly due to the band always being too tight. Nevertheless; My Dr. never requested any tests to be done no matter how much I complained about stomach issues, port issues or throat issues. I blame myself for not completely following the rules but the wrong foods were easier to swallow. You were 16 and I was 55. No matter how young or old, We both made the wrong choice. I will be seeing another Dr. soon, the appointment has been set.

[petite-size-me! 70]

I am so glad you mentioned a second bulging stomach. I am looking toward to the revision also. But I asked my Dr. why was my upper stomach so huge? He turned' date=' looked at me, and said "I DON'T KNOW" and then turned and walked out the door. I look a good 7 months pregnant. Deep down inside I sort of felt that maybe I had made a second upper belly due to the band always being too tight. Nevertheless; My Dr. never requested any tests to be done no matter how much I complained about stomach issues, port issues or throat issues. I blame myself for not completely following the rules but the wrong foods were easier to swallow. You were 16 and I was 55. No matter how young or old, We both made the wrong choice. I will be seeing another Dr. soon, the appointment has been set.[/quote']

Do u still have the same dr?

[reshiapooh96 31]

No don't. He left his practice and a new Dr. is taking over. I'm really co fused.

[petite-size-me! 70]

No don't. He left his practice and a new Dr. is taking over. I'm really co fused.

My thoughts were, that's just not good enough. If u were reporting issues he should have been fixing them not saying I dont know. Sounds like he thought lap band was easy do and then had lots of complications because he was unresponsive or lazy about adjustments and post op care.

I hope the new dr is much more helpful! Are u able to get more info, second opinion etc? Surely being confused isn't good going into another surgery.

[reshiapooh96 31]

You're right , I will request to have tests done to find out about the status of my band. If there's any problem at all, I'm sure this Dr. will want the band taken out and so would I. as a matter of fact, one Dr. has already mentioned that he could remove it and I could go with the sleeve or bypass. and thats by going on my complaints. Thnx for your input.