I am a frequent lurker, rare poster. However, I wanted to tell my story so others might benefit.

Got my band in April 2005. Did fabulous for about 5 months, got filled to 2 cc's. Was doing well. Had 1 (ONE) bad case of stuckage, and started having reflux after that. From then on I got on the fill, unfill bandwagon. At that point I was having constant bad reflux as well as golfball in chest and burning in throat. I got completely unfilled by December 05 and stayed that way. Continued to have reflux and golf ball.

Started going to both band surgeon and gastroenterologist (referred to by band surgeon). Thru tests, and taking about every PPI known to man, it was determined that my esophagus just wasn't working correctly. It just could not handle the pressure from the band, not even when it was empty.

During this time, it was determined that I did have a very minor slip that wasn't resolving itself. So the thought was maybe this was causing the problems. So in July 2006 I had the slip repaired. This made absolutely NO difference in the reflux and burning esophagus. At this point doc said, there's no other choice, we must remove the band.

So yesterday, my band was removed. I had a few weeks to go through the mourning period. I have lost 85 lbs and am at goal weight. However, I am not looking through rose colored glasses, I realize it will be a struggle to keep the weight off. I am feeling ok from the surgery. Very sore. I had alot of scar tissue so they had to do alot of "digging around" in there to get the band & port out. I'm glad it's all over and I get on with life. Docs think the esophagus burning and reflux will subside, although it could take several months.

What's the point in me writing this you ask? My point is that I was a very strict bandster. I followed all the rules 95 percent of the time. I chewed my food well, I didn't drink with meals, I never had a tight fill, NEVER PB'd, only had one stuckage. I did nothing wrong and I still was not able to tolerate the band. My anatomy just couldn't handle it. I don't feel like the band failed me, or that I failed the band. It just wasn't meant for me.

If this happens to anyone else, please understand that YOU didn't fail. It's just not meant for some of us. Now I'll continue to fight the battle, I am determined to keep this weight off.

Garland Mom

Banded 4/05

Unbanded 9/06

85 Lbs lost

I'm going through the exact same thing right now. Hoping to be un-banded in the next week. Can I ask how much it cost to have it removed?

God bless,

Corinne

I posted on your other thread. My insurance paid and I haven't seen any paperwork or claims come back yet, so I don't know how much it actually cost. Hang in there!