I had a band long ago (before they were adjustable). I was really sick for a long time, but then it was great! I lost over 100 lbs and had wonderful health and energy. Then erosion required that it be removed. After 6 years, I have gained it all back plus. Most doctors don't want to reband me because of the scar tissue created when I was unbanded. I am 56 years old, and the future doesn't look good. I would have to be selfpay.

Has anyone else had any experiences like this? Any suggestions?

Sorry for your troubles.

To clarify:

Are you saying you had the older VBG (The Vertical Banded Gastropexy) which is the older non-adjustable band ???

This procedure was performed widely up until the late 1990's. It started falling out of favor beginning around the year 2000 - due to the extremely complication and failure rate (high rates of erosion, staple line disruption, and re-gain of previously lost weight.)

Hopefully someone here will have some relevant experiences to share with you here. But if not, if you check another website, "ObesityHelp", they have a forum called "Second Time Around" for Weight Loss Surgery patients who are getting a second form of surgery. Apparently, there are quite a few VBG patients who are now being converted to LapBanders (and some converted to RnY)... You'll probably find some great info there.

If most doctors don't want to reband you, then you should consider the reason why. I don't know many surgons that would turn away a pateint without it being in their best interest. Have you considered another type of WLS. Goodluck.