Hi LBT family! I'm back from surgery and the news is that the band was removed. All in all, everything went VERY smoothly, and all my fears were alleviated.

Yesterday and this morning I'd worked myself up in to quite a state with all the what-ifs and could-go-wrongs, so it was such a relief to hear the doctors tell me that everything is just fine with me internally. The removal went smoothly, and I'll be back at work on Wednesday or Thursday.

In three or four weeks I'm going to follow up with the doctors, and at that time I'll start thinking about replacing it with the VG band. But one step at a time. For now I'm healing and drinking and being grateful for good friends (shout out to Alexra!!) and great doctors, and this support group which keeps me going.

Just another stop on the band journey. :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1:

So glad for the good report! So many people are pulling for you--glad you can feel that. Keep us posted. Take it easy recover well!

I came back looking for this update!!!!!!!!!

So glad things went smoothly, and also glad you will be able to get a new band!

It's amazing how fast it all goes. I'm very glad to hear that everything went so smoothly, and you don't have any signs of complications - internal or otherwise! You may have already addressed this, but why the VG band?

I'm feeling about 80% myself today; it is amazing how fast, indeed!

My thinking about the VG band is that my original band was always snug. I don't know for sure but according to my doctor's records I never had more than about 1.5ccs of fill. And as time went by, the fit got tighter and tighter and ultimately as it turned out I could tolerate no fill at all.

The VG band is bound to be looser at the start and gives much more leeway for fills. My doctor said that if it had been available when I was banded he'd probably have used it in the first place. So all that tells me it would be a better tool for me if (when?) I decide to replace the band.

And you know what? I'm already hungry. :confused:

Alexandra,

I, along with many others, have been thinking of you all day yesterday and today. I'm SO happy and relieved that when I finally got online just now, there was an update and it was great news! I am so happy that everything went smoothly, and that you're feeling well and are possibly getting another band soon! Great news all around! Please keep us posted regularly!

I am so glad to hear that you came out of surgery so well. I have been thinking of you. Best of luck to you in whatever path is in your future.

I'm glad you're doing well. Take it easy and rest. I was also interested in knowing if the band was removed via laproscopy? Thanks.

Thanks everyone, so much, for your nice words. It's so great to know this community is pulling for us when one of us has a hurdle to get over. It really means a lot!

To answer the question, yes, the removal was done laparascopically. I have four little puncture wounds, the bandages come off on Thursday, and then steri-strips that will come off by themselves. Last time I had staples, so this is like a vacation! :biggrin1:

So glad to hear you are home and recovering!

I managed to miss your whole last thread until today. I'm so glad that they were able to remove without incident and your insides all look good :confused:.

Definitely keep us updated please!

So glad you are feeling better and taking time to heal, Your positive attitude is such an inspiration! Keep smiling and I am sure you are able to follow through with whatever you decide!

Phew! great to hear you got through the surgery safe and sound Alex, I'm delighted for you. You sound like your usual calm self - I hope you recover easily and quickly - thinking of you! I'll check in for news of your rebanding soon hopefully

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Hi Alexandra, Hope you are feeling ok both physically and emotionally. Why don't you wait until the new AP band is released in America? It is thought to be much less likely to slip, and it is also thought to facilitate more weight loss than other bands. I have the AP ( Small).

Good on ya!:clap2:

Susannah

Hey Alex! So happy to hear that your surgery went well. Keep us posted!

Hi Alexandra, Hope you are feeling ok both physically and emotionally. Why don't you wait until the new AP band is released in America? It is thought to be much less likely to slip, and it is also thought to facilitate more weight loss than other bands. I have the AP ( Small).

Good on ya!:clap2:

Susannah

Hi Susannah,

I don't know anything about the AP band, unfortunately. And with my insurance situation, I probably don't have the option of just waiting until something new is approved. With our FDA, that could take years! There are still only two types of bands approved in the U.S. as far as I know. But thanks for the suggestion!

OMG!!

I haven't been here in ages, and THIS is what I find?!?!

I am so grateful your surgery went well, and that rebanding is covered, and all seems to be well in hand.

I miss you!!

xxoo

Donali