I had my lap band surgery in Mexico on 9/9/09 and have not had any solid foods since! I went for Xrays and even saw Dr. Fielding at NYU and was told that the band was tight even with no saline in it. So I am living with this band for almost 5 years and have only lost 50 lbs bringing me to 330 lbs. Have arthritis in hips and knees and need cane to get around. But was told if I can lose weight that the mobility would be much better. I live on Fage yogurt and Boost protein drinks/ NO more. Anyone else have a similar problem?????????????

Can Dr Fielding help? I used his wife for my surgery. It can't be healthy for you to not be able to eat solid food.

First congratulations on losing so much weight under difficult circumstances.

Second, I've never heard of such a situation as you describe.

Third, if it were me, I'd be seeking further expert medical advise.

Do you have a list of benefits and complaints related to your situation?

I think we could all learn from your experience.

Please keep us advised.

Jack, I believe that after seeing Dr. Fielding and the Xrays that my impression was that the band that was inserted could possibly be a smaller size then I needed. I had this done in Mexico because at the time my insurance would not pay for the procedure. I was not diabetic and my blood pressure was excellent. It still cost me over 5000 out of pocket but at the time was my only choice. You give me congratulations on my weight loss but I am still morbidly obese at 330. Think about having 3 yogurts and 2 to 3 boost drinks per day for almost 5 years. With those calories I should be 250 lbs, which is my fighting weight. I exploded up to 443 after losing my wife and brother in the same year, but was about 380 when I had the surgery. The fact that I am only able to get around with a cane adds insult to injury. Even without the exercise I should have dropped a lot more weight.

AND yes I have had my metabolism checked. The best part is I never have to decide on what is for dinner. But honestly this has been the most frustrating situation for me.

Wow, there has to be someone out there to help you. Do you have insurance now that would cover having the lap-band changed out to something bigger or different?

Is there something keeping you from trying other surgeon/specialist to help with your condition? I mean really, no one is suppose to go through life miserable.

That sounds very depressing which makes it harder to get help for yourself.

I really hope you get help very soon, that is just not acceptable at all.

Keep in touch,

Colleen

I do have insurance but I also had it back in 2009 and was rejected for surgery. That's why I went to Mexico. Maybe it is time for me to see Dr. Fielding back at NYU and check my options. Although I am a procrastinator. If I could lose more weight I would live with the lack of food!

Stop that and get to the Dr. You need someone on your side to correct this, not later but now.

Do you need a little kick in the caboose? ; )

Fight for yourself, you really are worth it.

Colleen

Not being able to eat food should certainly get you qualified for a replacement surgery. I think your idea of going back to Fielding is excellent. The band works by sending signals from the esophagus when food is being swallowed but those squeezes don't happen with yogurt and shakes. You need to be able to eat real food and not be living on sliders. I hope you get the help you need!

Bandista, I had not known about the squeezes sending signals from the esophagus but keep in mind it is not as though I am eating yogurt and boost drinks all day. I usually have three yogurts a day and two boost drinks. With that amount of calories I cannot get my head around the fact that my weight is not going down any longer. People that are stuck in hospital beds that do NO form of exercise whatsoever still seem to lose weight. This entire situation has been a complete and absolute curse for me and the frustration level is through the roof. Not to mention all the isolation that I am forced to live with because it is difficult and painful to get around with the cane. At 330 I am a big guy and I can't tell you how many times I have taken falls and near falls. Everything I do is a struggle so leaving the Apt. is saved for doctor and dentist visits.

I know that something must be done..........

You aren't getting enough nutrition hun. I agree with everyone else. See a doc! God bless you!

Maybe you are sleep walking and eating at night! he he I know we all said it already but PLEASE, go to your Dr and don't quit until someone helps you with this.

Let us know when!

Colleen