Still mourning the loss of my band

[finding_a_healthy_way 12]

Hi all,

Today marks 5 months since I had an emergency operation to remove my lap-band due to over-restriction resulting in a pouch dilation. I pleaded with my surgeon not to take it out. When they put me under I still thought they were just going to re-adjust it. When I woke I was told it was removed. I vomited and cried with the shock. My recovery was incredibly slow and far more painful than the initial operation to have it put in.

Since that time I have been working hard not to gain any weight. Exercising, watching my intake etc, but just talking about it gets me upset. My surgeon and the clinic gave me no support and denied all responsibility, blaming it on me. I want to reach out to other people in sililar situations to discuss coping mechanisms and look on our experiences together with a positive edge. It has been a real challenge for me and I'm sure I'm not alone.

I know there have been many great things happened as a result of having a band for 11 months, losing weight, gaining confidence, taking up sports etc, but I still find it hard to 'get over' the horrible experience of having my band taken out against my will.

All advice, stories, and general support are welcomed and appreciated. Thank you

[Lanah 0]

I just had mine removed on Monday without warning as well. I also pleaded with him, Since he no longer places lap bands, I asked for a revision. He said there was too much swelling. I won't have another surgery. I am so worried about weight gain.

Have you been able to keep off any weight gain in these last 5 months? Because if you have that gives me a lot of hope. i will do what I need to do even though I am still feel very sad I don't have my band.

[finding_a_healthy_way 12]

@@Lanah Hey there! Thank you for commenting and sharing your experience. I know exactly what you have gone through, it's disappointing and scary and I know I certainly felt afraid. I wrote this post back in December and so I've now had my band out for 10 months. Though I haven't been able to keep all the weight off, I initially gained a little slowly (and freaked out about it) but have since stabilized and stopped gaining. Instead of getting obsessive about the scale I've focused more on health and fitness goals; as a result I look and feel really good! People compliment me on my bright skin and vigour, I have found a balance of how much food I really need.

It's something I would have NEVER said a few month ago when I was sad and angry but I wonder now if it had to happen for me to feel this kind of freedom? I don't think I could have travelled with a band like I do now for fear of complications; any WLS can be quite debilitating, especially when one is wearing an internal device which may malfunction at anytime.

I have of course had my ups and downs, and it may be that you gain a bit of weight but that's OKAY because your body if finding where it is most healthy without the device. My advice is don't freak out and do any crash diets (which was tempting for me), try to continue eating as you did with the band, try not to eat late at night, and have confidence that you can do this and live a healthy life without the need of the band. You've come so far and been through so much pain already, there's no limit to what you can do in the future. Ultimately, keep the faith that it will all turn out well. Good luck and feel free to message me if you need some extra support as it's good for me to keep contact with other people in the same situation!

[Lanah 0]

Thank you thank you thank you.

Just what I needed to read.

I just keep reading everyone having revisions; it is scary.

Great job maintaining and getting healthy. You are very motivating to me.

[CMD1480 1]

I am literally sitting in the waiting room at the hospital about to get my band taken out. Your story is very encouraging (besides where they didn't do what you wanted ). I am so nervous to lose my lapband but I haven't eaten in 12 days. Diet, exercise, and strength from God from this point on!

[finding_a_healthy_way 12]

@@CMD1480 Hey! I know that incredibly nervous/ scared feeling you're having. By now I suppose your band will have been taken out. But relish the freedom!! Sure, things are more challenging in terms of self control etc but the band was a tool which helped you to get where you are now, and it was something which eventually was doing more harm than it was good, so now you're better off without it. How've you been doing since the removal? Hope all is well