Lap Band Disasters

[Lulu0717 0]

I was so happy to have my lap band surgically implanted. It took awhile to get approvals from my Insurance company but when I received the approvals - it was smooth sailing. I experienced a very slow start but once I hit the 1 year mark I knew how to manipulate the band so when I had to throw up, I had some coffee cups with lids around, and a clear line to a closed door office to take care of business.

It turns out that after about 20 months with the band it got to the point that I couldn't even swallow Water without throwing up violently. I was under alot of stress at work, and at home, but dam i was thin! The thinnest I'd ever been as an adult. I lost over 100 pounds which was not standard. It was a byproduct of not being able to eat.. It finally got so bad that I was admitted to the emergency room and after tests I found out that I had band erosion into my stomach as well as a bad infection - so they removed the band.

Turns out, here i am 2 years after losing the band - can't get another weight loss surgery as my ins co only will approve one per lifetime, and I've gained back about 80 pounds. So, I feel I am worse off than i was prior to the surgery. I have scar tissue in my stomach which doesn't allow me to sleep in certain positions as it 'pulls' and I am gaining weight no matter what i do.

Lap band is a disaster - everyone I know who had it, now wants it out - or has changed to sleeve.

[needtorecover 574]

Wow... Did you keep up with your follow-up care with your doctor? The Lap Band isn't just a one-and-done deal where you get the band and you're on your own. You're supposed to go back once a month until your restriction is correct and then once every 6 months for follow-up to make sure everything's working as it should.

No reputable surgeon would've allowed you to get to that point. I'm sorry for what you went through but the Lap Band is a great tool for many folks (myself included). It does require a lot of vigilance and proper after care.