Hello All,

This is a rant about my experience and feelings. I got banded on August 4nd 2007 (4 months ago). In researching the surgery, I thought it to be the perfect solution. I understood the complications, but as a young, healthy person, I thought I was safe from them (WRONG).

Prior to being banded, I was 215lbs. I was a runner and a salad lover. I was also a "out of control portion" eater. I decided to get the band so I could loose weight in order to get pregnant.

After the surgery:

First couple of weeks I struggled severely, I had no restriction and kept on asking myself; "if I have to work this hard to be on post op diet... etc, then why did I get banded??" (WHY INDEED). I got my first fill and still no restriction. I still managed to loose 15 lbs. Got my second fill, it was too tight. I started experiencing really bad acid reflux (by the way, I NEVER knew what heartburn was prior to getting banded).

After my first unfill, I expressed my concerns to my doctor; I told him that I did not feel "right" something was off. But of course, according to my surgeon, it was all in my head, so I was sent on my merry way. A week later, I called my surgeon, again, with symptoms of an overfill. I went in and got the band completely deflated. A week later, same symptoms. WTF???

OH, my band had slipped. I guess that it was not all in my head after all.

I received a call from my surgeon yesterday telling me that I had other WLS "options" (I am now 170 lbs, for my height, I am not even considered obese anymore, overweight yes, but not obese). OK, no WAY!!! after all the pain that I have been through, and after dismissing me the way he did, would I consider revision or any other WLS. I told him I wanted it removed. SOOOOOOO.... I am going in on Monday to get it taken out.

I have to say that I have learned a lot from my time being banded. Mainly, chewing my food and eating slowly. I hope that I can continue these good habits. I am in a lot of pain at the moment; I have not eaten in 3 days and am only able to keep Water down if I sip very very slowly. I am looking forward to regaining my energy. My husband and I will be signing up for the Rock and Roll marathon in June! I am most looking forward to dusting off my running shoes (or dusting?? :-)). I just miss the high I used to get from running and I miss my old energy level that I never regained after getting banded... Oh, AND I can’t WAIT to eat a leafy green salad and sink my teeth into a crunchy apple. Mmmmmmmm

Anywhoo, I think that I will go study now, OH; did I mention that I am a graduate student one week away from finals? Well I am... So I am hoping for a quick recovery.

If you have made it this far reading my rant I congratulate you. Here is a bonus question: How long is the recovery period after band removal?

Good luck to you all!

Hala

Want2beme,

My pleasure! that was the idea. I just wanted to share my experience first hand.

I have to say, I am much happier! I have been able to maintain (even loose a couple of lbs). I just take it one day at a time. Hopefully I will be able to loose more weight!

Please feel free to ask me any questions!

Take care and good luck!

Thanks for your post.

I related to the part of pre/post op dieting...those who are able to do that and lose weight..... why did they get the band since they proved to be able to diet? That's not really a question.

I wasn't able to do any preop diet. I did 2 days of liquids and that killed me. Post op? Nah...I was eating normally by weeks end.

Exercise...not a lick.

Counting calories/carbs/fat grams.... no thank you.

The band has forced me to relearn how to eat. Has forced me to modify my behavior. The band didn't do these things...it forced me to do them.

Good luck to yourself and congrats on the weight loss. You did GREAT for that short amount of time.