Starting over - suggestions and support welcome

[DunRum 1]

Good afternoon,

I had lap band surgery about 8 years ago. I did ok and lost weight but i never got to my goal. I had several providers leave the practice that I went to and gradually i stopped going all together. Needless to say i gained the weight back . I have decided to bite the bullet and start again. I have an appointment next Friday. I am scared and embarrassed but there is still some hope lingering. I was just wondering if anyone has been thru this ?

Edited September 25, 2020 by DunRum

[The Greater Fool 2,071]

I've been scared and embarrassed before.

When you talk to your Doc, take responsibility and be honest about what went right and what went wrong.

You're not the first to be where you are, and things usually work out.

Good luck,

Tek

[ChubRub 1,709]

Good luck to you!! Maybe you can do revision to sleeve or RNY??? Like previously said, no need to be embarrassed!

[jfc193 719]

Certainly no need to be embarrassed, I have had my ups and down loosing and gaining weight with the lapband. Mine 4cc lap band was put in 13 Years ago.

As has been mentioned before be honest with your new doctor

[Lauren_Dew 53]

I am so happy to see some fellow lap banders out there still fighting the good fight and sharing some positive stories.

I've had my band since March 2008. I lost the majority of my weight in the first 6-9 months (from 200lbs down to 140lbs, i'm only 5'2") and managed to stay within a maintenance range for the past 12+ years, which included 2 pregnancies and a my fair share of fluctuations along the way. In the past year i have made some more habit changes that led me to drop another 20ish pounds leaving me at about 120-125lbs at 5'2". I have didn't have a physical adjustment (a fill), to get me there, as i've had good restriction for the last few years, but it was a mental adjustment that got me there for sure!

I can totally relate to the feelings you're having about going back in for an adjustment, and especially to the situation where a lot of the members of my old practice had left. But the thing is, the lap band is ALL ABOUT ADJUSTMENTS! That's how our tool works! Going back in and checking on your band and seeing if you need an adjustment is the best thing you can do for yourself!

And you know what, it will probably take more than one adjustment to get you to the right spot! And that is just fine! That's how it works with the band. In fact, they'll likely do a full check (complete with barium swallow) on how your band is looking and how your restriction is looking and that is a good thing too! We need to take care of our tool.

An adjustment is probably just want you need...but don't forget to make it more than just a fill! Bring back some of the behaviors that led to succeed the first time around! Best of luck and hope to hear an update on how you're doing!

[Veradg 1]

I have had my lap band for 11 years . I lost about 90 pounds and was fighting to maintain but had cancer twice 5 years ago and had not been to see my surgeon but after struggling with acid reflux and weight gain I made the decision to get my band checked about a month ago he did a X-ray and saw that my band was too tight so he removed almost all of the Fluid. I had a month of freestyle eating I went back for a recheck I gained about 4 pounds. He is going to gradually refill me. What I’m trying to say is go to your surgeon he will help you that is his job. I’m feeling really optimistic!!

[wincha 18]

I went back after a few years. I gained weight due to inactivity - torn meniscus and surgery. Next year bilateral Achilles tendonitis and several months ago a slip on ice fracturing my ankle and surgery and 2 broken wrists. Then I took one bone building pill, Fosomax, that tore my stomach apart. She took 2 cc out and gave me a script. Feeling hungry was awful, even tho I didn’t eat much I gained. Went back to my previous fill and realized I should have gone more slowly. I’m able to get a cup of Soup down and some mush green Beans on Thanksgiving. By Monday I should be better or I’ll get in again and take a cc out of my fill. There was absolutely NO judgement by the NP. She was very helpful.