I arrived at the hospital at 5:45 am, did all the pre-op (went very smoothly). I met with the nurses and the anesthegiologist and the surgeon. My surgeon's last words, "this shouldn't be a problem I've done 2000, see you when you wake up". They rolled me into the surgery room, strapped me in and said goodnight....

The next thing I know I'm being rolled out of the OR and see my husband talking to the doctor, gave them a small wave and was looking forward to my life as a bandster.

I get settled in my spot in post-op and I over hear the nurse whispering while she's looking at my chart, saying ohhhhhhhhhhh.

The surgeon walks over at this point, while I'm totally out of it and says, "I'm sorry we were unable to place the band". My first thought was, is this a dream? Second thought, a sigh of relief, third thought - What the F????

He tells me that he couldn't get through a wall of scar tissue that was there from a gallbladder surgery I had in 1988. Apparently the scar tissue was so great that there was no way around it.

Now the fun begins...what do I think? what do I feel? all this prep, all the emotion. The surgeon mentions I could have a sleeve done and we can discuss at my post op appt. (not dying to go back to surgery also bad timing to bring this up).

Nurses then came over to me one by one and at least 3 of them said, oh that's too bad, I guess you'll have to do it the old fashioned way...at that moment I was completely defensive and could not believe what I just heard. It came across to me as they were a bit superior and I'm this diet/exercise failure. Which I'm not - I"m very successful at losing, just can't seem to keep it off.

So, now I'm home, experiencing all the pain, soreness and gas that I have prepared to deal with for months, but no band....I'm confused, lost, relieved, excited, sad, just a whole mix of emotion. I hope and I pray that I can turn this whole ordeal into a positive motivational factor to continue on my journey of creating a healthier life. And doing it, "The Old Fashiponed Way".

good luck - I'm sure you'll do great!

Carolk1-

So sorry this happened. I feel really badly for what you're going through. I'm a nurse and I can't imagine saying something so rude to a patient. When you feel better you can let their supervisiors know. That is really unprofessional.

Anyway, take care- hopefully in a day or so you'll be feeling better and can think about what to do.

Jonesy - thanks, I appreciate the support.. I was very surprised at the comments, but I think it confirms that people, even your nurses still think WLS as the wasy way out....

Do you think you might get the sleeve? I was just wondering.....I know you mentioned it in your post. I wonder if you would have to be approved a second time (go through all of the hoops)....or if it would be a shorter process since you have already done everything and been approved. Just curious if you are considering the sleeve. I know you are disappointed, but I definitely believe when a door shuts it is only because there is something better out there for you! I am sorry to hear what happened, but only something better is going to happen for you......I know it! Good Luck dear!

good luck - I'm sure you'll do great!

Thanks Carol!

Lori - I just read about the sleeve and I have no interest in it. I liked the lap band because it was reversible and the sleeve is not. Plus a portion of your stomach is removed with the sleeve. I really don't think that's for me.....thanks for the well wishes.

Boy that sucks!!!!! Had a very similar experience 10 years back when I went for a breast reduction. I was so excited to get those gigantic things cut off and after they got me on the operating table they discovered I was a "bleeder" and stopped surgery.

I was soooooooooooooo angry. But in time they did do it again and everything was great!!! I will keep my finger crossed for you!!! Don't give up!!!

Oh Carol! I am so sorry to hear things didn't work out.

I hope you continue to post here.

Please keep your options open and most importantly, do what is best for YOU!!

Thanks Candle! Congrats on your amazing progress...keep it going.....

WOW - I so feel for you. You are very lucky that you had a great surgeon and he recognized the limitations. I had gall bladder surgery- but it was laparoscopic. You must be going through a tidal wave of emotions. Stay with us for support- you are a merry loser!

Carol,

Just wondering how you are doing today. Hopefully a good night's sleep helped the emotions. I know when i have something hit me nothing seems to help like a deep sleep.

We're still thinking of you. I hope it is helping.

Twi

Hi Carol and all,

I had my gallbladder out in 80. My dr. was surprised by the size of my scar. I had no idea this could stop the ability to place the band. I can't imagine how I would deal with that. Carol I hope you are doing better.

Thanks everyone..I'm feeling physically better today, but mentally/emotionally everything is sinking in...Not to mention, I got on the scale this morning (which was stupid) and I was up 5pounds... I really hope this has to do with the surgery (for whatever reason) and that it will disappear as it quickly as it showed up. I drinking protein shakes and soup today, since I had purchased 6 containers of unjury ahead of time....I'm thinking I may still try to follow the band diet...We'll see how well this works...I just want the soreness and the shoulder pain to go away and my incisions to heal....

Carol,

I am so sorry you had to deal with this!!! I went in for surgery on 11/26/07 to have it canceled because I had gotten a respiratory infection and my lungs sounded junky.. Not the same as your situation, since they rescheduled mine for 12/13/07; but, I did have some of the same emotions you did.... Nurses not understanding why I was upset, jealous seeing other patients being wheeled away.. Angry, that I had done the diet & other pre-op prep to come away with a big fat NADA...Embarassment explaining to family & friends, that no they sent me home.. etc..

I am so very sorry!! I am so very proud of you for your attitude.. Try to keep your eye on the prize & let us know if we can help u.

Bummer! <-- An understatement I'm sure.

Sounds like you are dealing with it pretty well at the moment. I hope you continue to do so.

Some people really have no clue. Those nurses all deserve to be 'itch' slapped!

Sending good vibes your way.