Hello - I was banded 3 1/2 weeks ago & I regretted the decision from the moment I woke up from surgery! I have had some esophageal problems and problems with pain at my port site. Now I know that 3 1/2 weeks out is not long at all. But...will a doctor take a band out this soon after surgery & does there need to be a medical necessity? I also don't have a problem waiting 3 - 6 months if I start feeling better...but I was wondering would it be better to have it removed now or wait?

kmarie,

Do you have pains still? did your doctor think you were rejecting the band? Is there and infection? Have you been filled yet?You can take it out at anytime and it is an open procedure.

The surgery to remove it is done in my understanding identically to the placement. But when they do that you will once again have incision pain.

With an unfilled band you should not be causing increased esophageal problems. Have you addressed that with your Dr.?

If you have no issue with waiting for removal, then my suggestion would be---get your pain under control now, speak with your Dr. make sure there are no underlying infections. Then I would wait -- avoid filling the band until you make a decision. It could be that in a couple of months, once the trauma of the surgery is past, you might decide you want to give the band a chance to help you with the weight. If at that time, you have not changed your mind, you have not lost anything by waiting.

I would suggest waiting, letting yourself heal, both physically and emotionally from surgery. It DOES affect us both ways! It is a life change, and we do react emotionally. Making a decision now might be a bit rash. Give yourself some healing time, I would say.

I hope your pain eases, and your fears subside quickly--let us know how you are doing!

Kat

kmarie,

Do you have pains still? did your doctor think you were rejecting the band? Is there and infection? Have you been filled yet?You can take it out at anytime and it is an open procedure.

My esophagus is still bothering me & the pain by my port is still sore. No, I don't have an infection and I am not filled yet. The doctor thinks maybe my stomach is still swollen from the surgery. I am starting to feel better though.

Thank you Kat for being my voice of reason - I think you are exactly right. I am not filled, and the doctor thinks that the swelling from my stomach is causing pressure on the esophagus. I see him again in 2 weeks and will address it unless it gets worse. Thanks for your post!!

Anytime kmarie, we all have our moments of terror!!! Yours sounds like panic + pain, has you questioning yourself----sounds like you made a good plan to me!

Keep in touch!

Kat

Kmarie I Have Had My Band About As Long As You Have And Feel The Same. I Wanted It Out Realy Bad. Do You Know If The Ins Company Will Pay For A Removal? I Wasn't That Heavy But I Thought I Wanted It. Now After The Fact I'm Sorry I Did.

Guys/gals, I'm so sorry you're not giving your band enough time. I think it's fair to say most of us had the "oh my gosh, what have I done" feeling at some point, post op, but in most cases it passes!

Please give it some time.

Kmarie I Have Had My Band About As Long As You Have And Feel The Same. I Wanted It Out Realy Bad. Do You Know If The Ins Company Will Pay For A Removal? I Wasn't That Heavy But I Thought I Wanted It. Now After The Fact I'm Sorry I Did.

I think the insurance company will only cover a removal if it's considered medically necessary. I see my doctor next week and will talk to him about my options. Good luck to you!

Guys/gals, I'm so sorry you're not giving your band enough time. I think it's fair to say most of us had the "oh my gosh, what have I done" feeling at some point, post op, but in most cases it passes!

Please give it some time.

Thank you!!