I was banded 3/18/08 and was having a very successful run. I lost almost 50 pounds since January 08 and many of them were due to band. I also work out three day or more at the gym regularly.

The problem was last Wednesday while eating I felt like something got stuck and I waited until Friday to call the dr because I thought it would move through and all would be well. It didnt and I ended up in the emergency room Friday afternoon because my doctor was out of town all this week. When I got there they never took out any fluid, they just admitted me and gave me pain meds. Saturday in the Am hours whatever it was passed and I felt great but they wanted to do a Barium test on me and the test showed that the Barium was not passing through my stomach. It also showed that my band had slipped a small amount. My doctor was not going to back until Monday 6/23/08 so they scheduled me for surgery then. When I talked to my doctor he said that he would try to fix my band and the x rays looked good. They came in Saturday evening and took out 4cc in my band and the Barium passed then. On Monday when i woke up from surgery i found out they took my band. I cannot tell you how SAD i was to hear this. I cried in the recovery room. My doctor never came to talk to me and told my husband that there was too much swelling to adjust the band and that he was afraid that he would tear my stomach. I just wonder why he didnt wait to see if the swelling wouldnt have went down on its own over the next few weeks since the Barium was able to get through after the unfill. I dont know what to do know.

I had my first fill only three weeks ago and he put in 2cc which is alot for the first fill or any fill for that matter. I was feeling good restriction or so I thought was good restriction but I think what I was really feeling was my stomach swelling. I have never had such success before my band And I am so scared now without it. Everyone says I will be just fine but no one knows how hard I have tried. All I can do is cry........

Tears are falling,

Paula

I am so sorry to hear about this. Try to keep your spirits up, and be proud of that 50 lb loss. God must have a different plan for you. I'm sorry you have had such a hard time. Take Care.

Hi Paula08, What a thing to go through! I think that they should have waited after your "unfill" for a day or two before they took your band out. Remember how hard you worked to lose that weight, and a lot of it was your will to do it. The band only helped you feel fuller. Don't give up, because I know exactly how you feel, and I would be scared too but I want you to show them all and lose more weight. Go to your doctor once a month anyway, and weigh in...that helps me. Good luck, jlg1019

I am so sorry to hear about the lose of your band. I hope in the future you can get a new one.

I'm so sorry to hear you lost your band. Will the Dr. put it back on later?

I am sorry you are going through this. Just try to remember that you did not go through this surgery for nothing. Maybe that will help keep you motivated. Losing 50lbs is an awesome accomplishment. You can do this. Did you go through your insurance, or was this self pay? If through your insurance, maybe they will approve you getting rebanded?

Wow, the doc just removed the band and didn't discuss it with you??? I think it kind of sucks he didn't at least discuss the POSSIBILITY of having to have a removal done when he spoke to you prior to surgery.

That's really sad, and I'm sorry you went through it. Hopefully, you'll be able to be re-banded in the near future.

Grats on the 50lb weight loss!! You should be very proud of yourself!

it stinks that they had to remove your band, but if the doc said he was afraid your stomach would tear i can understand his reason. he was looking out for you, even though you didnt like what he had to do. but i see no reason why you cant be banded again after you heal. talk it over with your doctor and good luck to you.

Well, Im still struggling to keep the weight off after unbanding. I do have a new surgery date set for Sept. 4th for RNY surgery. Im keeping my fingers crossed that everything will go as planned and have better luck with RNY.

I will keep you in my prayers...good luck with the RNY....at least you know you can follow the "rules" and you will be loosing soon again! Most likely, even faster than with the band....take care...keep us posted...

Shelley

I am so sorry to hear that this happened. You must be devastated. Just remember, the band only helped, you lost those 50 pounds by being strong, following rules and trying to live healthier. I wish you the best of luck.