Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

I have failed my band - SUPPORT GROUP



Recommended Posts

Hi Everyone,

I would really like to see this thread get up and running again.

To all of you original, earlier posters out there - where are you??

I think I have just "ignored" the fact that I'm banded. I have stopped working it, stopped thinking about it (except when I can't eat, which is rare anymore as I'm not filled), stopped seeing it as a tool for weight loss, and have even stopped mentioning it unless medically necessary. I don't even consider myself as a real WLS patient anymore. However, I am just fooling myself.

I have joined and quit weight watchers 3 times since I've been banded (February, 2008) and have not lost a pound, been on numerous reduced calorie diets and have not lost any weight, seen a dietitian for years and even currently have a trainer and my weight has even been slightly increasing. Been told my metabolism is shot.

I'm trying (again) for a revision with my insurance company. I was denied last October. I remember what happened when I was approved for the band back then - my confidence, motivation and self esteem returned. My drive grew and I found it easier to make better decisions about what I ate. It was a new day!

Calling fellow banders for support and camaraderie!

Where are you?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I also had my band in 2008 and I now weigh 13 pounds more than I did when I had mine placed. I don't recognize myself in the mirror and I certainly do not like what I see. I am filled with self loathing of my body and I need to change my life. I've been exercising regularly for a few months but the weight continues to creep up. I need help and I don't know what to do. I feel I have too far to go that I don't know how to get started

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded in March 2014. I lost 50 pounds and was loving this. However after a few fills I started spitting up most of the time. Some times I can eat normal stuff, taking tiny bites and chewing really good, but more times than not I eat creamed Soups for dinner because I know I am not going to spit or throw up. Also, because it is Soup I overeat. Because of the horrible eating habit I have now formed I have gained 24 pounds back. Today I hate this band and wish that I had not gotten it. I don't want to feel that way, but I can't stand this.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded Jan 2011 in TX, HW 268, LW 214, CW 264 - what the actual-F?!? I lost all that weight the first 6 months, I was so proud of myself. I did have occasional throwing up but I could always account for it, not chewing, too big a bite, etc. Nov 2011, I hit 214 and we moved to GA. Maintained that weight, didn't try to lose anything because that was a such a stressful year. 2014 things went sideways, depression about life/family kicked in and I started eating at night, snacking and generally eating around the band. I felt my pants fitting differently and took up residence in yoga pants and cute tops. We visited TN in spring 2013 and I was tight and vomited everything I tried to eat, we moved here that summer. It's been miserable, it took 8 months to get into a doctor and I honestly tried to follow band-rules because I was so tight. I get a doc, he deployed after 1 visit, the next chick I saw was so mean and told me I was fudging my food journal and fitbit steps and that I'm flat out not following the rules. She refused to take anything out of my 10cc band. We had 3 visits that were unpleasant, the last time I saw her my hubby came along, she was still ugly even though he gave his input on my actions. I quit trying at that point. To get any calories in, I started eating slider foods. I'm a carb addict, I know this, I own it, I like fancy breads with butter and one slice is never enough. I don't get truly hungry and when I do get hungry it's been 8 hours and I'm shaking because my sugar has dropped so low and i'm just trying to eat ANYTHING. I've finally gotten in to see another bariatric doctor and he's done a barium swallow and EGD and I'll see him in 2 weeks to get those results. I'm hoping to convert to vsg, i'd rather not have this device that makes me uncomfortable, unable to eat the things I should and has aided in keeping my self esteem down. I accept I need help, not sure if Tricare is gonna pay for me to get it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You shouldn't be so hard on yourself, especially when your support is non existent, I posted a few weeks ago regarding the band, and I have a sleeve, but just like any procedure it should only be used as a tool along with other regiments, if you lost that much the positive is that you have it in you, but you will need to overcome your issues with depression and so on, I wax the opposite I was depressed last December having lost my last family member in 2013, my mom and I took it hard on the one year anniversary of her passing, so I chose this option only after getting myself together and making sure I could keep it together from there on, and I have, nothing is perfect in my life but I monitor myself on a day to day basis and recently realized I've become happier than ever, good luck you have what it takes, just make sure you and your surgeon are compatible, it went a long way for me to have all the support I did both by my team, and at home......... BTW I'm from San Antonio Tx.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am happy to tell you that I will be having a revision to bypass. I'm reading all about the good and bad and I'm still so excited!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's great and I support the sleeve until something better comes along, I have to remind myself to eat sometimes, which is really weird for me........lmao

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Reading the posts made me resolve to find another doctor to get up-to-date on my fills. I was banded in Oct '08 in Ft Worth by a great surgeon and good support staff. After we moved to Colo Springs, I ran into s myriad of problems, including moving the port. I am now covered by Medicare and as such essentially self-pay. Anyone know a good WLS Doctor in the Denver or Colo Springs area?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Everyone,

I would really like to see this thread get up and running again.

To all of you original, earlier posters out there - where are you??

I think I have just "ignored" the fact that I'm banded. I have stopped working it, stopped thinking about it (except when I can't eat, which is rare anymore as I'm not filled), stopped seeing it as a tool for weight loss, and have even stopped mentioning it unless medically necessary. I don't even consider myself as a real WLS patient anymore. However, I am just fooling myself.

I have joined and quit weight watchers 3 times since I've been banded (February, 2008) and have not lost a pound, been on numerous reduced calorie diets and have not lost any weight, seen a dietitian for years and even currently have a trainer and my weight has even been slightly increasing. Been told my metabolism is shot.

I'm trying (again) for a revision with my insurance company. I was denied last October. I remember what happened when I was approved for the band back then - my confidence, motivation and self esteem returned. My drive grew and I found it easier to make better decisions about what I ate. It was a new day!

Calling fellow banders for support and camaraderie!

Where are you?

I also have these issues....no metabolism, ugh! Banded in 07 245pds, current 215pds.

I have a spinal cord injury and can't exercise with meaning!!

If i eat 800/900 cals a day, I store and do not lose. If I up to 1200+/- I lose at a rate of about 1 pound every couple months. I stall for 6-8 month intervals.

How is the revision?

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can understand and support you with your frustrations, but when I was researching for my surgery ( it took me 2 years since it wasn't like buying a car for me) and Banding was the first one I ruled out, it had the most problems, complaints and bad stories, and only a few doctors still perform it, perhaps other alternatives should be looked at, although I know all of us are made differently and it will depend on who you are........ I went with a sleeve due to many factors including risk, I was sleeved in June 10th 2015, i began on January 2015 @ 388lbs, 346.6 on my surgery day, and today am at 248lbs but honestly there were a few setbacks and side effects, believe it or not the funniest one is also the most annoying, I sneeze through a whole meal when I eat almost every single time ( yes I've seen 3 doctors including my surgeon and have been told very thing from "your full" to " oh it's allergies" well no it's not) good luck and I wish you all the best

Edited by laguerr13

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded Sep 2013. Nov 2015 I got to my 'lowest' weight, losing about 55lbs. Not great, not where I wanted to be, but was still on the right path. Holidays hit and everything has gone down hill. I am currently up 25-30 lbs from my low, and last week I started having issues that the doc says is a slipped band. All Fluid has been removed, however none of the symptoms have gone away yet, he did say it would take a week or two. Current insurance will no longer cover any bariactrics, although we do change in Jan. I want to remove the band and have the sleeve done, but we will see how things go. Right now I feel so lost, discouraged and alone. Feel like I will never win the battle of having a healthy body, so I should just give up. I could really use some help from someone that understands.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded Sep 2013. Nov 2015 I got to my 'lowest' weight, losing about 55lbs. Not great, not where I wanted to be, but was still on the right path. Holidays hit and everything has gone down hill. I am currently up 25-30 lbs from my low, and last week I started having issues that the doc says is a slipped band. All Fluid has been removed, however none of the symptoms have gone away yet, he did say it would take a week or two. Current insurance will no longer cover any bariactrics, although we do change in Jan. I want to remove the band and have the sleeve done, but we will see how things go. Right now I feel so lost, discouraged and alone. Feel like I will never win the battle of having a healthy body, so I should just give up. I could really use some help from someone that understands.

I did self pay to get rid of my band and revise to rny. Best thing I ever did. Can't believe I lived like i did for as long as I did.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded about 3 years ago. Lost 30 pounds and then I stopped using the band the right way. I can't even remember what I'm supposed to do to do this correctly. My dr closed his practice and moved - I didn't seek out another Bariatric office, but I think that would be my first smart move. I don't need a fill, I'm not having problems- I'm just not losing weight.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×