Things went really really wrong!

wanda-sc · December 23, 2008

Hi,

I had my Realize Band put in June 5, at surgery time I was around 184. 2 weeks later I was 172. Then the unthinkable happened, I woke in the night with my leg throbbing, went to the hospital had a DVT. I am now on Coumadin for life, I have done nothing but gain weight. November my stomach was hurting so bad, I could not swallow even my own saliva. I had my 4cc removed-was in the hospital again for 3 days. Now I weigh 188.

I just don't understand. I got the band because it was supposed to make me have a "full feeling", I have never had that. This was a total waste of money, and my body. I think I was just meant to be overweight-everything I do sure does not help.

The only reason I lost weight in the first days of my band was because I was so gung ho with the idea, I really lost it on my own, the band has done nothing but jeopardize my health.

Moral of the story: Never ever have surgery if it not a life and death emergency.

I would like to hear from any of you with similar "gone wrong" stories.:thumbup:

Edited December 23, 2008 by wanda-sc

flirtylass · December 23, 2008

Oh im so sorry to read ur story... I had surgery in sept but this past 2days when im walking i have a cramp like feelining in my left leg very sore your story has just terrified me this band id defo hard work far from the easy way of losing weight its a hard long learning process

gentylwind · December 23, 2008

This really belongs in the "complications" forum, not in the Introductions forum. I am so sorry your band has not been what you hoped. There are definitely pros and cons to any procedure and believe that anyone who can lose weight without weight loss surgery SHOULD. There is always a risk with surgery and anesthesia.

I wish you well in the future.

wanda-sc · December 23, 2008

Wow, please forgive me for posting in the wrong place. However, maybe this may make some people who are thinking of having this think again.

There is no quick fix.:thumbup:

Garth5555 · December 23, 2008

Wanda I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with the lap-band.:eek: The one thing they strongly emphasized numerous times was the lap-band was not a magic wand, just a tool for weight loss. Everyone has to make their informed choice and do what they feel is best for them.

Good luck,:thumbup:

G

shortgal · December 23, 2008

It sounds like you had a complication of a blood clot. Later your band got too tight and you had an unfill. I don't see a reason why your Dr. can't slowly start to fill your band again to help you lose weight again, as you started to lose weight in the beginning.

The band is a process of getting it filled to the right spot for each person. The band does not work for everyone ( I'm one of them) but it sounds like maybe you've stopped trying to let the band help you.

What does your Dr. suggest at this point? Has he/she suggested you start getting fills again since you were unfilled in November?

I'm sorry you had these problems but maybe all is not lost yet?

wanda-sc · December 24, 2008

Yes, I did have the complication of a blood clot. And yes, my doctor will refill my band soon I expect.

My point was that the only reason I lost weight in the first place was pure willpower, the excitment of getting the band.

But just like every diet I have tried and failed, this seems to be the same. The band so far has not made be feel satisfied, of course I may have to get to the half way point that my band holds before I feel that-I just hope I do.

This still is not a magic cure-you have to do the work, just like a diet.

I do think if I had the chance to go back and know what I know now I would have either not had the band at all or had the gastric sleeve.

Best wishes to all of you.