Hello all,

I come to you with a heavy heart. I am, by all definitions, a successful bandster. I am 5 1/2 years out from surgery and had an initial weight loss of 165 lbs. I am still maintaining a 115 lb weight loss.

However... I have what has been identified as "lap band intolerance." My lap band continues to get tighter and tighter, the longer I have it. I had a revision 3 years ago to switch from a 4cc band to a 10cc Vangaurd. That gave me plenty of room... for a while. But this band is now getting too tight. I have been admitted, more than once, for I.V. hydration after an accute obstruction.

I also have a chronic issue with inflammation that no one can explain. When I get puffy, my band gets too tight. I wasn't aware of having this inflammation problem before my band... but of course, I was 330lbs. Who would have known if I was "puffy??" We have stopped my period (Mirena) to try to address the monthly tightness... but, I get tight anytime I have inflammation. It is not lupus nor is it lymphoma... all of that has been checked. Maybe it is the band... I don't know.

ANYWHOOOO... me, an avid supporter of the lap band, is a person who is faced with 1) a revision to a bypass or 2) a trip back into the land of morbid obesity.

I would love your feedback. I understand that there have been others with band intolernace. I really want to hear from you. I want to know about your experience... and if you were able to resolve it. It is NOT an option to simply take my band out with no tool to replace it. I have even spoken to the developers of the lap band to see if they might have an answer for me. They are are concerned about the inflammation... but think that my best option is to go to an AP band. Yet a third band does not feel like a good solution.

Thank you, in advance!

Jules

Upstate NY:confused:

I am so sorry this is happening to you, I have thought a lot about what course i would take if my band had to come out. I decided if this did occur I would probably opt for the sleeve (GVS) procedure. Have you researched this at all? You need to make the decision thats right by you. They have a sister forum you can access on this site. Just a suggestion I hope it all works out for you. Please keep us updated!

Would is be possible that it is an allergy to the materials?

Please keep us posted on this matter. I am so sorry you are having problems. You have come such a long way already.

Have you checked into the Realize Band or the gastric sleeve?

So sorry to hear of your situation. I have nothing to offer in advice I'm afraid. I just wanted to wish you good luck, keep your chin up & hope the right answer comes to you. Best wishes, truly, from the heart.

Thank you so much for your kind replies. I did think about a different type of band... Either any AP band or the other brand of band. However, I dont think that would address my issues with inflammation. I still swell up pretty regularly (for no apparent reason).

As for the sleeve... If I'm going to have surgery again, I am not going to go with a restictive procedure alone. I believe that my metabolism is such that I will need something more to shake my obesity again! I would also have to travel out of my region for the procedure. It is not offered around here.

Thanks again... Keep the feedback coming. My RNY will not be scheduled until the insurance clears. The concern is that I do not weigh enough to qualify for a RNY. My BMI is 32.

Be well,

Jules

I am new to the world of the Band but were I in your position I wouldn't even think twice about it. I would get the bypass. I know many people who have had it and have done well. Obviously due to malapsorption you would be able to eat very little sugar but other than that shouldn't be a huge deal. Since you are not Obese anymore will your insurance pay? I have no idea if you are self pay or not but I asked that question to my doctor. If they had to take the band out due to a complications and I am 100lbs down would they pay or would I have to gain the weight back. He implied most insurances would pay if they argue for it. Best of luck.

Greg