Disappointed....

Hi there! My sister referred me to this website. 2years ago I went to Mexico and had lap band survery....."hoping"....it would help me have a life. A year ago I had severe esophogeal spasms that would not let up and had to deflate my band after loosing only 20lbs.  I have managed to loose 10more but then yo-yo up and down ever since. I am "stuck" at 220 (down from 251) and unable to get control. My life with the band has been awful......I've paid $10,000 for what feels like a waste.  In addition, in the last year I have developed hip/low back issues that the chiropractor says is related to the band rubbing in the diaphram area and weakening the "soaz" muscles. I know this is true because I've read of other people on other sites having this same low back/hip area problem with the band around 1- 1/2 years. I want this to work.  My band is deflated...and so am I. Anyone out there been through this? I'm worried about permanent swollowing problems if I re-inflate the band. KAISER of course won't help me ....especially now that I'm down 30lbs.  HELP!  I can really use some support! Shanna

Shanna, I am so sorry about what you have gone through and what you are going through.  I had the RNY done and know very little about the band so I cannot answer any of your questions. I just wanted to respond to you to let you know that we are here to support.  I believe there is a lap-band message board and I bet you will get tons of info from them since they are living the lap-banders life. Good luck to you and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. xo xo ox Jillie

Thanks so much for your support. Unfortunately, no I didn't do the lapband through Kaiser....I went to Mexico. When I had trouble I went to a gastric MD with Kaiser was not very nice and refused to help me at all. She was willing to deflate the band or take it out all together...that's it. I cried. At 220lbs....I will not qualify anymore.  I've lost 30lbs....am up and down up and down. Deadlock. Too fat to feel "normal" too small for anyone to help me. I'm just sooooo incredibly devistated and sad. I feel trapped. Thanks for your support.  shanna

Wow sweetie, so sorry you have had such a difficult time so far!!! You didn't have Kaiser when you had the lapband right? Have you asked if they would cover a revision to RNY? I know someone here in San Diego that had a bad experience with her lapband and had a revision to an RNY and she was in Kaiser with me. Kaiser is usually pretty easy about getting an RNY. You have to go through 6 months of classes, but they approve most people that qualify by weight and/or comorbidities!  I would definitely check into it!  Just know that we are here for you! I'm glad your sister referred you here. It is a great place for support, WLS education, and GREAT friends! I will be praying for you sweetie! Keep us posted and DON'T give up on your health!!!!    Becky

Shanna I have no had the problems you have had, but I do want to welcome you to the boards and hope that you can find a solution and make this all work for you! There is a wealth of information here. I also know somewhere there is a band forum. Look up under forums and that is where you should find it. Perhaps people with experience in this area will be able to steer you in the right direction!

 

Would it be possible to have it removed and then apply to have RNY thru Kaiser? I know that will be a long road, but it's better than nothing, right?