Regretting the band

I am really starting to regret getting my band.  I have had more trouble with it than most RNY patients.  I can't get my band adjusted right, it either too tight or not tight enough.  I throw-up at least once a day on it, more port area is always sore from bumping into things with it.  And I think the most upsetting part is that I have only lost 30 pounds in six months.  I did not pay $17,000 for something to not work (ok insurance paid most of it).  I am very frustrated with this thing.  I thought I did my homework and really wanted this thing but now I just want it gone.  Anyone know my pain or how I feel?  Can I do anything about it? 

Although I can't say I feel your pain pesonally, I do however know your not alone. My banding buddy has had nothing but problems with her band. Even having to have it replaced with a vgband per doctors orders and still not loosing weight (like I did) & finding the right restriction with her new band. I have the utmost sympathy for those that the band just don't "work" for. To have such hope & aspiration & and the emotional toll from the "I told you so" sayers prior to your banding, it has to be depressing & oh so frustrating.

Have you talked to Dr Mandelbaum or his staff about how frustrated you are that this choice just isn't working for you?

I wish I had a solution for your frustration & pain... I really do.

Blessings
Jodi

This is only my experience, others will vary and probably vary a lot so take it for what it is worth. 

It has been my experience that now when I am two years out my RnY is not much different than being banded, except now I have vitamin malabsorbtion to worry about.  My appitite is back now.  I struggle to keep each pound off, I have to work hard to maintain my weight loss and have even gained 5 pounds back.  I still have great restriction and am only able to eat about a cup of food at each setting but if I am not careful I can let myself have too many "settings".  I sometimes eat when I am not hungry (emotional eating), in spite of having wls. 

Its all about learning a new lifestyle along with your choice of weight loss surgery, until we get determined to exercise and eat right and come to terms that we were only given a tool not a miracle nothing will change.  I have not learned to like exercise, I feel much better when I do but that doesn't make it easier.  I still love bread and sugar just like I did before surgery so limiting them takes a ton of discipline.  Some days I fail, I just can't be strong enough. 

Give your surgery time to catch up with your head.  Practice all the skills we have been given and get your head into your weight loss.  Go see Dr Olsen and tell her you are struggling, she will give ya a nice kick in the pants (speaking from experience).  We have wonderful resources at our fingertips at St Francis.....use them.  We don't need Dr O when things are going well, we need her at times like this. 

Jeannie

I wanted to add ..

I am so sorry you are struggling, its very hard and I do sympathize with you.  If you would like to get together for a nice long walk sometime on a Sunday just let me know.  We can walk and let all our frustrations out!!

Jeannie

http://www.meetup.com/Emotional-Eaters/      
Do you still have the support group that meets there in Greenwood?  I have tried to bring up this site, but no luck at work.  Really, your issues sound more physical than emotional!   30 lbs is great!   Would you have been able to lose that without the band?   Have you talked to your Surgeon about the pain and frustrations you are dealing with?  Seems like something should be able to be done.  Sorry you are going through this.   

I feel like I am at the cross roads.  One way I can get back on track, follow the food guidlines, excersice right, and loose 1 pound a week and the other side I can go back to my old ways.  I have had A LOT of replies to this, so I am glad I have posted this.  I just feel stuck.