Banded for life, Switched for good, Bypassed by none!

I came up with that phrase the night before my surgery. Two days later, I'm still looking for the plates on the truck that hit me. It's been a long four years and none of my complications or surgeries were band related until now. If any newbies are considering the band, please note that I had seven (yes, 7) abdominal surgeries after being banded. All those infection risks, swelling, incisions and recoveries were just too much for the thing. SupaDoc Karl LeBlanc (and yes, that is a registered trade name) has tried in earnest to relieve the pain I've been in for the last couple of months. The band was in perfect placement and there was no slip or erosion. My esophagus just couldn't take the added pressure of the band and was throwing off spasms and getting much too narrow. Whatever pain I had before the surgery has been shadowed by the pain of the last couple of days. I don't want to scare anyone, but I know there's some prayer warriors out there and I sincerely would appreciate your continued prayers. I have a busy career (or two) and an active healthy 5-year-old who keep taking her "doctor's bag" out every time I raise my shirt. Funny, she reached for her stethoscope and then screamed "WHAT DID DR. LEBLANC DO TO YOU?" It was funny for a moment. My baby has literally grown up looking at scars, attending support group meetings and she no longer wonders why mommy talks about Dr. LeBlanc every single day of our life -- he's a part of the family. So, where do we go from here -- stay the course. I don't know if there's another wls out there for me or if I'm going to just hang around with no tool in place. Well, I'm certainly still here and will be an active part of the Louisiana forum and New U. I feel blessed to not be 350 pounds and if I never lose another pound, I will not live in fear of gaining that weight and losing my productivity and improved health. Fear is a useless emotion. I need a plan of action and for now, it's simply STAY THE COURSE. Onward, Frances PS: The subject didn't include the "Sleeve" only because I couldn't think of anything cute

Hi Frances, Thanks for the call from Scott. I was anxious to know how you were doing. Glad to know you made it through the surgery. Hope the pain lessens and your recovery is speedy. Best, Henry

You might not believe that I didn't quite "get" who this was from. I'm a little slow these days. Thanks for the support.

Frances, I hope that this resolves all your troubles.  I wish you a speedy recovery.

 (((((((FRANCES)))))))Hoping you feel better.  Good luck.

Frances, I wish you a speedy recovery, continued success and you will be in my prayers.

Frances, what a class act!! Many people would upset or bitter about their experience with the Lapband. But, you have remained fearless!! It's apparent you love your doctor and he cares for you. Dr. LeBlanc has done everything he could for you. It must be a relief now. You are my Hero!! You're great and keep on trucking, girl. God Bless, ya!! Jan