Failed Banded Chick!

I am so disappointed! I had the lap band  Feb 2008. The first year in a half I lost 70lbs. The fall of 2009 I was hospitalized and my band was emptied because I became dehydrated and couldn't keep anything down. I was empty for 2 mos. and gained 25lbs. I lost ten of the twenty but realized that I wasn't losing anymore. My band ddidn't  seem to tighten the way it did in the beginning. Needless to say that March 2011 I had gained 45lbs back. I received a fill and I got sick again. I was too the point where I couldn't even swallow. So they took out what they put in and I was fine.
Just yesterday I had another fill and was told that I was 15lbs away from where I started three years ago. So Dr. Peters wants to do a study to see why my band is not working and he also said I mat want to look at the gastric sleeve. I am so afraid to go back under the knife again. I just don't understand what is going on. By the way the fill diidn't work because two hours after I was home my stomach was growling. SMH So over this!

 

I'm sorry. You're not alone! 

You're welcome to come over to the Failed Band Group. I have a link in my signature line. There are many of us who had bands that failed us.

 

Sorry you have had so many issues ! Just because your stomach grumbled 2 hours later does not mean your fill did not work . Give it a day or so and see. My fills have taken up to a week or more to kick in. Some people are really sensitive to fills so it may be the amt he is putting in at one time is too much for you . I would explore all your options w/ the band if you do not want another surgery. If it still does not work then research your options and see what looks best for you.  The band like all surgeries does not work for every person. I wish you the best and hope you find a solution soon! :)

First of all, let me say that how sorry I am to hear that you have had these issues! 

At this point, I would not make any assumptions about your band or your treatment.  You are doing the right thing by working with your doctor to determine what the cause (and potential remedies) could be.

Let us know what happened or just drop by for some support.  You will find that the majority of responses you get will be informative, positive, and supportive.

I wish you the very best~!

Thanks Guys. I also have this pulling feeling at times. It almost feels like a charlie horse in my lap band area. I have to let my Dr. know about it. I just had one a while ago. I can actually feel the water swishing in the band.

I'm sorry for your troubles.  If you can get a revision I  think it would be a great option for you since even your Dr. admits that it's the band that's not working for you.  I hear great things about the Sleeve.

Best Wishes~
Lisa O.

 Hi,

Was revised to a sleeve after over 3 years of being banded.  YOU WILL LOVE THE SLEEVE!!!!!  No more puking or being dehydrated AND you probably won't be hungry.......

I self paid for both and wish I would have known about the sleeve then.

Good Luck and there is NO need to struggle when there is a different/better way.

So sorry that the band didn't work for you it doesn't for some...........if mine where to fail I would consider the sleeve... seems to be the gold standard for the future........

I understand your fears no one likes to have surgery, of course don't forget we will support you through this ordeal for that you can count on.

Sounds like you might still meet the criteria for the surgery which would be good some insurances cover revisions............I think it is time for you to start living and stop suffering whether you decide on a revision or to just have the band taken out............

You will be in my prayers and thoughts........

Michele

You are not alone in this. Please consider revision to the duodenal switch www.dsfacts.com

If you don't want the malabsorbtion component, you can get the sleeve part.

With your BMI, your comorbidities, and a restrictive surgery that failed you PLEASE consider the Sleeve with Duodenal Switch.

More than another surgery, I'd fear Super Morbid Obesity.  I'd fear the evils of diabetes - kidney failure, blindness, heart disease.  Oh, I'd fear the high blood pressure - most of the young people on dialysis are there because their pressure blew their kidneys out, heart attack, stroke.  With PCOS, I'd fear even more insulin resistance, weight loss resistance, infertility and more.

I wish you the best because you deserve it.

Fear not!

xoxo,
Leila