Any advice about what to say to my doctor

Hello,

I haven't been around since the New Year. It seems like life keeps getting in the way but I try to pop in and read what is going on. My band is almost empty and I still have trouble some days eating anything. I think I am at the point that I just want this band out of me. Some days my stomach hurts so bad. I don't know exactly what to say to get it removed. I think they will say there isn't any real medical reason to remove it. I am so afraid of surgery. I am afraid of the damage that they may find. I am so disappointed that this didn't work and I won't try to revise. This was my one shot at WLS. Any suggestion?

Thanks!!

Thanks!

My band had tightened so much I finally had it emptied 2 years ago. I suspect scar tissue is building up under my band, so far I am doing ok but I know eventually it will have to come out. Just explain to your doctor that you are in  pain and have a difficult time eating that alone should be reason enough to get it out. There are many, many of us in this situation. We were all duped by Allergan, they didn't reveal all the side effects of the band and now we are the ones suffering from it. I wish you well and hope things go smoothly getting the band out for you!

Thanks!

My suggestion is to immediately get it totally unfilled while you are waiting for insurance approval to get it out. There is too a medical reason to get it out, you can't eat normally. That alone is enough. I am so sorry you are having these problems. I was heart broken when I had them and understand your disappointment.

The removal is very easy and the healing time is shorter than when it went in. You don't have to go through the long eating phases either.. I too was furious with the manufactures for hiding information from us but it is what it is. Don't fear revision but I understand how you feel. I was terrified with the idea of more surgery right up until I realized that without a tool to help I was sunk. It is up to you how you go and we will support you all the way. Please don't leave us in what ever case.

Sue

Thank you! I never thought I would consider a revision but who knows. Four years ago I wouldn't consider any wls. First things first band removal.

That happened to me too no matter what I did.  It seemed my body was on full speed ahead  To reach a specific number on the scale and then it stopped.  It's why I had to revise.

Lower carb is the only way.  You need portion  - weigh & measure your food and write it down.  Weigh yourself Weekly or daily as you've got to get a hold of and stop the gain.  Maybe WW, OA, counseling with an eating disorders specialist, TOPS.  You've got to hold onto whatever you can.

All best

I regain just a few pounds from my lowest but at my lowest I was throwing up so I don't consider that real weight lose. I am proud that I have maintained within 5 pounds. I weigh almost daily to keep on track. For the most part my diet consists of Protein shake in the morning, greek yogurt for lunch, nuts or cheese stick for snack, and dinner is whatever I cook my family usually some kind of chicken and veggies. I am working hard to make sure I don't ragain the thought of all of this craziness over for almost 2 years for nothing would be horrible.

I just want to let you know you don't have to regain, I had mine emptied like I said 2 years ago and I haven't regained, in fact I have lost more partly because of some medication I am taking and more so because I eat better with my band empty. Now I can eat healthy food again like a nice juicy chicken breast and brocolli that I couldn't eat with the band. It is a little more difficult but it is do able. You can keep those pounds off!