I was banded in 2008. Great success no issues at all until beginning of 2018. Acid reflux galore... sleeping was a challenge, waking up coughing but never vomiting. Just annoying and painful burning. Went to doc and had band emptied. It cured all symptoms immediately but she wanted to do upper GI & xray which both showed lapband was in appropriate place. Found a couple of spots that were sent for biopsy which turned out to be nothing but learned about Barrett's and possibility for it to form. I was on the zero end of the scale. I like my lapband, it works. The clinic & doctor I go to in Seattle seemed to want to remove it, saying people aren't really doing band anymore because of issues. She refilled my band w 3ccs which doesn't provide any restriction. For 6 months I've done everything they asked and have gained 35lbs. I'm devastated because she doesn't want to give me anymore fill and has told me since I don't want corrective surgery (I don't have any issues now so don't understand why I should remove) that I need to go through their weightloss services instead. So I wish luck to anyone having their band removed but understand for me anyway, just having the band fill reduced resulted in immediate weight gain. I was shocked at how fast my weight changed but being able to eat a full meal again, even though eat healthier than ever before, it just packed it right back on. Debating whether to find someone to fill it again or what...I don't want to hurt myself but wonder if anyone is still having success with band after 10 years?

I hadn't been to the site in years either. I feel so bad that I'm still so focused on weight instead of life. Such a down feeling knowing you tried a long time to do this the right way but because you're unable to know what you can eat consistently (other then bad foods..heck those seem no prob most of the time).

I appreciate you responding. I feel so alone in my situation. No one seems to understand they think I'm just eating a lot but I'm not I bought a fit bit and have tracked my food and such and I walk 37 miles a week. Plus did some stairs and logged my food and with eating bad I'm putting in 1600-1800 calories...I had a hysterectomy last Oct and ever since I've packed on (now) 55 lbs. I never even got below 200 lbs.

Good luck with the rest of your journey. At least you are stable for now.

Thanks

Jen

You sound a lot like me. I was banded in 2004. I had my solution removed about 4 yrs ago and still have trouble.I know that I need to have the band removed but here's the deal breaker for me my insurance covers WLS so the band removal is covered however this is the kicker because at the moment I'm technically not "obese" pretty sure my insurance isn't going to cover a revision. So I live in pain and vomit at the drop of a hat ? because I'm scared to have nothing to replace the band. I can't believe I'm still obsessing and stressing over this.

I use to be very active on here haven't been around in years and years. Sorry you are having problems but it nice to find out I'm not alone

Let me know how it goes. I was banded in 2004 and have successfully kept the weight off. About 4 years ago had all solution removed due to complications but having trouble and pretty sure my surgeon is going to say it needs to come out.

Even though It's been empty I'm sure I still have some restriction or feeling of fullness with it just being there. Scared that if it's removed and once healed I will gain weight. If I could I would say do the gs revision but even though my insurance covered the band and it would cover removal it won't cover a revision because I'm not obese.

O my 15 yrs after lapband surgery and I'm still stressing.

I got my band in 2007 and recall my surgeon saying, I'm giving you a tool to help you lose weight. You'll still need to do all the things it takes. So true.

When I got my band I did well until I healed and found I could eat soft foods. Problem. I was eating past my band. I chose the band so I could not overeat. I could consume large amounts of food and wanted to stop that one thing so I could look at food normally. *That's a consideration*, what do you think is the biggest problem you struggle with and which treatment seems like the better option.

Today, I still have weight to go, but I've lost 100+. Reflux can happen by too much high acid foods, coffee, orange juice, eating too late at night (pressure can allow stomach acids to creep up) once Zi learned this I rarely have a problem with reflux.

Best of luck.