Lap Band Not Working

If you can eat anything with no restriction it is clear you do not have enough "fill" in your band. I am assuming by this that you are also not feeling satisfied for any lenght of time after a meal -- that's how the band really helps us is by controlling our hunger. If it were me, I would go back to my surgeon (or find another one if I had to) to get going on some fills. In order to give yourself the best shot at success you really need to have the band working optimally.

Trixie

Hi, I try to eat 1200 a day also.  My first couple of questions are just self assessments and not judgments against you or the band... are you keeping a food journal?  Weighing and measuring your food religiously?  Is it possible you have extra calories sneaking in?

I agree completely that if you feel no restriction that you need too have all the fluid removed and then fill again.  You need to MAKE your MD listen to you or fire him and find someone who will.  And I wouldn't hesitate to say that to any physician.  I just fired my primary care for not listening!

I'm new to the forum but not to the band.

I think you don't have the right amount of fill. When you get a fill do they draw out ALL the saline that's in the band and measure it to make sure you have no leaks? 

Unfortunatly this is VERY common! The sad thing is that most Drs. do NOT tell the patients BEFORE they get the band that some ppl never reach restriction/sweet spot!

How many fills have you had? I have had 15 in 15 mos. and still NO "sweet spot"! It has been devestating to me!

Go to another Dr, The one your going to doesn't seem too concerned about your lack of restriction. Have the Dr. verify the amount of saline in (if you haven't already) so you will know if you have a leak (leaks are also common!). You might try a few more fills, if that doesn't work............REVISION! I see way too many ppl on the band forum waste years trying to make a band work that just doesn't!!! There comes a time when you just need to cut your losses and revise to one of the much more EFFECTIVE WLS'S!!!

Good luck...........keep us posted!

If your surgeon isn't addressing the problem, maybe you need a 2nd opinion from another bariatric surgeon?

Do you have any other medical conditions that could affect your weight? Or medications?

If you post this question on the Lap-Band forum, you might get some useful responses.

Jean

Has your surgeon done an UGI to check your upper pouch?  Your surgeon needs to help you out.  Do you also get to see a dietician with his group? Check out the lap band board for more support.  The band can work if you work the band AND if it's functioning properly.

 
Two words.

New doctor.

It was my personal experience that the band is 90% you, 10% the band. IT was great the first year, then I had some serious issues with it. Recently revised to an RNY (not saying that's right for you), and am loving it. I'd gained up to 260 with the band, and am down to 228, 7 pounds higher than my lowest with the band.

Teri

Thank you all so much for your input.  I have scheduled an appointment with a new surgeon  for March 2.  Hopefully they will be better at listening to me when I say I am NOT restricted..  Again thank you all so much.. Will let you know !!