I hate my band.

Sorry to hear about all the troubles with the band. Just remember you did not fail the band, the band failed you. Check out the revision board. You'll find most folks getting a revision from the Band or RNY not the DS.

Just jumping on the Band-Wagon here (pun intended!).  I had a Realize band placed in June '08.  I chose the Realize over the Lap band because my surgeon told me that the port was low-profile and it created a more secure attachment to the body wall.  I engage in some high-impact physical activities, so band & port slippage were a big concern for me.  Surgery went well as did the post-op liquids period.  After my first fill, I began to have occasional vomiting.  Nothing too bad at first, but it soon escalated.  I thought I was eating improperly, so I took pains to limit my portion size, chew very thoroughly, eat slowly, and stop at the first sign of fullness.  Unfortunately, by the time I felt full, it was already too late.  The vomiting got so bad that I began having trouble holding down liquids.  After an upper GI contrast study, it was obvious that I was obstructed.  Turns out my lower stomach had herniated through the stoma.  I lost 30 pounds in the process.  My doc felt that this was a good time to inform me that 30% of band patients end up needing a 2nd surgery, which both angered and terrified me.  I didn't want to convert to RNY, because that surgery seemed too extreme for what I needed (about 80 pounds to lose), and my family has a history of osteoporosis so I didn't want to mess with my calcium absorption.  So, I had him re-position the band and I'm giving it another try.  As soon as the vomiting stopped, so did the weight loss.  In fact, I have regained 12 of the 30 pounds I lost.  I too paid out of pocket for the first surgery, and am still repaying my mother.  The 2nd surgery was submitted to my insurance company as a hiatal hernia repair, but they denied payment.  I am soon to be in dire financial straits because of this.  I am currently at the same fill level as I was when I started having problems the first time, and my weight is climbing back up.  I can't afford any more problems, but this doesn't seem to be working for me.  To make matters worse, I have an absolutely huge bulge where my "low profile" port is located, and even 6 months after my original surgery, the damn thing STILL hurts.  Every time I bend over, it rubs on the waistband of my pants & feels like someone is poking me in the stomach with a broom handle. It constantly reminds me that it's there, and is definitely interfering with my usual physical activities.   I'm not yet completely regretting having the procedure, but I'm getting there.  Does anyone have any GOOD experiences to inspire me?

Good luck, everyone
Natalie

Hi all, new to the site, but glad I found it.  I had a lap band in 2005 and lost 85 lbs.  It was perfect. We moved to TX and then went to see a Physical Therapist about a problem I was having. She put me in some kind of stretching device that really hurt.  That night I felt ill, but thought ist was just from the stretching, but I found out it caused a hernia. I couldn't eat or drink for a whole week.  I had to have the hernia repaired and my band removed.  A month later a new band was placed on me.  No sucess at all.  First the port was upside down and then I was checked for a leak and a new port put in even though I was told there was no leak.  I have had so many fills and I feel no difference at all.  In fact I have gained 35lbs. back.  My Dr. says sometimes the lap band doesn't work for everyone, but I was very sucessful last time.  Does any one know if Medicare will pay for the sleeve?  Gastric bypass is not an option.  I know they don't normally pay, but if my Dr. claims its my only hope, since wt. gain, return of high blood pressure, and now sleep apnea. Any advise will be sincerely apprecfiated.  Terry M.

 I have only lost 20 lbs in one year and 2 months time.
I hate the band.
It doesnt work..
I am having mine removed.

I would not recommend this surgery to anyone.
I will not  do any more surgeries.

I am just dieting on my own.

When I complained, people just told me I was negative and desrved to fail
Yes people on here.

I am doing a high protein diet right now. It seems to be working 
And I am grateful 

But this band which makes me choke, vomit and whose
port is pooking out of my stomach needs to go.

David