~ Too tight after 4 years of being banded ~

I am setting the date for my band removal finally....I wanted to keep my baby...but it has been too tight from day one. I was never able to get a fill in and I have suffered for far too long with pb'ing & a burning chest all 4 years. (My original doc would never listen to me...so I gave up going to him & learned to deal with it all!)
My original doc moved so I am free to go to other docs for opinions....seeing I have bad ulcers all the way up & down my esophagus (I am not perforated nor have I strectched my pouch at all after all these years..I have been a good girl!!) one says I should have it removed period...the other said I could have it replaced.... I could go for another band....but...I feel that if I have it out...it will allow my esophagus to heal at a more progressive rate?? this is my dilemma...
Is there anyone out there that has had this same experience and/or care to give me their thoughts and ideas?
Thanks!
Dawn

Hi Dawn, I'm so sorry that you have been having trouble.   As you have had this from day one, it sounds like your band was too small or it wasn't placed properly.  Perhaps if this was replaced by a larger band, a VG or the new AP, you would feel better and keep the benefits of the band. Do you post on the lap-band forum?  It is a very active board with wonderful people.  I'm sure you would get a good response if you posted your question there. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand/action,main/board_ id,5359/a,messageboard/cat_id,4959/ How have you done otherwise?  How is your weight loss and/or maintenance? Alex

I seem to be having issues with my band: esophagitis, gastritis, massive GERD (even with an empty band), and I am contemplating VSG.  I have not looked into it enough, but I am miserible right now.  My band surgeon said if he doesn't see erosion, he'll reinflate my band, but I can't tolerate a fill (have been unfilled for a few months now).

Good luck with your decision!

Hi Alyssal, After 21/2 years I had to have my band removed in June 2007.  I still check in at the message boards every now and again, (old habits are hard to break).  I've followed  your journey during that time and along with being very successful you seem very  informed about the band. I am suprised to see your post about having these problems. One would think that to be as successful as you have that you must have been following the band rules pretty close 90% of the time.  I lost 80 lbs with the band. However I always felt that it I was doing something wrong to cause my problems. Even when I knew I was doing everything I could to make the band work.  (I suffered the same symtoms as you). I did not realize how sick I was every day until the band was removed. Somehow we can just learn to live with pain up until a certian point. After the second slip in 4 months I knew I couldn't go on.  So here's my question, do you feel that maybe the band is not all it's cracked up to be?   Have the band removed has taken a heavy emotional toll, along with regainng 30 lbs.  After being hosplized 3 times because issuse with the band and 3 surgeries in 21/2 yrs. (the removal being the worst) I am not ready to think of another operation at this time. Really, I wanted to know your thoughts on the Lap Band and wish you luck. Eileen

Hi Eileen!

I am so sorry to hear you had so much trouble with your band.  I can understand why you are hesitant to get another type of WLS. I am getting scoped tomorrow and we'll see if the problem is visible.  I was so nauseated today and am just so tired of this.  My opinion of the band... I think it is a wonderful operation and has worked for so many people, but yes, there are risks.  Enough RNY people have complications, so having the band just means different complications and less lifethreating.  I think the band should be the first line of attack against obesity.  It does work very well for many people, and if there are compications, they are reversible.  I don't know if there is something wrong with my band, but it sure does feel like it.  I have not decided on the VSG... but I am researching it.  I am so tired of throwing up, feeling nauseated, etc.  The thing is... if the band fails, another WLS can be done.  I know people don't want to go under the knife again, but I'd rather tell someone go with the safest surgery and risk the rather "easily fixed" complications instead of opting for a surgery involving malabsorption.  That's just my opinion.  I just hope that we can see what is going on with my stomach/esophagus/band tomorrow on the scope...

Thanks Alyssal,  You've helped me to look at the failure of my band a little differently.  I'm still trying to get over some anger and broken dreams. (The band had so much promise).  I thank you for taking the time to reply when I know how awful you are feeling.  I do at times consider  another WLS but after the past 2 1/2 years I'm not sure how easily my husband would agree.  He was very supportive of the Band even when I was sick all the time.  He could just hear my voice on the phone and know I'd been throwing up (even when I tried to hide it)  but always tried to help me in any way he could.   Anyway, I hope all works out for you and they find the root of your problem. I will continue to follow the boards and look for you as I think you are a very positive person. Thanks again and good luck,  Eileen

The way I am looking at my situation is that most days I can't really eat solids comfortably, so I am looking into the Optifast diet.  I never tried it before and a friend of mine that has a horrible appetite said she was satisfied on that.  I had a pre-op liquid diet that was the worst 2 weeks of my life.  I started to vomit my shakes after 10 days because they made me sick.  That was Slim Fast.  She had the same reaction, so I figured, I hurt, so instead of going toward milkshakes and ice cream, I'd do the Optifast diet instead.  I already called the Optifast diet clinic near me, which is also a band surgeon's clinic.  Since I am doing the diet due to lap-band pain, I don't know if he'll let me...