Lap band removed.

I had my Lap band removed yesterday (8-23-10) because it was infected on the inside of the stomach, at the top where the band was sutured to the stomach. I absolutely do not want the band ever again.  I've lost 40 lbs.  I had restriction the entire time, even with no saline in the band.  I'm tired of choking, PB-ing, etc. I hope I can keep the weight off with diet and exercise.  I am possibly open to other weight loss surgeries, but can't have any surgery now (for about 6 months) to allow my stomach to heal.  My husband had RNY a couple of weeks before me, and he's done wonderful.  I guess being a nurse, I was doomed from the beginning.  My surgeon said he's only seen this one other time,, and she was a nurse too!!!

I'm very sorry.

I, too, had horrible lapband complications and had to have mine removed (in 2005.). I still have residual damage and am not a candidate for another type of WLS. The lapband is not a good long term option. I'm not sure it's a good short term option, either, personally.

I had my surgery in 2003 and have seen SO many stories similar to yours. It happens all the time. It's not uncommon AT ALL. Every person I've known who had lapband surgery in 2003 has had removal, revision, complications, etc.


I'd rather be fat than ever go through that again.

I hope you'll heal up quickly and feel well.

Hi WmnGonCrzy-I am sorry you went through that. I hope things get better for you.  This can be a turning point for you.

I lost from 276 lbs. to 167lbs. slowly over 14 years and then by starving myself for the final 7 months just to get it finally off.  Then I heard about rny surgery and wanted it to get control over my diabetes which was still out of control with medication.  I gained back 30 lbs to qualify for the surgery, but I was still a lightweight at 200 lbs.  My surgeon gave me a 2 oz. pouch, large 25mm stoma hole punch that they were using in 2006 to prevent strictures and a short (somewhere between 70 and 100 cm) bypass. 

I was frustrated for 3 years and gave up because I have no limitations and no malabsorption from the surgery.   I can eat anything and as much of it as I want.  18 months ago I gave up and felt sorry for myself and quickly gained to 235 lbs. over the holidays, a January cruise and just feeling hopeless and discouraged.  Then in April 2009 I started chugging along with old fashioned yo yo dieting with a few intermittent gains.  In June 2010 I was back to 190 lbs.  I had been working with a dietitian at my surgeon's office and she helped get my erratic blood sugars under control by eating variations of 6 meals a day. 

Now I am eating a combination of healthy desserts and South Beach diet and feel great.  I have lost 9 lbs. this past summer and am down to 181 lbs.  I never let myself get hungry.  I never deny myself food.   I try to not binge eat.  I try to not drink too much wine at a time.  I never feel guilty for cheating.  For example at State Fair I ate the whole cream puff and enjoyed every bite and the lingering flavor.  I refuse to feel guilty for eating and am honest about what I eat.  I do eat a ton of veggies and fruit to get me through. 

Sometimes when I am eating something really good I have to wait 20 minutes or more to not crave more.  I have learned that it takes about that long for food to hit the part of my intestine that releases "feel full hormones".  Sometimes I look at a clock to wait it out to resist going back for seconds.  It really does work.  I do the gum chewing and the water drinking etc. and sometimes that helps a little. 

 A couple of months ago I whined to my husband  that this RNY is useless because all it did was give me normal blood sugars.  He looked at me like I was crazy!  Then I realized that I can lose weight the old fashioned way.  But the RNY did honestly "cure" my diabetes and I have been a type 2 diabetic since I was 23 years old and probably longer than that but they never tested me before that. 

I started logging my big appetite meals on this sight if you care to check them out please feel free. 

If you are a diabetic I would run not walk for a RNY and recommend the less invasive surgery Dr. Prewitt did on me.  I never get sick and have no side effects.  My labs are always normal to high, bone scan and teeth are great.  My A1Cs are 5 to 6 for 4 years and I am off all medication.  Even at 235 lbs. 
If you are not a diabetic why not just diet the old fashioned way but don't yo yo diet it screws you up in the end.  You lost 40 lbs. which is a great start and you must feel good.  I am really concerned you will give up like I did and end up a year from now with a RNY.  I have many friend that have had real invasive RNYs and ended up vomiting and wrecking their teeth.  Heaven only knows what is happening to their bones.  Some can only eat 5 crackers and a little PB and are stuffed for hours. They need supplements.  Some deal with hair loss.  Some can't eat fruit and veggie skin.  Their lives have been permanently altered. 

You have been given an opportunity to rethink and reevaluate your next move.  After 4 years I really am grateful that I got what I got.

Good luck.  Daisy  

 
Nawwww, it's not that you are a nurse.  All the others that lose their band for the same or other reasons are not nurses. ;o)  (I'm a nurse)

Bands suck.  No way around it.  You did well with restriction alone, what about a sleeve?  it's like a band that works without the puking, sliming, and foaming like a rabid dog.  No Ghrelin, works like a charm!

Consider yourself blessed for having the chance to remove the lap band.  You could have passed away from major complications.  My sister Ana passed away from this risky procedure.  She had 8 cardiac arrest, renal failure, loss of oxygen lead to brain injury, sepsis, peritonitis -- and this is what I can remember.  I suggest you consult with a good nutritionist and fitness instructor.  This will be a big committment but you will have healthier results.  I will pray for you...

BTW -  read "The Maker's Diet".  I've heard alot of positive feedback from this.

~Noemi

Completely agree with Wasa on that one! The band is the worst money I have ever spent!!!!!!!!!!!

I had my band removed 6-26-10 (emergency removal) stayed in the hospital for 6 days.  Thought I was going to die.   I have already gained 15 pounds.  :( 

Hi,

I had mine removed the first week of August.  After almost 4 years of fighting with it.  I think it slipped early on, which is why I had so much trouble.  Wish I had done that swollow thing before I became so sick.  Anyway, I'm just about ready to put in the request for RNY or Sleeve, I haven't decided which one.   The only think I know for sure, is I'll never have a band again.

Amen, sisters!  I had the band in 12/07, had another surgery for a slip a year later and had it taken out this Feb after yet another slip.  And I was a perfect patient, too!  I've gained 90 of the 120 pounds I lost since then.  I always felt bad with the band- vomiting, severe acid reflux, gurgling when I layed down to sleep.  It was a really hard way to lose weight.  I'm looking at the sleeve- it seems the safest and no malabsorption.   Good luck on your decision.  Hope this helps knowing you're not alone with the band