Have you had problems with the band?

I think this is mainly that posters opinion.  I know of a few people that have had their original bands 10 or 11 years.  Those few may eventually have to have a replacement.. but so far, so good.

There are people who have issues, and have to have it replaced or chose a different surgery or even chose to "go it alone".

I don't believe that "everyone" will have to have it removed or replaced...  but I don't believe in absolutes either.  :)    Hopefully, they will only remove mine at autopsy (when I die of old age).

"It is difficult, though, to say whether the band will stay in place for the rest of your life. It may need to be removed or replaced at some point."

That is directly from the lap-band website.

Does anyone besides me notice the difference between these two statements?

"...There WILL be a time everyone will have to have it removed, or replaced" (statement from vorpalswrd)

and

"...It MAY need to be removed or replaced at some point". (from lapband website)

Kinda reminds me of the people at Fox News...whereas they misquote and run with it. BTW, FOX news is BANNED from broadcasting in Canada because its against the law there to LIE on broadcast news. http://www.skepticmoney.com/fox-news-banned-from-canada-law- forbids-lying-on-broadcast-news/

That's what I've been trying to get her to understand...she contradicts herself at every opportunity!

Oh, gosh, Donna.....thank you so much for this post.  I read it knowing that you realized exactly what I've been thru.  I'm so glad you're still here with us to talk about it.  My goodness, I knew there were stories out there worse than mine and you have truly been thru hell. 

On the slip side, I'm so glad to hear how well you're doing now.  Congrats. 

You stay healthy and enjoy your revision.  You are truly blessed to still be here to tell your story.  Thanks for sharing it with me. 

LaWanda

LaWanda, I'm so sorry that this has happened to you, and to your sister.

I read about problems with each and every surgery type here on these boards, and just know that I am so sorry that yours, and your sister's, have had difficulties.


Lisa



 

I'm another that had band complications. My band slipped. It would go back being empty, so while waiting on my revision surgery it was empty and I gained nearly 40 pounds. Over 8 months. Not terrible considering. But have since revised to an RNY and I love this lifestyle.

But here you are, no insurance for a revision. Is changing insurance companies a possibility?

IF you would like to chat, please friend request, and we'll chat.

Teri

How awful you've both had to go through all this!  I am so sorry.   Who was your surgeon? Captain Kangaroo?

I haven't had any issues with my and am very happy with it. It is easy for those of us without problems to say what we would do in someone else's shoes so here's my 2 cents.  First if I had the experiences you (or your sister and friend did) did I would be terribly scared of ever going back to that surgeon or anybody that isn't the worlds best band doc EVER -- even then it might be iffy.

Having had a surgery with a good outcome (so far, still a work in progress) I've realized just how helpful weight loss surgery is to me and would be willing to consider having any of the other weight loss surgeries  if needed in the future as opposed to no surgery.  Weight loss surgery is that life changing for me. 

My best to you,

Trixie

What a horror story.  I'm so sorry you and your sister and friend have had such issues.

It's quite curious that you and your sister, banded the same day, have both had port infections.  This leads me to think there was a breach in infection control somewhere.  In the surgery suite?  At the manufacturer of the band?  Did someone not set the autoclave correctly?   Something somewhere was not sterile is my guess.

I would try to get the records from both surgeries.  I believe that the hospital can't deny you the records, although they may require you to pay the cost of copying them.  After you get the records, read over them closely and see if anything sounds "hinkey".

To answer your question:  I haven't had any major problems with my band.  It's been just a little over 2 years and I'm doing well.  There've been a few learning episodes.. and I continually fight head hunger.. or the urge to chew when I've really had plenty.. but that's not the bands fault.  

I'm sorry to hear about your mom (in your other post).  Hope things get better for you in all ways.

It does seem a bit strange that my sister and I BOTH got port infections and we have the same surgeon.  I couldn't agree with you more about some kind of bacteria lurching around in the surgeon's office.  I see the needles come out of sterile packaging every time and my stomach was wiped with a sterile alcohol swab but the surgeon said that somehow a smidgen of bacteria gets thru that hole and the port gets contaminated. 

Congrats on your good luck.  I never had any problems the first year though my sister had problems the first day.  She is still banded but gaining as she can't find a surgeon who will give her a fill.  I'm not thinking of any kind of wls til my mother is feeling much better.

Thanks for the well wishes.  You continue to have great success and be blessed.

LaWanda