Goodbye Bandzilla. I'll Miss You.

 Hello everyone.  Well, after a 2yrs and one week, I had to have my band removed yesterday.  I've been having lots of issues with acid reflux since March.  We tried unfills and Prilosec to no avail. I'm a little sad.  I loved my band and I have no regrets. I initially lost 50 pounds, but gained back 22 since it's been unfilled. My doc is suggesting that I revise to the gastric bypass in a couple of months.  I haven't posted on here very much, but I wanted to thank all the people who've posted on here with so much information.  I learned alot from you guys.  Good luck and God bless to all of you!!  

                                                                                                                  Dee

Goodbye band, but hello revision!! It is sad to lose the band when you have such great hope that it will be the answer, I completely understand. Allow yourself to be a little excited about the possibility of a revision though too. There is still hope!

Best of luck with your new procedure. How much weight are you still hoping to lose? I know you said your doc suggested RNY, but is that your choice? This would be a great time to read up on the different procedures out there and pick the one that you think is the best fit for you.

Best of luck and keep us updated!
Lindsey

 Good Luck!

Dee it is beyond me WHY you will miss your  band??? You lost 28 pounds in 2 years. You have had to have 2 surgeries. You now are 2 years out..........a lot of money out(or at least your insurance company is)................and you have no WLS! What is there to miss??? You had the band 2 years and had complications for about 6 months out of that. The band was "successful" for 1 1/2 years?! What's there to love? Please help me understand this!

Oh well. Nevermind. Just go get yourself another band!

I'm not getting another band.  I'm a big old sap, so that's why I'm sad.   I did go into it as we all do, with lots of hopes.  I am starting to focus on my revision and getting excited about that.  My family and friends are a little worried about me having the bypass.  They've heard lots of stories about complications etc.  They'll support me, no matter what.  They're just worried.  Their worry makes me think "dang I wish that darn band would've worked!"  Maria, as usual you make a very good point and I'm trying to make my little brain move in that direction.   And Buckeye Girl, thank you for the positive vibes to focus on.    Have a great weekend everyone!  

I too urge you to research the Sleeve before you make your final decision. With the Sleeve, you'd still have a fully-functional stomach, complete with pylorus---which I consider a really nice thing to have. (*grin*) Also, with the Sleeve you'd still be able to take NSAIDs for things like headaches, sprains, arthritis, cramps, fever, etc.---not so with the bypass.

Edited to add---you need to research "reactive hypoglycemia" as well. It appears to be a pretty common side-effect of the bypass.

 Sorry to hear you have had problems. Best wishes with your revision. Have you thought about a sleeve? It would not be for me but many people say it is the band without hassle! Ah, no! You had reflix problems so perhaps not! Not sure but I think that is a contra- indication. 

Anyway - best wishes!

Kate

 Thanks Kate!! 

Hi Dee,

I'm sorry you had to go through this. I can say, however, that I predict you're going to feel a lot better. It's just really hard on a body to have a band squeezing the stomach. It's a hard thing to go through.

Heal up well. Has your doctor said anything about the Sleeve at all?

Keep talking. It will make you feel better to know you're not alone in this. I wish you the best.

I am always sad for those who have that much trouble with their bands, but I am happy to hear that you will be able to revise. Check your options carefully and then enjoy your second chance. I know you will be very succsful. Good luck and keep us posted. It never hurts for us to know how things work out after revision because it could happen to me, next.
Sue