Lapband revisions?

Hi all,
I got my lapband 1/11/06. I was 236 at the time and if I remember correctly the lowest I ever got was 215 (lost about 20 pounds, give or take a few pounds). I lost and gained the same weight for the first two years. Many times I was too tight or too loose. When I was a my "sweet spot" I simply did not GAIN weight- but I also did not lose. At one point, when I was at 215, my PCP prescribed phentermine and I lost another 20 pounds and was finally under 200. This FINALLY helped control my hunger but I built a tolerance for the phentermine after several months and stopped taking it since it no longer helped the hunger. I regained the 20 pounds plus another 10. About 2 years ago I started having trouble with acid reflux with ANY fill at all. I ended up in the emergency room and stayed overnight in the hospital this past June as I would choke on my own spit (felt like I was drowning- SO incredibly scary!!!). I had all my fluid removed and since then have gained weight rapidy despite having 3 fills. I weigh 250!!! I feel SO sad and ashamed. I told everyone about the Lapband and I know that they all wonder why I am still fat. 
Over the last 6 years I have met with countless nutrionists, trainers, etc spending thousands of dollars. I always lose the SAME darn 20 pounds or so. I am just so tired of being fat. In my life, I am surrounded by thin family and friends. I hate being the fat girl.
Anyways, I have a consultation next month for a possible revision to the DS. I am wondering if anyone is currently in the same situation and what you are considering.
BTW, I have read through the revision forum but I see there are much fewer posting so I thought I would check with my fellow bandsters.
THANKS!!!

 What a horrid time you have had!

There is a forum here called the Failed Bands group. The people there re very well informed because they have had problemss and had to fight for revisions. Also, try the VSG forum. These days, most people revising fromthe bnad get the sleeve and so you will find people to help you on there.

I'll tell Pumpkin about this post. She' ll help you!

Kate

Thanks for the heads up Kate.

 Thank you! I notice that in your signature line, you write the you had a repair for a leak. What were you symptoms and did that require another surgery? 

 It was sudden and dramatic! One day I had what I consider to be the perfect level of restriction, the next, nothing at all. The leak was in the tubing, about 6 cm up from the port, showed clearly when dye was injected into the port.

I had a minor op, but under general anaesthetic. Doc cut out the leak and reconnected the tubing. The cause of the leak s unclear but he thinks it was because I lost so much fat from the area that there was a lot of loose tubing which rubbed against muscle. He doesn't expect it to happen again as the tubing is now the " right " length

Kate

 Wow! I'm glad they were able to catch the problem so fast. When I read through this board 6 years ago, I never once read a post about leaks,  bands slipping, etc. so I am glad that there is more information about possible complications on here now (which of course can occur with any surgery). Thank you for sharing!

Hi There,
If you'll click on the link in my siggy it will take you to the Failed Bands Forum. You'll have to wait till either myself or one of the other administrator's approves your membership, and once your approved you will have all kinds of information and resources at your disposal.

If you have any further questions please feel free to ask.

Lisa.

 Thanks Lisa!

Just to be clear, I followed ALL the rules- I simply feel hungry which is why I gained weight. This is evidenced by the fact that when I take a hunger suppresant I lose weight. If I could lose weight while being hungry, I would have never got the band... I get fills from a doctor 10 mins from my house, so I have never been "too tight" for longer a day. When I had my last fill in October, I was crying because I had GAINED another 10 pounds or so. The doctor was VERY sympathetic because they know how much time and effort I have put into this "tool" that really has not been a tool at all. It was then that I a possible revision was brought up.

 As Hisady says, no blame attaches to you. We obese or ex- obese people carry enough guilt - don't take on unnecessary extra!

Kate