Looks like I am going to be losing my band

~ I know I sound like such a Debbie Downer and I have purposefully kind of stayed away from posting because of this~

Please don't do that. Perspective and current bandsters NEED to see REAL band experiences. It does a disservice to other bandsters when this is done. :-(  We all hoped for the best when we were banded, but unfortunately...........there are very few happy endings.

I hope the new med helps, and I hope you are able to have a quick removal!

I am also very sorry you are going through this. I understand where you are coming from, too. I cried bunches at the very thought of losing my band. I really loved that sucker and it had done for me everything I wanted it to. My PA at the surgeons office said something one day that made sense. He said "Of course you don't want to lose your tool, but now your tool is hurting you. It is time to change to a new tool". It made things slightly easier for me though since revision to the sleeve I have mourned my band many days.

The fact is, you need to get it out as soon as possible. I had the luxury of waiting until my insurance approved my revision, you do not. Get it out, then work on insurance matters for revision to whatever you want or none if that is your preference.

Insist, if you must, that your surgeon schedule you very quickly. At this point you shouldn't have to wait. the removal doesn't require the extended liquid/puree/soft phases that you had before.

Please keep us posted. We will be here to support you in any way you need.
Sue

Judy
I am so sorry for your problems. I also have had some reflux and an unfill. The swallow test looked perfect, but I am also having an EGD sometime in Oct. I do know I have a hiatl hernia that was not fixed during my band surgery so I hope that's all it is.

Good luck and maybe you can have a sleeve. I've read that some TR offices are now doing the sleeve. Please let us know what happens.

Karen

I wish I were right beside you so I could give you a hug. Based on my own experience, I'd be feeling like a Debbie Downer too. I think crying is understandable in the cir****tances.

Jean

Very supportive thread.  

Update to this thread: Four days after this post, I had emergency surgery to remove my band. Long story short, my body started rejecting the foreign body (after over 3.5 years go figure). Sadly, I will not be able to revise to a different WLS and I must say that despite my struggles in those final months, I am still glad that I had the band surgery and had it for those years that I did. I have inched up a bit in weight, but am actively working on getting those pounds off. I did learn a lot about healthier eating habits, portion control, my own hangups when it comes to food and the need to be active during my banded years, which is helping me now as I adjust back to life with my full stomach capacity. I was....and remain....very grateful for all of the support I got here on OH during that difficult time.