Lap Band Slipped/ Removed

Lap Band Removed one week ago? What to expect? How long before I can drive? 

I'm sorry to hear you had your band removed. Did your surgeon not tell you when you can drive again?

What to expect - in terms of what? Recovery from surgery? Again, your surgeon is the best one to guide you, but for me, recovery from band removal was a little bit tougher than from my band surgery, but not terrible. In terms of eating? Did your surgeon tell you what you should be drinking/eating while you recover? If you can be a bit more specific, I'd be happy to respond in more detail.

Jean

Thanks Jean! I did speak to my doctor.

Demi

Sorry hun.  How do you feel?  I had no issues and was fine especially 1 week after removal - took the subway home. 

You are an individual case and may have had more damage that requires more healing.  Ask you doc about you.

All best,

Layla

Hello thanks for your reply. I'm feeling much better today. It's 1 week later so things are getter better. Cant eat much, so I eating eggs yogurt, drinking water just soft foods. So I see you went almost a year without the band. When did your appetite return? My stomach is growling.. I have lost 16 pounds in less than two wekes. 

Demi

See how we are all so different!!  You can't eat much and you've lost 16lbs.  I was back to pre-op (hungry, large stomach capacity) with the unfill and always hungry without enough fill during my time banded.  Absolutely back to normal big hungry stomach immediately after band removal. 

 When I was recouperating after removal, the nurses told me you'll still have restriction (they didn't get that I never had restriction without a good fill - my band sort of was like a bracelet on my finger instead of a ring so it needed to be inflated or it was like having no WLS at all).  So they said your stomach is still shaped like you have the band on it, you won't be able to eat much yada, yada.  I could already eat "normally" so amazingly had no appetite loss, or small capacity or any of it.  I also was very down about losing my band.  Those nurses meant good.  I was so sour.  I felt like I woke up and died losing my band and refusing to have my revision (Vertical Sleeve PLICATION) at the last minute.  I was soooooo sad and disappointed really boo hooing.

Now I am glad I waited for the right revision.  My sleeved stomach is like my surgeon said to me "the stomach you wish you were born with".  Yep, I still have some pounds to lose - he said "you'll be just like your other girlfriends".  So like everyone else, I've gotta put real effort into losing the last pounds.  What a relief for me not to be hunger and for my stomach not to be a bottomless pit but have an end.  I'll tell you a secret - I never, ever  - serious, I never, ever get hungry.  I've tested a whole day - nothing!  Not wise but I am a curious gal.  I do however still love food and have a super appetite.  And though I have a smaller stomach I can eat a decent amount and every single thing - fiberous fruits and vegetables!!!  The thing is many still have physical hunger after their sleeve.  I also have no adverse effects at all.  No PPI needed nor acid reflux.  It's super!  I mention all of this to you because I know you were curious about the sleeve in your other post.  Nobody is the same though.  We all take a chance hopefully because we have to.  What an amazing ride hun.

You got a good start baby girl.  Hold onto it and run.  Good luck with every single little and big thing!

All the very best to you,

Layla

I was told that if I were taking any painkillers, I shouldn't drive. But I had no need for painkillers other than the first day or so after band removal. How are you feeling at this point? Are you still in pain to the point of needing medication?

I am sorry you had to go through this. I hope you heal well and feel great soon.

I'm feeling much better and I was told by the doctor that I could drive once I was not taking pain killers.Off pain killers now and my stomach is not hurting as much. 

Thanks,

Demi

Welcome to the club.  I, too, had a slip but revised to sleeve in the same surgery removing the band. 

With a band removal (or even having a band put in), you should be fine to drive if you feel up to it and you are off painkillers.  But I don't know the full extent of your band issues so this is a generic answer.  Your best bet to to call the surgeon's office and ask.

Do you plan to revise? 

I hope you feel better.

Hello.

Thanks for the information. I had to have the band out immediately. My plan was to get a sleeve but now I think I'm done with weight loss surgery. I only had my band since 2007. Disappointed in myself and I need to approach another surgery with getting my mind ready for weight loss surgery again. If I regain back to the knife again. Having three surgeries is not in my plan. 

Demi