Question for long-term bandsters.....

 

I'm not sure why he is suggesting that either.  If you are happy with it, keep it.  If it is working for you, keep it.  Ins would not likely pay for a revision anyway considering goal and no problems.

I'm 5.5 years out and haven't had a fill in over 4.5 years. But that is just me. I haven't felt I needed it. Some days I'm tight and other I am loose.

Why would you even think of the Sleeve when your band is working? People don't get the Sleeve just because it's the "style".

Those *****vise to the Sleeve have NO CHOICE, their bands has to come out due to complication, not because the Sleeve is ANY BETTER long term.

If my surgeon told me to revise to the Sleeve when I had no problem with my band and I had lost all of my weight and maintained for years, I would report him, and question his motives -- and I would seek another surgeon for future aftercare.

Also remember, your band HAS DONE IT'S JOB, don't pu**** (if it ain't broke don't fix it)  it is not a miracle cure for obesity, it's a tool.

If your portions are getting bigger, IT MAY BE A SLIGHT POUCH DILATION, you may want to get your band examined with an Upper GI to check the pouch size, this is very common with long term bandsters, the further out you get, the more complacent  you get and you can EASILY stretch your pouch on a very tight band -- by constantly eating over 4oz per meal, those who are not experienced with the band may think they need more saline, when they may need the opposite, a slight ufill.

You want to ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you have ANY type of reflux at night, spitting up in your sleep? or have to sleep on several pillows? If so, you may need to get a tiny amount of saline out.

2. If you are not having any adverse issues, you may want to go back to basics and do liquids and protein drinks for about 1-2 weeks, this may help shrink your pouch without getting a fill, IF you don't have reflux.

3. If you do NOT have any reflux and feel you need more help, you may want to add a very tiny amount like 0.1cc, your surgeon may be reluctant to ADD more saline because at this point in your journey, it may not be a good idea since more saline the further out you get, the more problems you can develop.

4. It seems like your lap band has done its job, and you have done a fantastic job with your weight, sometimes you may have to go back to basics, instead of getting more saline, adding more saline is not always better.

5. Remember your band is filled with saline, there will be ebb flow, depending on stress, menstral cycle, food you are eating, etc, your restriction will never be the exact same every single day, you will have to adapt to the changes, if there is significant change in restriction, extremely tight, or extremely loose, then you should be concerned, but other than that you seem to be doing good.

If you DO revise to the Sleeve, you will have to do the exact same thing as with the band, and with the Sleeve you will not have options of getting more restriction years out like you have with the band. Also some surgeons are pushing patients to Sleeves nowadays, for these reasons:

1. More money for revisional surgeries, (bariatric surgery is down for all surgical types)

2. Some surgeons are tired of aftercare the band requires and pushing them to other surgeries, even when the band does not need to come out.

You are smart to keep your band, if you are not happy with your surgeons suggestion, please find a new band-friendly surgeon, I sure did and I am very happy I did so.

Good luck

 

 

I am almost six years out from my lapband surgery.  I've not had any fills since my initial 5 months after surgery.  If you've been successful so far, I see no need for a revision.  I have noticed that my portions are bigger after this long, but if I eat primarily dense protein, I can go much longer than if I choose slippery proteins or junk.  The rules still apply after all these years.  I attend our amazing support group at least twice monthly.  We also have a monthly session for graduates (year or more post-op).  At some point your band will be full if you continue with regular fills.  I have considered getting a fill, but so far I have just been honest with myself and realized that I could have a fill, but if I make bad choices, I will eventually fill up my band.  Good  luck and have fun!

I am 5 1/2 years out and I haven't had a fill in over 3 years. I saw a lap band doctor (mine left to start a new practice out of state) and they said I had room for a fill, if I felt I needed it, but they advised against it since they were happy with my progress. My fear has always been over filling and losing the band. I am like the others that have replied, some days I'm tight and some days I'm loose. I just try not to take advantage of those loose days and continue to try and make healthier choices. I am struggling with six extra pesky pounds, but I really have to hold myself accountable for the mistakes I have made (me, personally). I would suggest talking to your doctor. It does sound like he is happy with your progress. I don't believe I personally need regular fills. My band and feelings have remained the same for well over 4- 4 1/2 years. It has always had a mind of its own, but I am still so grateful for it!!! I don't ever want to lose it. Best wishes to you!!

If a fill at this point is not absolutely necessary I would try to avoid it.  You may, however, consider changing your eating pattern and start having 5-6 smaller meals through out the day.  That way you can keep hunger at bay WITHOUT the risk of stretching your pouch or backing up food into your esophagus.  That's what happened to me and I lost my band because of it. 

Best, 

Lisa O.