I'm ready to call it quits

Well, I was hoping to never write this post, but I'm ready to break up with my band.  It's been virtually useless since I had my twin boys 2 years ago.  They emptied it while I was pregnant, and since then it just hasn't been the same.  I'm gaining, I either have no restriction or I'm stuck. I got a fill, pouch dilation, then an unfill, then a fill. 

I'm in the middle of a divorce and am a single mom of three toddlers. A new chapter of my life is about to start, so I think this is the best time for a revision.  My surgeon is now offering the sleeve as one of his WLS.  I'm meeting him this afternoon.  I'm concerned that insurance won't approve a revision since it's not medically necessary.  I am going to ask for a barium swallow, see if there might be another dilation.  Maybe 2 dilated pou*****idents would help with back-up for approval?

I ran the Boston Marathon in April.  I was at mile 20 when the bombs when off and I wasn't able to finish.  I'm praying that this could move along quickly and I could have the revision this year.  Fingers crossed.

Trying not to feel like a failure, it's so hard!

Sorry to hear of your troubles.....does the doctor have any idea why the band isn't working.....if you're getting a good fill then it should work.....a barium swallow is a good idea......in regards to the sleeve.....I've read on this board of other peope going from the band to the sleeve and having a lot of success with it.....hopefully one of those people will reply to your post.......

if your insurance paid for it the first time and you're still 'obese' then they will probably pay for it again...... my insurance paid for a second wls because the second surgery was considered a continuation of the original problem......not a new and separate problem......

Whatever way you go I wish you the best.......and remember..........everything gets worked out in the end..........

My surgeon doesn't do revisions in one surgery but he removed my band and had me re-qualify for RNY as a separate surgery request because I still meet the requirements (BMI of 40, Apnea, etc.).  If they can't make a case for a medically necessary revision, they may be able to get approval for removal of the band based on 2 revisions.  Are you having any chronic reflux issues?  That's why my band had to be removed. I had severe damage to my esophagus due to reflux.

Best of luck and keep us posted!

Lisa O.

Lisa,

What was your symptoms of your reflux.  I think I might be having this.  I have a burning in my throat when my I take my first bite of food.  Usually in mornings- also have hard time swallowing first bites- after a while seems to calm down- makes it hard to eat tho.  Any suggestions?

Hi!  Long time!

Reflux is when stomach acid washed back up your esophagus.  It's similar to heartburn but it actually comes back up and can be very dangerous if you aspirate the bile into your lungs while sleeping.  This is commonly called "night cough".

The burning in your throat can be a symptom of reflux, or non-symtomatic reflux but you need to have your doctor check it out.  My throat used to get irritated from acidic foods, i.e., citrus fruits or juices, tomato products, spicy foods, chocolate.  If you have irritated your throat from too much pb'ing these types of foods will cause a burning feeling.  I would try to stay away from the foods mentioned for a week or two and see if it makes a difference.  The hard time swallowing in the a.m. is something else.  My surgeon explained morning tightness (which is very common with bandsters) on fluid retention during our sleep.  When you lay down the fluids in our body and organs settle.  It takes a while in the a.m. for things to start moving through the elimination process, etc.  You may be tight in the a.m. because you are retaining fluids.  That is why it generally gets better as the day goes on.  I've found that starting the day with a warm beverage will allow me to eat better in the a.m.

It's always a good idea to check with your doctor.  If you can be proactive and prevent permanent damage you may be able to stay banded.

Nice to hear from you!

Lisa O.

Repeat many times daily, I AM NOT A FAILURE!!!! There are too many of us that it didn't work for for it to be your fault. Very often after being totally unfilled you are never able to get a good fill level again. Stress is going to play havoc with it too causing some days to be tight and others loose. Go read on the sleeve forum there are hundreds of people who have revised and done very well. Just the fact that you can't get good restriction "should" be reason enough for revision but your surgeon should know how to get it thru as long as your insurance covers revisions and doesn't have a 1 surgery per lifetime policy. I wish you the very best and remember you aren't alone!

My 2 surgeries were done by two different doctors .......and were done years apart........i am thinking that even though your surgery is billed as another surgery........ that since your insurance covered it the first time, they will cover it again because it is a continuation of the same condition............I think since it is being billed straight as a rny, not a revision..........then it would be covered ........either way ........as a rny or a revision, it will probably be approved...................that's how my insurance viewed it with the two surgeries being billed independent of each other by separate doctors offices....... but if your insurance doesn't see it that way.........it sounds like you still meet the 'medically necessary' requirements ...........i did with my second surgery too........... i was worried about the second surgery being approved also ..............but it went through pretty quickly .........the surgeons office staff had the paperwork down like clockwork.........it was well organized................ i have had severe acid reflux and felt a lot of burning..... so......my family doctor doubled the acid reflux medicine i was taking and eliminated one of the medicines i was taking........since then i haven't had a problem with it........what a relief..............

You ran the Boston Marathon and made it twenty miles.!..... Wow!........I've always wanted to do something like that.......Good for you!.......... Wishing you the best of everything.......

Jamie YOUR NOT ALONE!! None of us EVER wanted to say that we needed or wanted our bands removed. We were lured into a False sense of security believing the manufacturer that the Complications were minimal, Their NOT, their 50%. 

I'm really sorry that you have to go through all the complications with your band as well as a Divorce (been there done that while banded). But you have 3 wonderful boys to feel so blessed for, Congratulations.

A sleeve is a good WL option , but I also suggest to research other options as well, The sleeve is a restrictive surgery like the band so please be cautious in that if your experiencing any reflux/esophageal issues that can/may become worse if sleeved.

Educate yourself to the facts of the surgery no matter what you choose, revisions tend to lose slower. I think it's a wonderful idea especially if your have coverage. 

I don't advocate ANY specific WLS type..  just do what is best for you.

in regards to the band /revision some Doctors not all will not remove/revise at the same time. It depends on allot of factors, scar tissue and the surgeon's personal preference.

A dilation IS a band complication, that and if you have experienced any other things like Reflux/vomiting etc.. from the band. Those also are considered a complication. Allergan's site lists them all  

Again PLEASE Stop feeling like a Failure, you did not Fail the band failed !

I too hope your able to revise and first thing to do is make a Call to your insurance company and ask, then also make sure you have a paper copy of what the insurance will cover in regards to revision.

You may, or may not need to redo certain testing, 6 mos. pre-op diet etc.. 

lastly, don't be surprised if nothing shows up on the Barium swallow, more often that NOT I have heard from ppl with Failed bands that they have gone through numerous tests all to be told their band is fine, even when an erosion has been present. it's MHO that most only find out the real reason for their band failing  when the Surgeon goes in and can VISIBLY confirm the reason for the failure.

Best Wishes on your success on deciding/getting  on a revision , And raising those 3 wonderful little boys!! 

Based on your whole history they should cover the revision.  You have established a history of medical problems with the band.  You look like a prime candidate with documented history.  This is what got me a revision to sleeve even with a once in a life time policy.  I really am very happy with the sleeve.

Also a barium swallow showed my band was perfect.  The scope showed my problems.  

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate the kind words and support.  I saw my surgeon yesterday, he emptied my band. The barium swallow revealed no issues but I know what I feel...that pressure in my chest, the sliming, the stuck.  He said if I'm planning to revise it's best just to empty it now anyway.

I hadn't ever really considered RNY an option, but now I'm starting to do some research on that as well.  I'll meet with a new surgeon and discuss my options with him, and go from there.  For now I'm just trying to not beat myself up and remember that I'm not alone!