I'm ready to call it quits

Welcome back Jamie!  You're not alone.  I had my band removed in June due to band induced achalasia.  I'm still having some issues, but overall, almost 4 months post removal, I'm doing well.  

Your issues getting stuck with an empty band may be related to esophageal issues...I had this early on after my band was emptied.  In the 51 weeks between my unfill and removal my symptoms increased to the point of being able to tolerate liquids only.  I would move quickly on the removal aspect, heal and then have manometry testing to make sure your esophagus can tolerate further WLS

I'm so sorry you're going through this, but your experience is becoming more frequent among the banded population.

keep us posted on your progress.

Steph

 

Did you ask them to do the scope?  That is what showed my medical issues.

Had mine out 3 weeks ago or so and am happy. Working on my same eating only now I don't throw up all the time and have energy as a result. my "hunger" has not returned, I have made life style changes prior that the removal doesn't just throw out the window. GOOD LUCK!

Please don't call yourself a failure. I've seen quite a few bandsters have problems getting their band back in gear after pregnancy and childbirth. I don't know why that happens, but it happens often enough to make you wonder what the heck is going on.

Hi Jean!  I read your book and remember you specifically mentioning waiting to getting banded until after pregnancy (I hope I'm remembering right.  Although I'm not sure that I wouldn't have come across problems at some point anyway, seeing as though it appears more people are having complications than not.  It would be interesting to see a study on the having the band pre-pregnancy and the success/complication rate post delivery.

I wonder if your surgeon has encountered this in other patients who've become moms after band surgery.

I just had lap band surgery 2 months ago.  They just partially filled my band 10 days ago for the first time.   I feel no difference.  I don't know how it is that i can still eat a full meal and not feel full.  I'm thinking about going back to the cottage cheese and fat free popsicles.  Im not really losing anything.  I don't feel the band is doing anything.  I've yet to have that "full" feeling.  Im stuck at the same weight teetering between losing 3 then gaining 3.  Any advice.  anyone

I would start a new thread and ask this question so people will see it!

ps when you ask an off topic question on a established thread it is called hijacking and people that already read this one may not come back to re-read it and see your question.

This is normal. I didn't get any restriction till like my 3rd fill. Practice now the tiny bites & lots of chewing & eating protein 1st so you will be a pro once restriction kicks in. congrats on getting the band & wishing you success.

The same thing happened to me but I didn't get completely unfilled with pregnancy. I got my band in June 2008, port replacement in December 2008. I lost 60 pounds & got pregnant (with my third son) in July 2009. I got a partial infill in August 2009, had my baby in April 2010 & started with fills again in August 2010 - could never get it right. Some days I'd throw up everything, others I could eat a fair amount (although never breakfast). They told me it was allergies & post nasal drip so I started allergy shots & had surgery to fix my deviated septum - didn't help. Nothing helped. I also wound up with a dilation.

Finally this July after 5 years and 27 fills/unfills with this stupid band I gave up, had it completely unfilled & started looking in to revision. I've gained more weight but my husband says I'm nicer, less cranky & more patient than I've been in 5 years. Upper GI showed no problems. endoscopy showed hiatal hernia, GERD & possible slip - Get an endoscopy!!! You may find your medical necessity there.

As far as the revision, I'm going for the DS, you should check it out.

Regarding insurance - my policy has a one per lifetime exclusion but when my surgeons office submitted for pre-authorization the insurance denied for lack of a 6 month supervised diet, not 1 surgery per lifetime! Of course I've appealed and am waiting to hear if my lap band records will suffice or if I can somehow get an exception (my plan is self funded). I say you should submit the request, let them deny you and then you'll know exactly what you are up against & can start the fight. Or you may be surprised with an approval.

Interestingly, in my preparation when I talked to the people at Lindstrom Law they also mentioned that's they're hearing a lot of stories about band failures after pregnancy. Or maybe it's that 3rd kid that does us in, huh? Haha

Best of luck with your revision!