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That's a tough spot to be in. Whatever you divide I wish you peace with your decision.
Sooo finally my weightloss surgery journey will be continuing. I've been on a looong pause lol!!! I had lapband surgery in 2005. I lost close to 100 pounds, then my band stopped working (around 2009****pt going in for fills that would miraculousy "evaporate" within several hours. I was accused of eating around the band (shakes, ice cream, chips, etc., which was not the case at all)! Over the years, I have gone through so much. Took years before another bariatric surgeon would even agree to touch me, and he ended up being shady. After years of research, I was finally able to find info on my band and learned that there had been a recall on the needles used because they were discovered to have caused leaks. I spoke with someone at the company and received a letter to take to my surgeon(s), which I did. I was told that I could have my band/tubing replaced but would have to pay out of pocket and then get recompensated from the company. Well, I was nowhere near able to afford that surgery, so there was nothing I could do. Fastforward to open enrollment 2015. I finally made the decision to research my insurance coverage options (FOR THE THOUSANDTH TIME) to find out if there was ANY WAY I could see the original surgeon who did my band so long ago. You can only imagine the joy I felt when I found out I could switch plans to see him, which I did immediately. So, I went to see my new PCP earlier this week and explained my situation to her. She put in a referrral that same day for me to see my OG surgeon. His office called me yesterday, and I have an appt to see him on the 4th of next month. Now, serious jitters and heart palpitations are present. I am SO nervous, because I now know this is the beginning of whatever else oqs to come in my wls journey. It's scary, because I haven't been seen by anyone in so long and have just kind of allowed myself to accept that I would just keep this useless tool inside my body forever. I know my surgeon is going to go ask about what I plan to do since my band will be removed, and this terrifies me, because although I need surgery, I am not at a place where I necessarily want it right now. Just not sure if I want to go through it all aaaaaallllll over agian. I feel as if this post is all over the place, but just needed to get that off my chest and wanted to share, because I have posted a bit about my experience. Hope everyone is having a great day =D
Ok... Had my apt with my surgeon from 2007 today. I was so nervous. He is all business and very intimidating to me. I went through all the updates with the nurse and waited for him to come in. He came in and sat down, then said he wanted to start off by telling me not to hold myself responsible for not being successful with the band. (not his exact words, but something to that effect) I then proceeded to bust into tears! I just really needed to hear that. He said that such a high percentage of patients are unsuccessful with it that he doesn't even do the procedure anymore. He didn't want to "mess" with a fill. He wanted to check things by doing the swallowing xray thing to see if it has moved or dilated my esophagus or anything. I have that scheduled for Feb. He recommended the duodonal switch. That is a big scary surgery and I don't think I'm interested in it. The sleeve can stretch... They weren't sure if my insurance would consider it. So that's where I am. Interested to see what if anything he will see from the swallow test. I might see if my primary care Dr will give me an RX for Phentermine. I love that stuff. It's the only thing that has ever helped me. It gives me tons of energy and takes food out of my mind. I think its bad for you though. I just need a boost, so I'll have some energy to start walking, etc. Work is crazy, so I get home and want to put on my jammies. So the saga continues. I'm going to try and find a new therapist who works with food issues. I saw the other one twice and I dreaded going back because I felt so bad when I left bringing up everything. Lord knows I need it. On top of everything else.... I had to put the one and only "Dixie Dog"to sleep on Christmas Eve (13yr old black lab) . She was my heart, my fitness buddy when I walked everyday. I've still got a little fru fru pup, but she was my girl.
on 1/7/16 3:42 pm
Had my surgery in Mexico last July. Yes it was more like a vacation than a big surgical deal. Care I got was fantastic, basically no pain, out and about enjoying Tijuana 2 days after surgery. Like you my ins wouldn't cover it in the US. spent less than $5,000 including my airfare.
Hi AMCZ82 -
I was banded on June of 2006 - almost 10 years ago - and have lost about 110 pounds and still keeping it off. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself but LapBand is not for most people. The only way I can describe it - I think it requires a certain personality type to deal with the peculiarities of the lapband. Also - I don't think it works for many people's anatomy. I don't know why it works well for some and not for others.
Now - having said all that - my daughter had the sleeve two years ago and has done very well. She is constantly pleased with the improvement in her overall health, fitness and mindset.
Do your research and good luck!
Kootenay
06/06/2006 SW: 225 CW: 117
Ask me how I got rid of my keloid scar!
Good luck on your fill today ! I wanted you to know that I'm gonna join you on this restart journey and see if I can get back on track. I know I'm having problems with my band but I'm gonna buckle down to make sure I'm really giving it my best try ! I have regained 35-40 lbs back and am starting today with getting back to the basics.... Drinking plenty of water, no liquid calories unless it's a healthy meal replacement, no sugar, no junk, and 3 small meals per day ... The last one is hard for me as I have earned the nickname At work and home as " the nibbler"
so let me know how your feeling after your fill and maybe we can help each other along .
on 1/6/16 3:58 am, edited 1/5/16 8:04 pm
I had a successful lap band two years ago, with the help of a medical tourism company. As my insurance didn't cover the surgery in my own country, I chose to have the sleeve abroad, because of quality and good prices. Now, the thing is I was really confused, maybe a bit scared but having Placidway's support was helping me a lot. That's to say, I chose South Korea to have my lap band and overall, it was a highly successful experience (both travel and medical). If you need any weight loss tips, advice, procedure, PM me and I will gladly help you out...
I had a tummy tuck and just used sunblock on my scars ... No burning . Congrats on your flat tummy !! I know how great it feels
I also have the lap band in 2007 and thought I would choose that option because it was reversible. One year after getting fills and not feeling a thing, the doctor finally took me back into surgery for a port revision because all the saline they kept "filling" me with was not going into the actual band. After that I did lose about 50-60 pounds but with a lot of vomiting during that time. I have since gained back all of the weight and back at my heaviest. I am now considering getting a revision to the bypass surgery. I would never recommend the band to anyone. I paid $10000 for it and it cost me two surgeries and no successful weight loss. My goal this time is to find a good surgeon and only move forward if I really feel comfortable about the surgeon/surgery.
Great to hear you had the revision and are doing well Karen! Best wishes for a Happy and healthy New Year.
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