The most bothersome damage is gastroparesis which is slow digestion and you wouldn't think that was such a bad thing but it is because the food just sits in my stomach for hours which causes excess gas and the pain that comes with it. My stomach is still very small feeling I still can't eat much at a time which is ok but it makes me have to eat several small meals all day long so it feels like I just eat all day long.

I feel much better with it out because I had horrible pain under my ribcage (felt like an ice pick jammed in my ribs!) but it was gone once I got the band out. I wasn't able to revise because my insurance didn't cover it. I have coverage now but I also have bad lungs so no one will operate on me because of that! I did develope an over active thyroid after my band was out for a year or so that has made me lose weight down almost to my goal (within 10 lbs anyway!). In fact now I have to work at eating more so i don't lose too much while waiting to see what is going on with my thyroid! Life is so strange sometimes, I go from starving myself to having to eat more!! Just can't win!!  All in all tho life without the band is much better! Good luck to you.

great madam feeling happy for you

Hi Susan

I am back to the board after many years and like you are wanting to get back to making the most of my band!  How have you been doing, it is some time since this post!

I only lost about 22kg before the weight gain restarted after a major stuck incident - air bubble in band after flight to South Africa - NEVER manager to find the sweet spot again - and slowly put it all back on +

Have been back to my nurse for a fill the past few weeks, taking it slowly though so i don't get back to the fill/unfill/fill/unfill pattern.  

I am seeing this as a last ditch attempt to make this lapband work before I seriously consider revision to RNY.  I am hesitant there as my reasons for choosing lapband are still the same, less invasive etc.  My surgeon no longer does lapbands - and my nurse told me so many of their patients with lapband have had a revision. . . So I figure seeing her for .1 fills every few weeks at $60 a pop is still a lot cheaper than RNY self Pay $21k.

So fingers crossed that this will work, I have totally dropped the rubbish and carbs/sugar and coffee too.  Becoming more accountable and the slight fill is making a difference already to the portion size and choices.

I am sure if you have no complications we can do this!  I am back to reading the board for inspiration and thanks for the 5 Day Pouch test I will try that too.

Karen  :0)

NZ

Not good unfortunately . Sick in health and  trying very hard not to be bitter in attitude . I am a shell of the person I was before this lap band . Before I was a healthy fat person and today I am an unhealthy fat person inflicted with pain  almost on a daily basis from that evil device .... For the last few years... If I go more than a week without vomiting or waking up in the middle of the night with acid reflux.. even taking prescription medication  I count my blessings but when it hits its with a vengeance and I have to do shakes and liquids for a few days . It's a vicious cycle and I gave up a long time ago . I hope to have my band taken out someday but the thought of having to pay more money to do that is what is stopping me . I was self pay and I don't know if my insurance will pay to remove it . I have enough good days I tell myself it can wait  awhile longer . Bet you are sorry you asked lol as this is long . Let me know how this works out for you I hope and pray it hasn't affected your health and all goes well . ~ Cindy  

Glad you are doing well!

All best