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Hello, everyone! I am not sure why I received this post thread from OH, as it has been years since I was involved in band issues or Band education.
I will take this chance, though, to say HI! to all of my old friends who may remember me.
I have been one of the lucky ones. I was banded in March 2003, and remain at goal weight (BMI 22) for more than 11 years, and my Band is fine. (With the exception of one year when I regained 10# with no fill while I was caring for my mother with Alzheimer's. That weight came off when I decided to put myself first) )
I rarely have any trouble. However, let me tell you that KUDU is not a band-friendly meat! My fiance and I spent 6 weeks in Africa last summer, and Kudu is frequently served. It is tough, stringy, dry, and one bite almost made me barf.
The Band, sadly, did not live up to it's expectations for a great many people. We had such high hopes...
I know many who lost their Bands, and many who have turned to other procedures. I wish them all well. Still, the requirements for ALL procedures are basically the same: We must change our lifestyles and comply with eating and drinking limitations.
I am getting married in October, after living together for several years. Jim is a retired University Biology/Environmental Sciences Professor, and we share a love of hiking, photography, travel, and much more. We just bought a wonderful home on the Coast, and will move next month.
I am not involved in Band education AT ALL any longer, and have not kept up to date on Band or WLS issues. Please don't email me questions or concerns, as I cannot reply.
The very best to all of you -
Sandy
DISCLAIMER: Any suggestions or comments are not intended as medical advice, but only as general information. Please always contact your own surgeon or his staff for any specific problems or concerns you are having. Although I have many years as a medical professional and band educator, I offer suggestions here only as an experienced Bandster.
I have had my lap band for 2 1/2 years. I had it inflated really full 10 3/4cc out of a 14cc band because I did not feel any restriction until then. I though all was going fine but 1 year ago I got esophageal spasms so bad my throat locked up behind my adam's apple. A trip to the hospital and an EGD and Ct scan showed all was normal except for ulcers where the esophagus and stomach meet. The hospital recommended removing some fluid but my bariatric surgeon said if no food is getting stuck and I can still eat anything I choose including steak and large vitamin pills then there is no problem. 2 more trips to the hospital for throat spasms and bleeding ulcers more EGDs and CTs show no slipped band or dilated esophagus. I went to my Bariatric Dr. and demanded some fluid be removed. The nurse got overly gung ho and removed 9cc in one big syringe. She wanted me to get a Baruim swallow and wait 6 weeks before even talking about refill. The barium swallow showed that I have no pouch whatsoever. The band abuts the bottom of the diaphragm. This did not slip, it was placed this way. My Bariatric Dr. stunned me by saying that everything is normal and there is no problem. He wanted to know why I was there. I told him about the hospital visits and throat spasms. He said it was just a band overfill and to let fluid out. I told him the fluid was out and he said then there is no problem. I said I am gaining my weight back rapidly, he said if you fill it again you will have those problems again. Then I said what about there being no pouch? What am I supposed to do? How do I eat? Where is my food going? He didn't say anything. He said if he went back in he could only move it 1 centimeter and that would not make a difference. He said he has several people like me and they seem to be getting along. He told me that if I have any problems with this band he can just remove it and be done with it. This guy has made it plain he is getting out of the lap band business and only wants to do gastric sleeves.
I feel abandonded, alone and don't know what to do to manage this. I can not find anyone like me on any support forum. I am paying cash for a second opinion from a Bariatric surgeon who sepcializes in revision surgery, but he is not part of my insurance. I am willing to change insurance just to get this fixed but that will take until this fall's enrollment period and won'e become effective until Jan. 2016. Meanwhile, to stop my weight gain I am having my band filled again, and will try to be careful knowing that my esophagus is being used as a stomach pouch until the food slowly goes past the band.
I would like some encouragement to get me through this and any advice on how to eat and plan my meals.
Definitely one of the most knowledgeable contributors
on 7/21/15 7:32 am
I had it swapped out nearly 6 months ago, I had my TT two years ago and after the port really showed and stuck out so it got caught easier and was causing me pain so I talked to my surgeon and he worked with my Plastic surgeon and together they were able to get me all situated.
My arms bug me also but if I use my resistance band (every night before the shower for just a few mins) they improve a lot enough that the scar and risk of incision opening is not worth it.
I was thinking of getting my breasts done but I might have to have a double mastectomy (family history) and at that point I will work with my plastic surgeon to see what can be done.
Right now what really bothers me is the side bra area I have tons of skin there but I wear a long lines bra and it holds it in okay but that would be what I would "wish" for at this point.
Good luc!
Mell 
Start weight: 320
At surgery: 300
Current: 185
Goal: 175
Hi CSG,
Sometimes it takes a lot of experimenting with the amount of saline in your band to reach the correct level of restriction. Be aware, though, that you might have proper restriction one day and not the next due to body fluctuations. It's important to try to control the binges, especially this early out from surgery. You might notice a few "stop eating signs"- hiccups, runny nose... and it's important to stop eating before you get to the "ouch!" point. You might want to consider attending support meetings for a bit. It helps to hear from others who are going through the same thing as you.
Patience is key with the band. Don't get your band overfilled because it causes damage. Most likely you won't have the "full" feeling like most of us do after eating a large meal. (Before getting the band.) You will have to pay very close attention to your body and it does take some getting used to.
Best of luck to you. I hope things go well for you.
Avoid kemmerling, Green Bay, WI
I'm still stuck on the original doctor swearing there is no way his band could have slipped! I'm sorry but that is pure bull**** and someone needs to stand up to that man! The arrogance that a surgeon could sit there and claim that a tool that is KNOWN for slipping and moving no matter who places it would not magically under his guidance is pompous and insane.
That being said, it needs to be removed as soon as possible. I don't see why insurance would not cover, no matter what item is being removed, when there is a broken piece of medical instrument inside of her just moving around. That is life threatening, and should be fully covered. I wish you and your family well, and I really hope they are able to remove it without issue.
LapBand Weight 460 (2006) | Panni Removal Weight 200 (2008) | 3rd kid (2009)
Revision to RNY Weight 355 (June 2015)
Thank you so much for responding! This is very reassuring. I thought I remembered something about the change in fat/composition potentially impacting the port's stitches to the abdominal wall/fat...but then my imagination of course got the best of me! When did you have yours swapped out? I don't think mine has much of a profile; I can find it by pressing on my belly, but it doesn't stick out.
That's great that you got your sweet spot back and you're back to losing. Are you going to do more surgery? Before my band was placed, I thought for sure I'd get a tummy tuck eventually. Now I think that can wait, and it's my arms I want to "fix"....strange how we lose weight in different places, hu?
thank you for responding!! Have you had issues with your band/port/tubing? When was yours placed?
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