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I had the same issue, I have been banded since 2003. I had no symptoms and only found out because I went to get a fill. The Dr. emptied my band to try to let my esophagus rest but I wasn't put on any kind of special diet.
Unfortunately, during the time I was resting my esophagus, I lost my job and haven't been able to return for a fill or follow-up so I can't comment on the restriction portion.
Hi, I used to be a member of these forums YEARS ago now I'm back! A little background, I was
A little background, I was banded in 2003 and got to my goal weight of 150 from 311, 290 day of surgery but I felt more comfortable being 170ish. I was banded in Texas, moved to California in 2008 and had my very last fill ever around 2009 because I didn't have the money or insurance that covered fills. Fast forward to 2016, finally had insurance that would cover my band maintenance. Went to get a fill, weight 190 (not bad for no fill in 7 years). Found that I had a swollen esophagus which I had never had any symptoms of. Dr. emptied my band to let my esophagus rest and hopefully heal. I was supposed to wait few months and go for a follow-up and possibly a fill. There was a student in with the Dr during my fluoroscopy and the Dr. was educating him on my now vintage Lap Band. The student had no idea how many cc's my band could hold and honestly I couldn't remember either.
Fast forward to 2016, finally had insurance that would cover my band maintenance. Went to get a fill, weight 190 (not bad for no fill in 7 years). Found that I had a swollen esophagus which I had never had any symptoms of. Dr. emptied my band to let my esophagus rest and hopefully heal. I was supposed to wait a few months and go for a follow-up and possibly a fill. There was a student in with the Dr during my fluoroscopy and the Dr. was educating him on my now "vintage" Lap Band. The student had no idea how many cc's my band could hold or the mechanics of it and honestly I couldn't remember either.
During the interim, I lost my job and was not able to return for follow-up. I will be receiving Medi-cal soon which I know pays for weight loss surgery. My question is does anyone know if Medicaid (Medi-cal) would pay for me to have a newer model? It never occurred to me that my band is now obsolete and I may come across a Dr. who would have no idea what do do with it. Is it even possible for me to get my band replaced at this point?
On a side note, my weight is now 230 
Thanks in advance!
I am getting surgery in July. I just started Zoloft . Zoloft can make you gain weight . But my question is I see a lot of pp are on anti depressants. But do they make you gain weight that's one of the side effects or the lapband it doesn't matter . It doesn't effect the Zoloft or anything? Nancy
I am getting my lapband in July, I just started Zoloft Today. But my question was can you still loose the same amount and as quick with the lapband taking Zoloft? Cause I know Zoloft can make you gain weight? I was worried about that?whats your experience with Zoloft I'm getting worried? Nancy
Hi. When I was at a good spot and I had good restriction, I didn't want to stop when I got the signal that im full. So I played the lap band game. Wait, force more in till im gagging, run to the bathroom and force it out or it would stay and back up into my esophagus causing dilation and inflammation. I was doing more damage than good and gaining weight. So its gone. First week after surgery not hungry. Second week went slow, eating soft, feeling a little better ( I had severe pain where they took out port). Third week I start eating regular again, hunger is coming back. But the funny thing is, I forget sometimes the band is gone, and I eat with band rules!! Like i still didnt drink while I ate, or ate bread, pasta, etc with my meal. One day, I went to lunch with a friend and saw these deliciuos fresh made bread sticks. I never touch the bread basket, because then I can't get anything else in, right!@? Hey wait, I said, I don't have my band. Well, let me tell you... the two of us went through 2 bread baskets. The feeling of eating and not having that stuck feeling was amazing. but, I realized that I CAN NOT do that again. So, im doing exactly like you said. Im eating how a bandster should eat. I am exercising after not being in a gym for 15 years. I try to do shakes, but I hate them. Cutting out carbs whenever I can. Eat lean and green! Trying to cut out the wine every weekend. I gained so much weight when my band was loose (I gained most of the 100 lb pound back, im back to 373). I can NOT blow up. I will be healthier, maybe thinner when I have sleeve surgery end of July. I have too many special occasions coming up for kids, so Im doing it after our trip for my daughter's 16th bday ! I prayed I would come our sleeved when he removed the band, but sadly, they couldn't do it. This device does a lot of damage to your stomach and esophagus. I wish I could do without an other surgery, but I can't. I dont eat because im hungry, I eat because I LOVE food and cant get enough when its something I love... I have to have it! Im trying, but it aint easy, good luck and let's support each other !
You say that when your band is too tight, you overeat/force food and cause damage to the esophagus. Do you think you overate out of hunger or habit? I have been studying and read that a lot of WLS patients tend to divert back to overeating out of the habit they once had within 5 years of surgery. I'm trying to pay close attention to my own habits to see if I can 'retrain' myself with band eating. Thoughts? (and good luck with the sleeve. I've heard a lot of good results with them.)
Same here! My port incision after removal is still painful. Its been 3 weeks now. Also, my left thigh is numb and tingly with sporadic stabbing pain. Nerve damage from surgery???
Same here! My port incision after removal is still painful. Its been 3 weeks now. Also, my left thigh is numb and tingly with sporadic stabbing pain. Nerve damage from surgery???
Hi, i was having same issues with my dilated esophagus. My doctor removed all the fill and told me the esophagus needs to heal. After gaining 40 lbs back. I went back tried getting fills, but he refused after a while because when my band is too tight, I overeat/force food and cause the damages to my esophagus. So, a few more lbs later. I had my band removed 3/16 and will have sleeve in july. It sucks!
Hi LadyDi, Its so hard. I HAD my band removed 3 weeks ago. I wasnt hungry right after but I notice the hunger returning. Im so afraid of gaining more weight. Im waiting to have sleeve done in 3-4 months. In the mean while, we have to take control. We no longer have that tool to stop us. I started walking on the treadmill and im doing little to no carbs, high protein. Ive had my cheats. But I KNOW that I have to be conscious of everything i put in my mouth. Its hard. Take one step at a time. Meals, exercise, water, etc. Join a program, support group, club... something to keep you accountable. Good luck
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