Bye, Bye Band!

I was very recently converted from a band to a bypass.  The surgery was VERY difficult and took almost 4 hours.  Most of which time was spent trying to remove my band.  It was placed WAAAAY too high on my esophagus and I had no pouch at all.  I am still recovering and I expect it will take me a while longer to feel back to my old self again.   

I have decided that I shouldn’t define myself as a “bandster”, “bypasser” or whatever cute name we think of to call ourselves.  My main goal is the same as it always was and I’m sure it’s the same as most of you.  To be healthy and live a quality life, free of morbid obesity.   

Let my situation be a lesson to everyone that wants to keep their band at all cost.  The last thing I want to do is to put fear into anyone.  However, I want you to be aware of possible issues and symptoms and to know when it’s time to let your band go.  Mainly, if you have pain, something is wrong.  Vomiting, loss of restriction, poor weight loss, etc.  Even after following instructions given to me by my surgeon, I still had problems.   

If your surgeon (or anyone else) tries to blame you, then SEE SOMEONE ELSE!  If you follow treatment instructions and still have problems and/or pain, it’s NOT your fault and you need to be treated.  Contrary to popular belief, more and more is known about complications and their causes.  Most of which are NOT the patient’s fault.  Your first priority should be your health and not keeping your band!  Don’t forget that!  I have forgotten that at times during my own journey.   

I thought of my band as the end and the “cure”.  It was neither for me.  I had other options.  I just wasn’t ready to see them.  I was even thinking about giving my band another try while in pre-op waiting for my conversion surgery!  Then I came to my senses.  It’s not worth risking more serious complications or even death, just to keep your band.  That is NOT why any of us decided to be banded.  The reason we decided to be banded was to help us lose weight and get healthy.  THAT’S IT!  

I consider myself a success.  To me, a success is not giving up and finding a surgeon willing to help me and get to my ultimate goal of health and quality of life!   

Always make sure you keep your priorities straight and if you’re having trouble, seek not only medical help, but also emotional support.  Whether it is on one of these boards or somewhere else.  I guarantee that someone else is going through the same thing you are going through.  So decide to be the brave one and reach out.   

I hope none of you ever go through what I have been through, but the fact is that some of you will.  Please listen to your body and never ignore it’s voice

I wish all of you the Best of Health! 

Sandy Johnston

Patient Care Coordinator for

aLighterMe

Dr. Martin Salvador Valencia, MD, FACS

Dr. Mark Pleatman MD, FACS