20 years post op

Hello, I'm Debbie from Texas and today is my first day here on this site. 20 someodd years ago I had a gastric segmentation from Dr. Marcel Molina in Houston Texas. In the first year I had lost about 60 lbs, never reaching my goal. Over all the years I have gained back all of the 60 plus another 100 lbs and now I'm at my biggest at 300 lbs. The band is still in place, when I over eat or I'm upset I feel it and need to throw up. What I'm wanting to know is there anyone out there that had Mr. Molina as their doc and how many years out are they and have they gained their weight back. I'm telling myself that after the holidays are over I'm going to stop eating for a few days and let my band tighten up and start all over again. Has anyone tried this?? My band is not the adjustable kind, it was even invented back when I had this surgery. My husband has suffered with me all the times I have had to throw up and he's totally against it. He says its the worst thing I've ever done in my life. He is so scared I'm going to choke to death. Right now at my highest weight ever, I feel so bad, can hardly breathe, can't hardly walk. If I didn't have to work, I promise I would never leave my house. I need help, and support. Will ya'll help me?? Debbie

I would call the bariatric surgeons in the area and make an appt. You probably need some sound advice. Alot has changed in the bariatric world in that amount of time.

I agree, you need to see a doc, find out what is going on, and what your options are... Also get back to the basics.... You know what to do, and what you are doing wrong. Get on the lap band board and get some support... If you are not in a support group, get into one... Do a search to see who is in your area under support groups... I cannot stress that enough.. You did the right thing by connecting with us on the OH board. We are all here to help, and offer support. Please get in to see a doc. and post often, and let us know how you are progresssing. Much love and support.

Hi Debbie. I had surgery by him and a reversal several days after due to medical problems. My best friend had hers done about 13 years ago and is still at her "goal" weight. I had a girl I work with who had the same surgery (same doc) and who didn't lose any weight and just recently several years later they found the band in pieces in her and some were grown into the stomach. They did surgery (after she finally found a doc who would touch that) and still to this day cannot eat much and still has many pieces of the band they will never be able to remove. And she is heavy and can't even enjoy food. Call a doctor and check into the previous surgery you had and find out what's going on with that first. You may be able to work with that. Dr Molina is dead BTW in case you didn't know that. Good luck Robin 265/139.5/130

Be sure to research the surgeons that do revisions. There are about 8 nation wide that take on really rough cases and they seem to have great sucess. You may have to travel but then your health is worth it. Darlene DS 9-06 Dr.M.Schweitzer Baltimore MD

Hi Debbie, I haven't been banded yet, but I know there must be a doc out there who can help you. I see that you are in Houston and there are some really good docs there. Please get into one and find out what's going on. I have a friend who had the band way back then, and she's still at her goal weight. I also think maybe a support group and possibly some therapy would help you. We really do care, so please keep us posted on your progress.

Debbie, Welcome to the OH forums. This is the place for support and help. There is a lot of wisdom here. I know I have benefited. KatyB

Debbie just over 4 yrs ago I had the old style banding and stapling I lost 110 and gained back 40 lbs. I could not tolerate "heavy foods" so I ate carbs and sugars. I went to the Baylor- St. Luke's bariatric specialist thinking I was going in for nutritional and emotional support however they found the band had eroded and it put me at great risk. I had a revision and by pass conversion. I am now 4 weeks post op nd my stomach is better than before??? I would go for a complete evaluation even if the band is ok the pouch may not. If the surgery is ok than maybe the support system is what you need. Baylor has an awesome free emtional eating class on the first Tuesday each month and a support group on every third Wedensday excet Dec. Revisions are tricky and Dr. Sherman was my doctor and he did a great job. Cheryl

How do find out if the band is eroded? Can an xray tell.

Hi Debbie. If you are interested in trying to find another surgeon that can help you, try Dr. Naaman in Houston. He's one of the top surgeons in the nation and he does take very difficult cases and has a lot of experience w/ revisions. www.drnaaman.com I'm sorry you're having such trouble. I wish you good health. Cheryl