soccermonster31

I had my lap band put in 2012. I lost 80 lbs the first year, maintained and then in 2016 had a prolapse and all my fluid removed. I never regained restriction from fills, just random days when my band would decide to be tight and I couldn't eat. By late 2018 I had gained all of my weight back. Mid 2019 I started to have reflux that lead into really bad chest pains. I even went to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack. After trying meds, and having an ultrasound I just had an upper GI yesterday. I still have a prolapse and irritation and it was recommended that I have the band removed. I am on the fence about having a revision....I don't think the doctors in my area will offer a revision within the same surgery as removing the band, and now that I have children I am more hesitant to have additional surgeries. Anyone have a good pro-con list of doing a revision?

@lbugher Your story from childhood is almost identical to mine. I appreciate your response. I have decided to move forward with RNY. We seem to be in very similar situations and at the same point in our lives. Let me know if you are interested in being support buddies!

So I had a consult with the surgeon that did my upper GI. He is recommending I revise to the Sleeve. His estimate is I will lose the same amount of weight with the Sleeve or with Bypass, but Bypass has greater risk of complication. I have a couple friends who have the sleeve and didn't loose the weight they wanted to, hit a plateau and have gained back some weight. I'm worried about that. A complication of my band has been GERD, so I am also worried about that continuing if I have the sleeve. The surgeon really seemed to be pushing the sleeve, same with his office staff. But it was the same 10 years ago when I had the lap band, and now that has fallen out of favor...will the same happen with the sleeve? Should I just go with my gut and do the bypass???

@Alli in StL I was banded one month after you and am now facing a similar decision to have the band removed due to complications from the band. How was the removal surgery and recovery? It looks like you are in STL, which is also where I am located. Which surgeon did you use for removal?

This is similar to what happened to me. The pain would travel from my abdomen to my right shoulder and arm. It was triggered after eating and when I would lay down. I just had an upper GI and a prolapse was found. Recommendation is to have the band removed.

I was banded almost a year ago (10.26.2011) and am in STL. I love my band! If anyone is looking for support or has any questions, just let me know

Congrats!!! I have had my Realize band for almost a year (banded 10.26.2011). It may seem hard at first, but the pain will eventually subside and you will start to learn all about how to live your new life. It takes some adjusting, but for me has been worth every moment! This website really helped me get through the first few months. So take advantage of all the experiences people share.

I found that it varied. At first at a size 20 it took close to 20-30 pounds to drop a size, but after that it was more around every 15 pounds. But I think there is a lot of variation depending on body shape, height, etc that effect this.

I just had my 3rd fill and am at 4 cc's. I feel restriction the first week after a fill and then it goes away. So kind of the opposite of most I guess. It is definately a process! I haven't lost but 5 pounds since surgery 4 months ago. I'm just patiently waiting for the right fill to get me in the green zone!

I LOVE my fitbit!

I have the same issue. The Dr told my upfront that I would need benefiber everyday to combat the problem. I also try and get in a fiber bar everyday as well. My problem.....it makes me gassy, so embarrasing!

I'm in Stl and I was banded on 10/26/2011. So not a ton of long term experience, but I am probably a few steps ahead and can help answer questions along the way? Feel free to message me anytime

I'm out in Crestwood, and have a club fitness membership. We go to the club at Watson and Laclede Station. I was banded 10/26/2011. Send me a message if you want to get together to work out, or maybe go to a zumba class I also had Wagner as my surgeon!

Congrats on starting this journey. I was banded on October 26th 2011. I was very nervous! I had a little problem coming out of the anesthesia, but it wasn't a big deal. I was in a lot of pain. But we managed it the best we could. I spent one night in the hospital, but some people go home the same day. If your insurance will cover it, spend the night! You will feel so much better knowing you have professionals right out the door. I was up and walking the halls about 5 hours after surgery. Walk as much as you can. I was the oldest person that day having surgery (at 27!). The 16 year old was running laps around me, and the 21 year old wouldn't get out of bed. So just remember, through EVERYTHING, that everyone is different, and everyone has a different experience! The first week was rough, I tried to go back to work 5 days after surgery, bad idea. But at a week I was fine. I was starting to feel normal again, and felt like things were heading in the right direction. Over the past 2.5 months I've lost 30 pounds. Mostly from my pre and post op diet. I have had 2 fills in the band, one pretty recent and I have started to feel a little restriction. No problems with regurgitation or getting stuck. I have pretty much been able to eat anything and everything (bandster hell...) This site is great for hearing other's experiences and getting answers to questions. It has made me feel relieved more then I can ever imagine. Just remember that everyone is different, your journey is going to be very personal to you, with commonalities to others. And don't get frustrated with TIME. It takes some time to start getting restriction and to lose weight. Just stick with the Dr's plan and always remember why you are where you are. Good luck and keep us up to date on your progress!

I got a fit bit for Christmas but haven't checked it out yet. I would also be interested in a response from someone who currently uses this tool.

Good Luck! The first few days are hard but then you get used to it It is all worth it in the end. I am in Crestwood. Banded 10/26/11 and have lost 25 pounds. Just got my first fill and am excited to see where this journey takes me. It helped me to pick a few things I knew I would like, and then stick with them. It was a whole lot easier knowing I only had 2 or 3 choices. And now I won't ever have them again, so make sure it is something you are willing to give up!

I had my first fill today. Not as bad as I thought it may be. Did the usual visit thing, weighed in, talked to the dietician. Told her even though I've lost 25 pounds since surgery, I am really feeling hungry. She said most people did at this point and that I would have a fill today. She then takes me into another room where they have the flouroscopy (sp?) machine to see my port and band. I think if the girls taking care of me and the stand in doctor weren't so friendly, I may have freaked out. But everything went well. It was cool watching the barium go down and crazy to see how small my pouch is! Everything looked good though, so he gave me thier max fill, which was 3cc. On liquids the rest of the day, which isn't bad since my appointment was at 4pm. And I'm feeling good! Glad this part of the process is finally starting and hoping Bandster Hell ends soon!