Hi...
I was banded in Oct 2010 and have gone from 275 to 140. I am 5 lbs away from my goal weight, so really really close.
The problem? I started feeling unwell just before Christmas, and developed a sharp pain in my left side. Went to my family doctor who did a chest X-ray. The X-ray showed mild lingual pneumonia from a poorly emptying esophagus related to gastric banding. I then went to my lap band clinic and had an emergency defill.
So here's my worry: they took out too much restriction and I will regain my weight. I have a 10cc band, which according to the clinic's records had 11.75 cc (lap band surgeon thought this was questionable, he thought the real number was in the 9's). I am now at 8.75 cc, so they took out 3 whole ccs. I'm really really worried about weight gain. I had no input into the amount of cc's removed, this was non-negotiable with the nurse who did the defill.
Some history: the lapband clinic has been trying to get me to have a defill for some time and I've always resisted, because (a) the restriction didn't bother me, and ( it was working. Now they "won", and I'm very concerned that the weight I've lost will come back.
I'm looking for any wisdom from the lapband "tribe". Please share your experiences.
Many thanks