Ivy Verde

Elliemay, How close are you to your band removal date? Are you feeling okay? Wishing you the very best. I hope all goes well.

It's called Lapbandtalk last time I looked. I had TWO lap bands. I'm talking about them. It's not called IHeartLapbands. People who have not yet chosen the Lap Band might appreciate knowing the negative aspects, as well. At least, those who are intelligent and would like to make an informed decision about their health would. So, your comment was rude because there was simply nothing in any of my posts that anyone should have gotten upset over. I gave the original poster information that may be of use to her. It's not up to anyone else to decide.

I'm trying to help the original poster in her research by giving her pertinent information. Does that answer your rude question?

If your insurance has a "No Bariatric" stipulation, it generally means that nothing will be covered. You'd probably have to really read through your information to be positive, though.

Liquids really go right through, especially if your band is unfilled. You might be swollen from surgery, causing that strange feeling. You'll be okay. Try not to worry.

I am glad you're well. It's important to take care of yourself.

NurseCheryl, Make sure in your research that you Google---- Gastric Banding + Referred Left Shoulder Pain. It's quite common. Being an RN, you probably know about the Vagus nerve that goes from the base of the skull down into the diaphragm, stomach, etc. The band's presence adversely affects that nerve in quite a large number of people. Even on this forum you'll see threads titled, "Back pain; shoulder pain" every day. It's due to that nerve and the band irritating or damaging it. Some people think it's a "good" thing---the consider it their "stop eating" sign. However, one that nerve is screwed up, it has a tendency to stay screwed up. It should never be considered a positive event, that pain. Just something else to add to your long list of things to research. The VSG isn't new. It's newer as a weight loss surgery, but gastrectomies have been done since the 1880s. Patients with severe peptic ulcers often had to have part of their stomachs removed. One side effect was weight loss. The part of the stomach that produces Ghrelin is often removed during VSG.

I am anti-band. Well, I'm anti-pain/disappointment, pro-helping fellow human beings, actually. I had the band and do NOT recommend it. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/lap-band-surgery-half-patients-complications/story?id=13187452 This is just one thing to help you in your research. You should definitely read everything you can find on the subject. You'll find many people who are very happy with their bands. I wasn't one of them.

I've been around just about the same length of time, Megan. I got my band done over 10 years ago, had it removed, and still have damage. Overall, people are very resistant to hearing about the downfalls of banding, though, I've found. Until they go through it themselves, there's really no convincing anyone that you're trying to help. And that's a real shame. With many insurance companies saying, "One WLS per lifetime" it's kind of important to make the correct decision the first time. It may be your only chance. Best of luck to you.

Get the band. Go for it.

What do you consider, "negative?" You've asked for "outsider's points of view" but do you only want to be told to GO FOR IT? If I say anything besides, "Go for it," is that considered "negative?" My intention is to help you, so if what I say is perceived as "negative," I apologize in advance. I'm a truthful person and say what I mean. I don't think having surgery is the lazy way or the easy way out. It's not true. It's very difficult. I also don't think that the lap band is the solution for long term good health and I wouldn't recommend it. (My opinion, having gone through some pretty bad stuff with the band.) You need to do some serious soul searching before undergoing surgery. If you're feeling unease and are less than sure about your decision, postpone your surgery date. Read and research everything--- good and bad. It's imperative that you are prepared for as much as you can be prepared for. There's no way to prepare yourself for every change. It's just not possible because there are too many variables. But make sure you know what you're getting yourself into (as much as any of us can.) Best of luck to you. I hope the turmoil subsides and you're able to have peace.

I had my band out about 8 years ago and I had left shoulder pain off and on all day yesterday. In your case, your Vagus nerve is probably irritated. In mine, it's because the Vagus nerve has been damaged badly. It's normal to have the referred pain off and on for a bit after surgery. If it doesn't subside after a month or so, definitely speak with your surgeon so you don't sustain damage.

Sounds completely familiar to me. I had horrible, debilitating referred pain while banded. It's most likely due to the Phrenic (Vagus) nerves. Do you have saline in your band currently? If you haven't gotten unfilled, I'd recommend doing that as soon as possible. It truly is NOT uncommon at all. I've talked to hundreds of people over the past 10 years who have experienced this same thing. I'm sorry you're experiencing it, too. Edited to add: You mentioned your gallbladder, too. You should definitely make sure that it's not gallstones. They also cause referred pain in the area in which you've described.

Your whole story makes me sad. First, I must say that if you're waking up in the middle of the night running to the bathroom and vomiting, that's not normal and it's not just part of the package. You're going to end up damaged physically. Second, what kind of therapy did you get to help you with the emotional eating? Do you still measure your belly against your thighs? What have you replaced binge eating with? I hope that you've received ongoing counseling because from what you've written, a lap band is not going to take care of the issues you've talked about. It may stop you overeating, but it's not going to help you with the emotional aspect, the binge eating disorder, or the feelings of being out of control. Third, that "elegant woman" who gave you unsolicited advice, INSULTED you, and led you to believe that the lap band was the only answer for you was a d**k. If some rude stranger tells me I'm "too pretty to be so fat," I'm knocking them into next week. They can meet me next Tuesday to pick up their teeth I knocked out. Best of luck to you in the future. Get checked about that whole, "puking in the middle of the night for no reason" thing.

I couldn't eat solid food while banded at all. My band was positioned incorrectly. I really developed maladaptive eating habits. I hated trying to eat, I dreaded it because of the extreme pain it caused, so I stuck mostly with liquids. And even they would come up at times (and through my nose, too!) You need to consult your surgeon. Make sure your band is correctly placed. Also make sure you're chewing really well. (And I hate to advise that because I got told that all the time and it simply wouldn't have made a difference because my esophagus was being strangled due to the incorrect position. That's why I recommend making sure the band's in the right place first.) You might not be able to eat some of the foods you're currently eating. Unfortunately, it's really trial and error. I hope you can find some help so you can feel better.