CKEllis

Bless you! I have been talking to surgeons and looking at the pros and cons of the band removal. I gained most of the weight back already. But while I have the band, I have additional complications in addition to just being "FLUFFY". I am always dealing with some kind of gastric or digestive complication from the band. At this point I feel I will just be sick, uncomfortable, or unhappy till I have the surgery reversed. Thanks for your insight and open honest comments.

I love hearing what you have to say! Bless you! I can relate more than you can imagine!

I can totally understand your challenges! I too am experiencing some major medical issues. I originally lost 142 lbs and the staff were very pleased. I was thrilled, till my life started to take on new medical complications. Mostly all because of the lack of nutrition, and being able to eat normal. My list of medical complications like yours is very long. Also since the body was being starved my metabolism changed and the weight came back. But in the books, I am listed as a success. But I agree with you......I do not feel that way at all. My weight loss and my good health was short lived. What was the turning point for you having the band taken out? Do you wish you would have done it sooner? Very interested in you journey.

I am not comparing. I am looking to exchange stories. We have different challenges. However, it is important to understand some of us have lived with bands for over 19 years.

I want to talk with only those who have had a band over 10 years! Successes? Complications? Challenges? Other medical issues that may be indirectly related to the life style change you made when you got the band. Let's talk!!

All I am saying is be informed, talk to your doctor about what is best for you! Know both sides. Best of luck to everyone!

My post said 20 years for my Band and it is actually 19.5 years. So yes I did correct that. I never said 24 years, you said that! I did see my Dr. Today. Not the one who did the surgery 19 years ago. But the one who follows me now. You made some assumptions. I have never once attacked you, called you names or said you lied. Do you really think attacking me helps anyone?

Yes! Really! Why are you attacking me, for sharing my personal experience? I have not challenged your success. I understand you have had a good experience, I think that is great. I think everyone making this choice should have as much information as possible, to make their own decision. By the way, I know my Dr. died..... Believe me. This is not new news to me! But thanks for making sure I knew that! I have had my band in for over 19 years!

I was at a Dr. Today! I had another upper GI to review the band just today. Did not have great news, decided to make sure people hear both sides of the story. I wish some one would have been honest with me! All the people promoting these have great stories with very little complications. Get a room full of people who have had issues, then make your decision. No one is tracking our bands from years ago. Even though we are registered! Just being HONEST!

You are correct my surgery date for the band was Feb. 1994 in Houston! The date in my profile was typed in wrong, Sorry for the confusion! So I have only had my band 19.5 years not 20 like I stated in my post. So I have corrected that! Sorry I was off by 6 months! I have a band, I have major medical issues related to it. I have lived with it for 19.5 years now! I would never do it again! I think there are a number of different models and devices out there, so be sure you totally understand the product that you are getting and publicly challenging! My medical experiences are very difficult and I would never wish them on any one. It would never do it again. My medical treatments from this have cost me personally well over $200,000.00 in bills not covered because I have the band. So the insurance company will finds ways to deny some of the bills. I have a masters degree in medical social work with a focus on risk management and professional liability. So I understand this field quite well.

I have had my one and only original band on for what feels like over 20 years. (Okay, correction it feels like 20 years, but actually it is only 19 with Dr. Marcel Molina in Houston. 2/1/94) I have always had minor complications. Mucus build up, Pain, throwing up, etc. But today I found out the band is swollen shut. Originally - My weight dropped in the beginning but then went right back up. I was at 310 time of surgery and now I am 270. With a very complicated life because of the band. I followed all the rules, set by my Doctors but did not have a very good out come. I have massive other health complication now, all suggested to be from the lack of nutrition, and foods I am unable to eat. The band is the most difficult thing I could have ever done. And would never do it again. Now at 54 I am paying big time.