I had my AP Large Band placed 01|17|08 at 364lbs after losing 20 pounds on pre-op diet. My first 6 months after placement I was pretty miserable. I experienced several "attacks" that they had difficulty diagnosing. I had numerous tests done: upper GI, fill under fluoroscopy, cat scan, upper endoscopy, ultrasound, and several ER visits due to pain. I switched PCP's in order to get a HIDA scan. Finally determined it WAS my gallbladder and not my lap band. I had a cholecystectomy on 08|12|08 by Dr Monash (love him!) who agreed to take on my aftercare for my lap band.
I had several scares with a possible port leak and scheduled two separate port revisions that were both cancelled last minute after restriction miraculously would stick around.
Through everything I managed to lose an additional 80 pounds with my band. I got down to 284 then plateaued. My personal life got stressful and I mentally checked out on the weight loss and did nothing for a year. I had no restriction. Didn't want to "deal" with the fills and the "leak or no leak" drama. I stuck my head firmly in the sand.
I gained approx 50 pounds back slowly over the last year. I finally got my personal life back on track and pulled my head out of the sand and marched back to Dr Monash for a fill. I have never been more ready to get going.
Unfortunately the leak issue reared it's ugly head. Restriction was fleeting. After a few short bouts of avoidance by me... we finally tested my band and it was determined that I do indeed have a leak. I lost approx 1cc of fluid in a week. I am positive this leak has been around since the fall of 2008.
I am fed up with the band. I do not want to pay $2,700 for a port revision. I want it OUT. I am self pay and really don't know WHAT to do at this point. Dr M has mentioned a revision to a Sleeve Gastrectomy... which I would do in a heartbeat... if it weren't for the fact that I am SELF PAY and cannot afford $21,000.
I have been researching the VSG... and just discovered Gastric Plication Surgery (GPS). So now I am comparing the two. That is where I am at now.
If anyone can offer advise, support, similar story/situation.... please please send me a msg. Post. Anything. I am really so ready to give up at this point. I would cut the damn band out of my stomach myself if I could. I am sick of chest pain, burping, heartburn, hiccups, etc. I am sick of avoiding lettuce and similar healthy foods because I am afraid of getting stuck.