AnnGolia

I had the Lap Band procedure done in October 2006. I began losing weight right away, and had no major food issues except remembering to chew enough.

I weighed 252 pounds when I went in for surgery and approximately 2 1/2 years later I weighed 140 pounds.

The issues I had with the band were 1) the stitch holding the port site popped causing my port to flip over and my doctor had to go in and fix it. 2) had a couple of small ulcers in my stomach which with medication they healed and the acid reflux went away.

My final problem began about October 2013, I had begun having pain under my rib cage. By the time I could get in to see my primary care physician, of course the pain would be gone and they couldn't locate any issues. Finally in February 2014, I was having the pain again and the Nurse Practicioner suggested getting a CT scan to rule out any stomach issues. The CT scan revealed that my band had eroded into my stomach. Copies were sent to my surgeon and on March 11, 2014 I had my Lap Band removed.

Went back into the hospital on March 23, 2014 due to an infection where the drainage tubing had been. Was in the hospital another 4 days, they did another surgery to debride the wound and then I spent 6 weeks with a Wound Vac. That came off 2 weeks ago and the wound is closed.

So now I am feeling much better, thank goodness.

The Lap Band was just the tool I needed to get the weight off and learn better eating habits. When it was doing its job it was a great help and I reached my goal weight.

What I have read about the Gastric Sleeve is the surgery I hope to get since it doesn't lead to the malabsorbtion that happens with the Bypass.

Had a post surgery follow up appointment today (5/7/14) and have begun the process of getting reapproved to get the gastric sleeve to be done before the end of the year. Hopefully after a family vacation in August.