Jmejme

I'm happy to finally find people who understand the struggles! I have attended support groups, but most patients now have the sleeve. I had my LapBand surgery about 7 years ago. I had a really difficult time though out the first year trying to find my "sweet spot", once I did, I was golden. I lost about 50-60 lbs without any (real) trouble. I was pretty tight, but learned to adjust my life. I reached about 10 lbs of my goal weight when things started going wrong. I hadn't had an adjustment in over 2 years, but all of the sudden, I couldn't eat, hardly drink... I had a complete un-fill and after some testing, my Dr. diagnosed gallstones, and I had my gallbladder removed. I gained about 25 lbs in those few months before I could get another real fill. So frustrating. Also, when my band was completely empty, I had incredible gas, ALL the time. Now, about 1.5 year later, I can't get a good restriction. When the band is relatively tight, I suffer with reflux (NEVER had any kind of hearburn in my life) and I can barely eat anything. Of course my weight is good... Last night I had to sleep sitting up, and still can hardly drink Water. I have been back and forth over the past few months with adjustments (at $175 each). I know I have to go back in, but then my weight will go up again. I exercise, and try to eat well, but it's like my body sucks up the calories and won't let go. Because I'm having such difficulty now, I'm concerned about damage to my esophagus, and what did I see about cancer from GERD!? I'm not interested in the sleeve or a different procedure. I could really use some advice and support. I never have regretted my decision to have surgery, but I worry now about long term effects or permanent damage to my body.

I'm happy to finally find people who understand the struggles! I have attended support groups, but most patients now have the sleeve. I had my LapBand surgery about 7 years ago. I had a really difficult time though out the first year trying to find my "sweet spot", once I did, I was golden. I lost about 50-60 lbs without any (real) trouble. I was pretty tight, but learned to adjust my life. I reached about 10 lbs of my goal weight when things started going wrong. I hadn't had an adjustment in over 2 years, but all of the sudden, I couldn't eat, hardly drink... I had a complete un-fill and after some testing, my Dr. diagnosed gallstones, and I had my gallbladder removed. I gained about 25 lbs in those few months before I could get another real fill. So frustrating. Also, when my band was completely empty, I had incredible gas, ALL the time. Now, about 1.5 year later, I can't get a good restriction. When the band is relatively tight, I suffer with reflux (NEVER had any kind of hearburn in my life) and I can barely eat anything. Of course my weight is good... Last night I had to sleep sitting up, and still can hardly drink Water. I have been back and forth over the past few months with adjustments (at $175 each). I know I have to go back in, but then my weight will go up again. I exercise, and try to eat well, but it's like my body sucks up the calories and won't let go. Because I'm having such difficulty now, I'm concerned about damage to my esophagus, and what did I see about cancer from GERD!? I'm not interested in the sleeve or a different procedure. I could really use some advice and support. I never have regretted my decision to have surgery, but I worry now about long term effects or permanent damage to my body.