Loup_Nocturne

Hi All, I have had the lap band 7/8 yrs; regardless of all the vomiting and fighting to get yogurt or Water down I have endured this contraption like a sport. However, within the last two months I have developed some gnarly upper left quadrant abdominal pain it appears to get more gnarly when I eat heavy foods such as anything solid. I had my band emptied about a year ago because I was tired of starving during the weeks I would visit my folks (they live at a higher altitude). I was doing fine as far as maintaining until the last 4 months when I suddenly started gaining weight and experiencing restriction and vomiting even with it empty. I had an apt with my GP to pull blood and test for an infection (waiting on those results) and I have an apt with my LB doc on Tuesday. The thing is; I do not trust him. He has never listened to me and my constant issues of restriction (he never understood why I had an issue with yogurt) and on top of that a friend of mine (who was banded by him about a yr prior to my date) recently had hers removed because it almost killed her; she was in the hospital for 14 days because it eroded inside of her. Needless to say it is a worry; I would like to know if anyone else has experienced pain in this area; if so what was it caused by and what was the end result. Also, I know it is not gas, it is also not my gallbladder as that was confirmed dead and removed 3 yrs ago (to this day I wonder if I would have had an issue with it if I had not had this thing put in) so I am at a loss and just sincerely hoping I can have this stupid thing removed and paid for by insurance. If I knew then what I have known the last number of years, I would have NEVER had this thing put in. *Sigh* Looking forward to hearing your replies, I just hope im not alone in this pain, it hurts so bad and I am just so worn out by it. ~Loup

I had my bad removed this morning and I can already tell the pain I had before is gone. I feel free and just need to heal from the incisions. ????

I am having my band removed Friday and no; I'm going to do it the old fashion way and I will never suggest anyone have wls again unless it is really a life or death situation. Further to that I have to pay out of pocket. But I'm done with the nausea, vomiting and pain so it is 100% worth it. My father (who also had his put in 1 month before me in 08) is also looking into having bus removed. I wish you the best of luck, I know the struggle is real! ????

I went and saw my LB doc this week; we emptied my band out 100% and did the barium x-ray; though that goes through just fine and my band placement is just fine I am still vomiting solid foods. Not all just most. We agreed that this is not working for me and going through my record not only have I gained all the weight back but plus some. We see that I have never really found that "sweet spot" and have always struggled with keeping food down throughout the last 7/8 years so he has agreed I am not a good candidate and we plan to have it removed. We are waiting on insurance to confirm if they will cover the removal and he believes they will. After doing more research my boyfriend and I are under the belief that my body is actually rejecting the band; the pains are still really sharp and a big pain and I am just really nervous but relieved to have this removed. I had started panicking over the idea of not having the lap band but then I remembered the years of vomiting, fighting to keep food down, always having to stand up in order to eat; choking on liquid and eventually just trying to find anything that would not cause all of the above. My hope is that he gets in there, gets it out and does not find anything else wrong with me while he's poking around inside of my gut. Regardless, he is pretty positive everything will go fine and I will leave the removal surgery with no stomach scaring and no more restriction. This I really am hoping for. On top of that I am already writing out a new meal plan and a work out schedule that I can start as soon as my incisions are good to go. I plan on doing this the right and healthy way. I am so excited to be able to eat real whole foods without the chance of throwing them up. It will be slow, but as this entire process has shown me there is no fix without fixing yourself by yourself and without some foreign object being put into you. With that said I hold no ill judgement on anyone else and their choice; I just know that this is the best route for me personally. On top of all this after telling all of this to my father (who had the band put in a few months before myself and struggles with getting food to go down just like I do) he sounds hopeful of having his removed as well. A life without vomiting at almost every meal sounds so amazing! As for the pain you mentioned that you have @@Julie norton I use to deal with a lot of gas pain (especially after my gallbladder was removed) and I helped resolve and settle that with an essential oil from doTERRA called Digestzen in some Water. A little goes a long way and it really has helped me with gas pains and some really gnarly abdominal bloating issues. I would suggest checking in with your LB doc just to make sure everything is going okay on your end; and then you also don't have to worry about anything. Worry causes more harm then good. With all of this said out of 5 people (one being myself) that I know of who has had the lap band only 1 is successful and that is mainly because they follow all the fad diets and has had plastic surgery to remove fat around the belly, legs arms and neck/face. Anyway, time for bed! Regards. Loup

I see a number of views but no replies; was my post to gnarly on the grr side? I just would like to know what other folks with similar issues ended up having. I know a few past posts reported some similar things but the result kind of dropped off without a reply. I'm just trying to hope for the best outcome honestly.

What was your dr results? Also the erosion comment; erosion can occur even when empty.

Just wanted to see how everyone in Oly is doing... I have been busy but I am down 32 pounds since my surg in Feb. Will update more later. Loup

Maalox, Maalox, Maalox... and gas x, gas x, gas x... I am on 3 weeks post-op and I still have to make sure and remember to take these. Other then taking life too fast and needing to slow down I just get major tummy pains, mostly around the port site (that's normal) and I really have not eaten or drank much for the last week (which is really not good). So I am taking a step back from everything and "trying" to relax. But the gas pain is normal; liquid Maalox (not sure if it comes in any other form) needs to be refrigerated and the gas x comes in a chewable and a strip (like a breath mint would). Good luck, Loup P.S. Remember to take it easy and move around when you feel you can as that will help moved the gas out of your system also! One thing I regret is not taking it easy as I did forget that two weeks is not that long.

Not many people know I had mine done (the people who do know is caused by other people having a big mouth). But anyway, I am going on 3 weeks post op and have lost 13 pounds. Not so bad, I am in for my first fill in a few weeks.... but really, I was only 40/41 in the BMI scale and I really chose to do this for my health down the road... and the fact that I have been fighting weight since I was in 5th or 6th grade... You will be fine, it is worth it. I was so scared a few weeks ago and then I had it done and boom here I am... happy as a lamb... just waiting to finish healing so I can hit the gym...:thumbup:

Babedoe4---------------March 6th Becca------------------March 6th Shinyhappymommy------March 6th Enchantedruby----------March 7th Ponomimi---------------March 10th Jaxbanster--------------March 11th Angie4b1g--------------March 11th CynthiaMcc-------------March 12th Marathinner-------------March 12th Sadie-------------------March 13th Happy One--------------March 13th NewCreation413--------March 13th Sharon160--------------March 17th mhazelrigg--------------March 17th terri guilford-------------March 17th Viridesence-------------March 18th gweniviere--------------March 19th....and looking fwd to it! Nicolek-----------------March 26th Princess21--------------March 27th Jennyxo----------------April 3rd StLouisGal--------------April 3rd LilMissBand-Aid---------April 10th Misspeesh95621--------April 11th LoupNocturne-----------March 17th So far going on 3 weeks post op... been feeling pretty sick, but the pain is dulling. I went back to the gym way too early (a simple 30 min walk kicked my bum)... :thumbup:

Hello everyone… one week and 3 days post op. I feel alright, been pushing myself too much I think though… sometimes you just forget that a week really is not that long. Port incision is pretty tender and sitting really is not comfortable, lying down is alright as long as I keep elevated. Does anyone else have any issues with stretching their torsos? I still can’t and I almost feel as if my port rubs against my bottom rib… My one week follow up was moved from Friday to Monday so I will be asking some questions of my doc on Monday. I am really not losing too much weight I think I lost 8 pounds so far… but I am pretty full when I eat Soups that result in a thicker consistency once blended. Hope I can start losing more weight once I can walk around without feeling the pain as much. Hope everyone else is doing alright… Loup

How you feeling hun?!

Hi Taismommy, You have 4 more days… Woot, Woot! Are you excited?! I thought I would share a little bit about my experience as I know we are all different (please forgive me if it is not completely clear, I am still on pain meds). My dad had the same surgery about a month ago and was able to sleep soundly in his bed the first night. He also informed me that the most pain he had; was due to gas, so I suppose I did not expect to be in this much pain. I tried sleeping in my bed the first day but felt like a turned over, stranded turtle… So I have been sleeping in a recliner for the last two nights. As for the actual hospital experience, it went very well; my only fear was waking up in the middle of surgery and well, that didn’t happen! *yay* I would suggest that you make sure your doc prescribes you the nausea patch (the only that you put behind your ear) and that you see if you can put that on before surgery or right after. I found that this helps stop the urge to throw up. Also, do not forget the Maalox… *gentle hugs* Happy healing and hope all goes well on the 20th for you. Loup

I'm now banded and doing alright; cannot sleep in bed though I actually have a lot of pain on my lower left side. How is everyone doing?

Awhh you guys are so awesome… I am so happy for those of you who are recovering well. Keep it up! I’m right there with the Valentine’s Day group: Leather...........................................................14 February 2008 Loup_Nocturne..............................................14 February 2008 Mychael.........................................................14 February 2008 Viridescence.................Viri............................14 February 2008 Nikki2001.....................Nicole........................14 February 2008 taismommy..................Tamika......................14 February 2008 voxwatt........................Cristina......................14 February 2008 At first I thought it sucked to have V-day the day that someone cut into me; but I can see that this is the best gift in the world and I will always remember this day as a special day. We’ve got 2 more days to go and my tummy keeps fluttering… Big hugs to the group and gentle hugs to those recovering! You guys are great!!! Loup

My surgery date is also on V-day; I was supposed to go in on March 14th but they moved it up (which I have no arguments there). Everything happened very fast for me as well; a month or so ago my father had the surgery and both my parents suggested that I seriously consider this option to help prevent myself from suffering the family history of high blood pressure, diabetes and other weight related health problems. I go in today for my pre-op detailing and have not been told as of yet to start a liquid fast (cause in all reality, that is what it is). As of right now I am very nervous, excited and frightened in having this surgery. Most of the downs are due to natural surgical risk factors and I know this is just one step in yet another battle towards health. I have not completely explained my own situation on the forms, but I do know I have received some lack of support from people close to me. I understand that I am 5’6” weight at 257pounds and only have a BMI of 40… I also know that I have been dieting and such, since I was in 6th grade and that I reached 300+ pounds my freshman year of high school and stayed that way till collage. The people who won’t give me the support look at me and see someone who holds their weight well. But in reality, my old knee injury really is a pain in my rump and the weight is not helping, the blood pressure is now high, and no matter how much I watch what I eat or how much exercise I do, I still stay in a consistent 20 to 30 pound flux (but that’s enough about me). I know there are some others who are getting banded on V-day; it would be nice to keep in contact with some (same day) people to keep track of recovery and other progress. Is anyone up for this? :tongue2: Loup

You are right... this is what happens when you work graveyards! *l*

I am more nervous now as I tend to stress. My day is set for the day after yours and I think there are a few more of us Feb week 11-15 out there. We can do this!

Bandster.................... Name (Optional)................... Surgery Date ______________________________________________________ TachaBaby505..................Natacha................................. ...9 January 2008 crystalcml.......................Crystal.............................. .......28 January 2008 Sadie.............................Sarah............................... ........2 February 2008 Big marathoner................Amy......................................... 5 February 2008 TinaBobina......................Tina.................................. .....11 February 2008 LilMissBand-Aid................Irene......................................11 February 2008 Mac the Knife...................Mac......................................13 February 2008 Viridescence.....................Viri................................. ......14 February 2008 travel_anna.....................Anna.................................. ....13 February 2008 Amieru...........................Amie................................. ......26 February 2008 mattiesue.....................Susana.................................. .1 February Loup_Nocturne..............Loup......................................Feb 13th --------------------------------------------------------------- I was scheduled for the 14th of March but just got the call that I was moved to next Thurs.... Woot Woot

Cancel that, my date just got moved... to Feb 14th...

I have one and I love it: BODYBUGG :: HOW IT WORKS

Ok, I just found out… My date is set for March 13th!....

Oh gosh I sure hope the sex drive comes back. I can go months without feeling anything… It sucks!!!

Hello Oly Peeps… Just got my insurance approval and going to see Dr. Neal tomorrow to have his approval and a date set if all goes well. My dad is doing alright, a little upset that the band is not giving him the restriction it had upon initial placement but I suppose with the new band (from what we hear) there is a “lubrication” period where the band and your tummy has to adjust which may take up to 3 or 4 fills before it starts to work?! I keep helping him keep his head up, hope he helps mine. This is (another) struggle we both can go through I just hope this struggle is going to be the last one as far as weight is concerned (once we all get into the groove of things). It’s a tool, a reminder, and a step towards a life change that should; if done correctly will change our lives forever, in a good way. Loup

I got the call from the coordinator today; my insurance has approved my surgery… I meet with the surgeon tomorrow to verify everything and set a date. I hope to get in towards the end of this month or first week of next. I’ll let you know… Maybe now I can sleep; I’ve been stressing about the approval part for the last 3 weeks. Loup