finding_a_healthy_way

Hi EJones2 I' probably quite late into coming into this conversation, have you had it removed already? How are you finding it? I had my band removed 2 years and 1month ago. I sustained a number of band problems prior to having it removed due to the fact that the surgeon over filled the band and I also got ill causing me to be sick a lot. This then meant I had a band slippage and it caused me ongoing esophageal damage and damage to my pouch including a pronounced area of my abdomen and inability, eventually, to eat without severe pain. When I went into A&E, they had to call my surgeon who came the next day. It was actually supposed to be corrective surgery but he decided to take it out. This was really hard for me as I'm sure you are anticipating for yourself. I very much needed the band and was not finished losing weight! After the procedure I was sore and was on liquids for about 8 days before moving to mushy foods, very small portions and eating regularly as you might when you had the band. Due to the soreness going back to the gym was not possible for about 6 weeks so I just went on really long walks each day, sometimes two or three hours a day so that weight gain would not happen to fast. Most of all i just want to reassure you that everything will be okay, and I hope you are able to get your health back after removal. It's a scary thought going without the crutch of the band to prop yourself up, and undoubtedly weight gain will happen over time (I think I've gained 25(ish) pounds since) but I've learned there is more to life than deprivation and being thin and in control. Try to do the things you enjoy, get outside and be in the company of others. It all helps, it's going to be okay. Best wishes and I hope all goes well, Bryony

Hi JennMarie7979 I can understand your nervousness and sure there is much anticipation involved as you await the removal procedure I had my band removed 2 years and 1month ago. I sustained a number of band problems prior to having it removed due to the fact that the surgeon over filled the band and I also got ill causing me to be sick a lot. This then meant I had a band slippage and it caused me ongoing esophageal damage and damage to my pouch including a pronounced area of my abdomen and inability, eventually, to eat without severe pain. When I went into A&E, they had to call my surgeon who came the next day. It was actually supposed to be corrective surgery but he decided to take it out. This was really hard for me as I'm sure you are anticipating for yourself. I very much needed the band and was not finished losing weight! I am from the UK so fortunately NHS was able to cover it (even though I had the initial op through a private clinic) as if this had been left untreated I would have run the risk of my stomach dieing and internal infection. So monetary things will be different for you. After the procedure I was sore and was on liquids for about 8 days before moving to mushy foods, very small portions and eating regularly as you might when you had the band. Due to the soreness going back to the gym was not possible for about 6 weeks so I just went on really long walks each day, sometimes two or three hours a day so that weight gain would not happen to fast. Most of all i just want to reassure you that everything will be okay, and I hope you are able to get your health back after removal. It's a scary thought going without the crutch of the band to prop yourself up, and undoubtedly weight gain will happen over time (I think I've gained 25(ish) pounds since) but I've learned there is more to life than deprivation and being thin and in control. Try to do the things you enjoy, get outside and be in the company of others. It all helps, it's going to be okay. Best wishes and I hope all goes well, Bryony

Hey there! Sorry you're feeling sore, I know that pain quite well and I didn't stand with my shoulders properly back for a week afterwards because my port stitches were so tight, but hopefully your surgeon did a better job than mine. I would say give yourself at least 2 weeks before you start to feel more mobile and normal. I took my dressings off after 5 days to get them in the clean air to breathe, it felt itchy! I also waited for 1 month before going back to the gym and doing light judo, just slowly breaking myself in. I think in general just feel when is right for you to start doing things and don't push it, go on to solid foods really gradually etc... everyone's different. I hope you start to feel better soon

19 years old when I had my surgery. 235lbs. Very unhappy at the time!

@@CMD1480 Hey! I know that incredibly nervous/ scared feeling you're having. By now I suppose your band will have been taken out. But relish the freedom!! Sure, things are more challenging in terms of self control etc but the band was a tool which helped you to get where you are now, and it was something which eventually was doing more harm than it was good, so now you're better off without it. How've you been doing since the removal? Hope all is well

Though I'm not an expert I have had a similar experience even long after the band was tightened. It sounds as if it may be too tight and needs some saline taken out, sometimes they even have an air bubble stuck in there like mine did which is a problem. If it continues to cause irritation and discomfort I strongly recommend contacting your surgeon or clinic before it get's worse and causes swelling/ pouch dilation!

@@Lanah Hey there! Thank you for commenting and sharing your experience. I know exactly what you have gone through, it's disappointing and scary and I know I certainly felt afraid. I wrote this post back in December and so I've now had my band out for 10 months. Though I haven't been able to keep all the weight off, I initially gained a little slowly (and freaked out about it) but have since stabilized and stopped gaining. Instead of getting obsessive about the scale I've focused more on health and fitness goals; as a result I look and feel really good! People compliment me on my bright skin and vigour, I have found a balance of how much food I really need. It's something I would have NEVER said a few month ago when I was sad and angry but I wonder now if it had to happen for me to feel this kind of freedom? I don't think I could have travelled with a band like I do now for fear of complications; any WLS can be quite debilitating, especially when one is wearing an internal device which may malfunction at anytime. I have of course had my ups and downs, and it may be that you gain a bit of weight but that's OKAY because your body if finding where it is most healthy without the device. My advice is don't freak out and do any crash diets (which was tempting for me), try to continue eating as you did with the band, try not to eat late at night, and have confidence that you can do this and live a healthy life without the need of the band. You've come so far and been through so much pain already, there's no limit to what you can do in the future. Ultimately, keep the faith that it will all turn out well. Good luck and feel free to message me if you need some extra support as it's good for me to keep contact with other people in the same situation!

Sadly I think it's all run by money, sponsored products and fad ideas on dieting. I can see how the prize money and the thought of being away from temptation at a bootcamp is appealing, but in many ways I would say the contestants are exploited and riduculed. I wish there were a less extreme version of this show focused on long-term goals...

Don't be converned about a few ups and downs with weight especially before the fill. My weight loss before the fill was so slow I wondered if it was even working, but fear not! It will come right when you've had some adjusting. Also in my experience as a woman, water retainment in the month means weight naturally fluctuates. I hope it goes well

I have had a Tumblr for about 3 years now. I find it easy to use and there is a great 'fitblr' community and advice etc!

Hi all, Today marks 5 months since I had an emergency operation to remove my lap-band due to over-restriction resulting in a pouch dilation. I pleaded with my surgeon not to take it out. When they put me under I still thought they were just going to re-adjust it. When I woke I was told it was removed. I vomited and cried with the shock. My recovery was incredibly slow and far more painful than the initial operation to have it put in. Since that time I have been working hard not to gain any weight. Exercising, watching my intake etc, but just talking about it gets me upset. My surgeon and the clinic gave me no support and denied all responsibility, blaming it on me. I want to reach out to other people in sililar situations to discuss coping mechanisms and look on our experiences together with a positive edge. It has been a real challenge for me and I'm sure I'm not alone. I know there have been many great things happened as a result of having a band for 11 months, losing weight, gaining confidence, taking up sports etc, but I still find it hard to 'get over' the horrible experience of having my band taken out against my will. All advice, stories, and general support are welcomed and appreciated. Thank you