Louie'sMom

Hi. I got my band in 2017. No major issues except occasional stuck food. Def no reflux! I had my gall bladder removed on Jan 22 2025 and about a week later started having TERRIBLE reflux, keeping me up at night and prescribed Prilosec / tums aren't helping. Also my band feels TIGHT!!! tighter than it ever has. I'm actually getting some fluid out this week which will hopefully help with both problems but any advice would be much appreciated! Thank you so much!

Thanks. Doc says it's excess bile acid not stomach acid. I have a follow up tomorrow to have some fluid removed and probably a Rx specific to that acid type cause Prilosec / tums aren't helping. Paws crossed I get some relief soon.

I recently had pancreatitis from gallstones and will have to have Galbladder removed. Doc will also prob remove lap band at that time. I'm on the fence about also having sleeve revision (if covered). Terrified to lose lap band and be off shots (possibly forever) and have massive retain but also don't love the idea of having half my stomach removed FOREVER! Anyone been down this road have wisdom to impart!?!? SW 250 (in 2017). Lost and regained til started shots in Oct 2022 at 241. Currently 205-210.

Thank you both so much for sharing flir stories and wisdom. I meet w the doc tomorrow to discuss options. In the meantime I was due for my wegovy shot on Thurs. Have been ravenous since Sat evening. Which is making me painfully aware that I may need a more permanent solution cause what if something changes and I no longer can get the meds via insurance. It's a lot to process. But now I guess I need to research more about sleeve vs band vs other options. Thanks again. Gina.

Congratulations on your continued success and thank you for sharing your story. I am 5 months post band and only 10 lbs down. Really struggling to use the tool correctly and only in the last couple weeks did I start feeling any restriction or any different than I did pre-op. Could you please share a little bit about your initial struggles or how you have achieved this tremendous accomplishment? Thanks, Gina

Thank you so much for sending this! Very helpful info. I have had my second fill since and am feeling a tiny bit more restriction so I bet a band reset would really help.

Can you explain a 5 day pouch test / reset please? I assume it is a liquid / soft / restricted diet but would like details. Thanks.

That's awesome! I welcome any recommendations you can give. Thanks!

Katie - thank you soooo much for the encouragement! I really needed that today. Well Done on all your weight loss and on keeping it off.

Happy Bandiversary! That is wonderful. I am feeling like I did before surgery. LOL Great that I am not having any negative side effects but also not having any restriction. You are right that not worrying about loose skin is a great plus. Can I ask how much you have lost in a year? and more importantly how you feel?

It is so nice to hear others's success stories. I am about 7 weeks post op, 11 days post my first 2cc fill and feeling discouraged and wishing I had done the sleeve, tho I KNEW band was a better choice for me in the long term.

I got banded on 6/6 and my first fill of 2ccs in mid July. I am maintaining the 12 lbs I lost in the first week post op but not losing more. I am patiently waiting for my second fill in August and hoping and praying I have some restriction then. I am more of an instant gratification person and am starting to feel some remorse over not going big and getting the sleeve.

Yes, they wont do it til mid July

I am having a similar experience. Was banded 6/6/17. I did my first week on liquids then by halfway through the second week was able to tolerate mashed potatoes and some soft proteins. I have been eating pretty "normally" since and now at 3 weeks I feel like I didn't even have the band. I am trying to make good choices and chew thoroughly but my appetite is full strength. I am concerned I may have already stretched my stoma.

I am set to have my Lap Band placed on June 6th and am very excited. Any other May / June / July Lap Banders out there? I am getting mine done at Magee in Pittsburgh.

That is AWESOME! So excited for you! Please let me know how it goes and Good Luck to you

Has anyone been approved or denied by Aetna POS in the 90 day plan and what did you do for the exercise requirement? I am pre-surgical and interested in doing the 90 day vs 180 with Aetna. My dr office (Magee) seems to favor the 180 and neither they nor Aetna can give me a good explanation of the exercise requirement "Exercise regimen (unless contraindicated) to improve pulmonary reserve prior to surgery, supervised by exercise therapist or other qualified professional;" which seems to be the only difference b/w the 90 and 180 day prep plans. Thanks!

I got my approval within 2 days and am set for lap band on June 6th. do you have a date yet?

Congrats!

Very Helpful. Thanks so much! Does seem more intense than what Aetna told me they needed. Hope you're doing well.

Hi - How did it go? I saw your post and thought to check in. I am scheduled for Lap Band w Dr. Courcoulas on June 6th.

HI - congrats on your Weight Loss so far and thanks for replying. After much chasing and asking to speak with a bariatric specialist I got some answers from Aetna today. I had read the policy thoroughly and was still very confused. The Aetna rep assured me that what I am doing is good and the nutritionist and surgeon signing off on my self reported exercise will be sufficient for approval. Good luck on your approval!

I am in Pittsburgh. Going through Magee for Lap Band. Do any of you have Aetna?

That's great to know and congrats on your amazing weight loss!