I had my lap band placed in 2006. I have had several fills, and the last time I had a fill, I had to go back to the MD to have 3/4cc removed because of severe acid reflux. In Sept 2008, I had 1/4cc put back in. I had acid reflux again, and the symptoms are just now subsiding. I have not been back to my MD for a follow up as I changed jobs in Sept, and my new insurance won't kick in until April. I can't afford the $125 office visit.
I am very, very disappointed with this lap band. I have lost about 30 lbs overall, and, I am not the only one who is not doing well with this band. I have 4 friends who have the same band from the same surgeon, and we are all at a standstill.
I have to see a dentist now because of the erosion from spitting up at night and regurgitation.
One thing I have noticed about bariatric surgery...some MDs address the mental issues and some don't. My fellow bandsters and I have all resorted to eating foods that will not hurt when they pass through the band, ie, sugary foods or fatty foods. Proteins and salads cause vomiting and generally don't pass through.
We all feel we are addicts for bad foods, hence the need for bariatric surgery. I can personally say I wish I had received better counseling prior to surgery to understand my addiction to food, and think surgeons should require the 6 month counseling prior to surgery. (There is one MD in upstate South Carolina who does require this. However, he's a good distance from where I live so I wasn't able to use him, and my insurance didn't cover him.)
Are there any other people who have older lap bands that are experiencing these problems? Is anyone with a newer band doing better?
It all boils down to diet and exercise.