starrgirrl

Hi Pete- I'm sure you will attune to what is best for you. I also had a major slip with my band and it was removed 7/2008. At the time, I was told that a revision was not possible due to the guidelines with my surgeon's office & insurance company. I begged them to do something because I was terrified that I would regain the weight. All they could offer me was an appointment with a dietitian who told me how to eat. It's no surprise that it didn't work.... and sadly, I have regained all of the weight + an extra 10 pounds for good measure. I'm now with another surgeon who says that I am a candidate for revision and I'm in their bariatric program. The strange thing is that had I been offered a revision right away after the band slip I would have said yes right away. But 18 months later, I'm not as quick to jump in. While I'm unhappy with the regain, I'm realizing that none of the surgeries are a "magic bullet" solution. Through the bariatric program I'm in a mindful eating class that is really helping me to rewire my relationship with food. So I'm still attuning to what will best serve me for the long term. I'm inclined towards the VSG although the bariatric office that I'm with is more pro-RNY. I'm taking my time and allowing the wisdom to come forward about my next steps. Lots of light to you on your journey. May it be paved with grace!

Hi Michael- Kaiser has several Bariatric Departments in Northern CA. Each has its own policies. From what I understand the South San Francisco department will consider doing VSG on a case-by-case basis, but they do not talk about it in their classes or orientation. I would recommend calling some of Kaiser Bariatric Departments to find out if you would qualify for their program should you switch to Kaiser. I believe the South San Francisco Kaiser program is the biggest in the region and I've heard of people coming from Sacremento to participate. Kaiser also has Bariatric Departments in Fremont and Richmond. There may be more, but that's all I know of at the moment. From what I know of Kaiser & CalPers, you should qualify for their bariatric program. Usually you need to get a referral from your PCP and then you go into their program. The program is well-rounded and provides an excellent level of care. That's really amazing news about UCDavis cancelling all Lap-Band procedures. All the best to you!!

Hi Michele- I was banded in 2004 and released about 60 lbs. I was really happy with my weight loss and the band... but about a year ago I started gaining weight because I could eat more... I also started experiencing bad acid reflux. It turned out the my band had slipped and needed to be removed. I had surgery to take it out in July of this year... I've gained back most of the weight I had lost. I'm not anti-band... but for me, I need to investigate other options. If you click on my name to the left, you can pull up my posts that share more about my jounrey. Lots of light and success to you!

Hi JMH- My heart goes out to you. What a challenging journey! God bless, and you're self-pay, too! I'm not writing with any brilliant insight or answers. I recently had my band out, too, but I was fortunate to have it for four years and my insurance paid for it. Now I'm investigating other options. The thing that I really liked about the band is that it wasn't really altering how my body metabolized the food. I've been reluctant to have pieces of my digestive track removed or rerouted. I'm seriously considering the sleeve. However it's still in the early days of the procedure (meaning that there aren't a lot of people that are 5+ years out). The medical community is watching closely and assembling the data. However it looks very hopeful. The other day I was wondering if I should try and get rebanded, too. Hopefully I could have the band for a few more years -- then ifhave complications again I could go for another procedure... but it's an odd thing to know that I might not keep the band for the long haul. I've been talking with a lot of bandsters who are 4+ years out and there seems to be a lot of us who are experiencing complications. However, I'm sending prayers that whatever procedue you are guided to do, it works beautifully for you!!!

Hi Marlena- I'm not a medical expert on the sleeve or the band, but I'm a former bandster who is also investigating the sleeve. To help with my research, I subscribe to the medical journal, Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. As it's a medical journal, the articles are intended for doctors, therefore the language is sometimes hard for me to understand due to all the medical terms. However, it has been very helpful to be able to read about all the studies that are happening regarding WLS. In this month's issue, there is an article about bariatric surgery reducing the cancer risk in morbidly obese patients. I mention it in case you feel guided to buy the article or get an annual subscription. I paid around $148 U.S. for my subscription and it's been worth every penny. It's allowed me to gain a better understanding of the developments in bariatric surgery. I figure if I'm going to have pieces of my anatomy removed, I want to learn all I can about the process. Their web site is www.soard.org Wishing you well on your journey! Laurel

Hi- I thought I would post an update to my June post on this thread. In July I had my band removed. It's not the outcome I wanted, but my doctor felt there was too much scarring to give me another one. Since then, I've regained quite a bit of weight and I'm almost back at my starting weight pre-band. It's so hard... I'm now investigating the gastric sleeve. All this and I'm still pro-band. However, I do suggest that before having the band or any other WLS that you research this in depth. I subscribed to the Obesity-related medical journals so that I could read the studies coming out about the various WLS methods. Don't rely upon these boards for your statistics. Speak with your surgeon and read the medical reports for yourself. My surgeon cooborated what I've read in several journal articles that complication rates for bands are as high as 25%. And a good number of patients will require intervention at the four or five year mark and beyond. If you are a long-time bandster and experiencing complications or weight gain, please don't hide out from your doctor. Please get evaluated. Wishing you all the best~

Hi Vampyrekiss- Sending lots of prayers to your situation. Did your doctor do a floroscopy to see if your band is properly situated? If things have resolved with the unfill, you may be able to keep it. I had my band removed in July due to a slip, and I've gained back most of my weight. It's been challenging. What I'm really missing is the "full" signal that I received from the band (even will little fill). So now I'm back to managing my food intake the old fashioned way. It may be that you or your husband will find another job after the first of the year that will give you even better health insurance. Whatever decision you make, affirm that it is the best one for you... Attune to your guidance and knowing. :smile2:

I was originally banded in 2/2004 and had my band removed due to slippage July 2008. The band worked great for me for the first three years. In the fourth year, I was able to eat much more and began experiencing reflux. Tests showed that the band had slipped. At the time, my surgeon (at Kaiser) shared with me that complication rates for the band are as high as 25%. I agree with the original poster, us long-time bandsters are seeing higher complication rates than originally anticipated. Prior to the removal I did quite a bit of research. One of the best places I found was the Surgery for Obesity and Releated Diseases Journal (SOARD). It is a medical journal, so it has a lot of scientific language, but I learned a lot by reading through it. An annual subscription is $148, but well worth it. Afterall, we're looking at a lifetime commitment to the procedure. I've been having a challenging time. Prior to have the surgery I was at 260. My lowest weight post banding was 200, but I was very happy there. I'm now back up to 250 and don't know what to do. Kaiser in the SF area has a policy of not doing revisions. However, I see that someone in the LA area is getting one, so I'm going to see about filing an appeal. The problem is that I don't quite know what I want to have done. The sleeve has tremendous appeal, but it is relatively new. It seems that most of my research indicates that almost all procedures have a rebound effect a few years from the original surgery. But a part of me wants even those few years of freedom from lugging around all this weight. I've also researched the various clinical trials, but most of them won't accept people who have had previous WLS. I share this not to dissuade anyone from getting the band. If I were new to WLS, I might give it a try again. I just keep praying that the wise doctors and researchers who are focused on finding treatments for obesity hit the jackpot soon. I would love someone to invent a patch that can be worn against the skin that helps to balance hormone and body chemistry levels so that we don't want to eat all the time. One thing is clear, this really does seem to be heavily influenced by body chemistry. P.S. One more thing about band removal. Quite often there is scarring that affects the liver and stomach. The scarring can prevent future banding. This is what has happened to me. If you do have or get the band, please pay close attention to your body. If you experience PBing, sliming, acid reflux, insist on a floroscopy to make sure the band is being properly maintained.

I didn't know that my band had slipped until it showed up under florouscopy. I went to the doctor because I didn't have much restriction. I had been diagnosed with a stretched esophogus, but didn't realize I had a slip. I was gaining weight and had developed acid reflux. I'm so sad... my band was taken out a few months ago and I've been gaining weight. My insurance won't pay for a revision and so I'm not sure what to do.

Dear Cat- I'm afraid that I don't have any solutions... However I am here to tell you that you're not alone. I was originally banded in 2/2004 and had my band removed on 7/3/08. I haven't had the courage to step on the scale, but my clothes are all tighter on me. The experience of hunger is scaring me. For most of my banded time, I stopped eating around 5 pm... I wasn't able to process food later in the day and if I did try and eat an evening meal, I had to stay up past my bedtime. Now I'm getting hungry again around 6pm and need to eat an evening meal. I was uprepared emotionally to feel that kind of hunger again. Just typing this makes me want to cry. People are giving me well-meaning advice, but I just can't seem to make them understand how terrifying it is to think that my only option right now to control the number creeping up on the scale is something akin to Weight Watchers. Well, shucks, if that had worked in the first place I wouldn't have required surgery. Due to scarring, I'm not a candidate for rebanding, at least not through my health care provider. I'm sending lots of prayers to all of us experiencing this challenge!!!

Tomorrow I'm having surgery to fix my slipped band. The doctor has prepared me for the possiblity that it may have to come out. He says that quite often, when there is a slip, there is quite a bit of scar tissue that makes it difficult to reband. He says that the scarring can involve the liver and stomach and that when this is the case, it is best to remove the band. I told him that I would really like to keep the band and have a second chance at banded life. I won't know the outcome until I wake up from the anesthesia tomorrow. I'm so filled with emotions and have been crying on and off today. Few people understand what a big issue this is for me... I have so many blessings in my life and all day today, my inbox has been filled with friends sending prayers of light and grace for tomorrow's surgery. If you would, could you please send prayers my way for a graceful and successful surgery tomorrow. And that if it is for my highest and best good, that I awaken still banded and ready to being Part Two of my band adventure... And if the band has to come out, please send prayers that I gracefully navigate my new journey with food, my body and my experience with my appetite. Thank You! I'll post an update as soon as I'm able...

Hi Beautiful Family-<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> This is my first foray into emaiing since the surgery. The band was removed on Thursday. Surprisingly, I feel at peace with the outcome. There was much scarring as a result of the band, and I know for my long term health, this was the best solution. I didn't realize how much scar tissue could build up as a result of the band. The doctor provided us with pictures -- and once I saw them, I was somewhat relieved to have it out. The current challenge is that there is quite a bit of residual pain from where the port was removed – and it is difficult to get in and out of bed. I continue to be on medication and am not moving around too much. It is quite similar to the pain I felt when I was originally banded. <o:p></o:p> <o:p>On the bright side, the acid reflux is gone. I'm able to eat without any problems. And my appetite is quiet, so I'm just eating small amounts. This is such a relief!</o:p> <o:p></o:p> I’m so grateful for the prayers and words of encouragement that you are sending my way! <o:p></o:p> I can appreciate what others have posted about tears coming forward at the idea of losing the band. I went through a deep greiving process last week. On Wednesday, I just sobbed and sobbed. It was terrifying to think of going back into the dark abyss of obesity and out-of-control eating. But the funny thing about grieving, is that there's usually a point of completion. I work a lot with the angels, and I asked them to help lift the grief and fear. By the time I woke up on Thursday, I felt myself come into alignment with whatever outcome was for my highest good. And I've been in peace ever since then. So please don't grieve for my journey... it is what it is supposed to be. We are all pioneers in this journey of treating obesity. We are likely influenced by chemical factors that are leftovers from an anthropological past that is no longer needed. There are brilliant minds working on finding methods of relieving the imbalance. I've been reading the medical journals in the weeks leading up to my surgery. There are talks of a vaccinne... doctors doing the gastric sleeve believe that the surgery reduces the amount of grehlin the body makes... and even more options. So I know that we are all contributing to the time when our body's appetite can be calibrated in a way that honors vital health and wellness in an organic and supportive way. I'll post more in the days to come...

Hi BandofHope- You are wise to read about the possibility of complications with the band (or any other surgery). Only you will know if it is the right decision for you. I was banded in 2/2004. Within the first year, I had two out-patient procedures to fix the port placement and leaky tubing. I also had a challenging time finding the sweet spot. Tomorrow I go in for surgery to fix a slipped band and it may need to come out. All that said, it was and still is totally worth it. For the first time in my life, I felt freedom from the monster appetite that seemed to have held me hostage. I was able to work in partnership with my band to manage the food intake. As a result I released 60 lbs. I've regained approximately 30 pounds with the slip... but I would do it again. Actually, I'm praying that I get to continue with the journey. The complication rates for long-time bandsters are higher than I was originally led to believe. This procedure was approved by the FDA in 2001 and the data is still being collected. However, as you will no doubt hear from the Band community at large, the majority of us are grateful for the opportunity to give this option a try. Know that you need to make the decision that is best for you regarding the band. There are plenty of anecdotal stories to read on this and other web sites. Each of us has a unique journey. May your path be blessed and may you connect with clear guidance~!

Hi Julie- Thank you for your prayers and light to you, too! My doctor says that if there is scarring, his recommendation would be not to replace the band now or in the future. He said that if I wanted, he could leave in the tubing and the port in case I wanted to go out of network to have the band. But I told him that if his opinion (and the opinion of his collegues) is that I'm not a candidate for rebanding, then I don't want to shop around until I find a doctor who will say yes. The most important part of this is that I want to be healthy... so I trust him to make the decision tomorrow that will provide me with long-term health. I was banded in 2/2004, so I've had four years with the band. However, I'm realizing that I haven't had proper restriction for about 18 months. I'm really hoping that I awaken tomorrow rebanded. I went out today and purchased Protein drinks and other Clear liquids in hopes that I'll be on liquids for a while while the band heals. If he is able to reposition the band, they'll keep me in the hospital overnight. If he removes the band, they will send me home tomorrow. Keep me on liquids for a day, and then I'll be on my own once again. I pray for miracles beyon my imagination surrounding all of this~!

YES! Too tight is a problem. Take it from a long-time bandster. Remember, you want to keep the band for the long haul. When the band is too tight, it opens you up to a whole host of problems. Slippage. Acid Reflux. Erosion. If you are throwing up, unable to keep down solid foods, then you are too tight and risk damaging the very system that you worked and prayed so hard to get. The truth is, with the band properly adjusted, you should be able to eat small amounts of solid food, feel full and loose weight on a regular basis. For any weight loss to be healthy and long-lasting, it is important to continue eating a moderate amount of nutrition and calories. Please... see your doctor and insist that they work with you until you hit your sweet spot. Lots of light to you!

Hi Janine- How wonderful that you are going to be rebanded! As a seasoned bandster, you will know the best way to care for yourself and your new band. Congratulations! Sending you lots of light!!!

Hi Vikki- I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you are experiencing! If you can wait until Monday, please consider calling Allergan directly. There is a gentleman there who is the customer service rep for the Lap-Band. I cannot recall his name at the moment, but he was very helpful when I called about my slipped band. He should be able to provide you with more information.

Hi Kim- Sorry to hear about your slip, but it is good that you have been diagnosed and they're going to provide a new one. I have also been diagnosed with a slip (I was banded 2/2004). However, they are likely going to remove it. My insurance company won't pay to have another one implanted and I think I'm OK with it. I feel like I'm in a very different place now with my weight and food. And now that I know what it feels like to experience complications like this, I don't know that I'm eager to experience it again. BTW, I spoke with an Allergan rep. It seems that at the time when I had my surgery, the Lap-Band model available could not be unbuckled and rebuckled (which is essentially what is done when correcting a slip). If that model was unbuckled, it was a goner. The new model can be unbuckled up to three times which provides more leeway for correcting a slip. (If anyone from Allergan or others in the know want to correct or expand on my interpretation, feel free to jump in...) Good luck with your surgery! Mine is July 3rd, so only one more week to go!

Thank you for your prayers, Livin4Jesus. They are much appreciated! I sense that the band will have to come out... I spoke with Allergan and the type of band I have cannot be rebuckled. The new model can be unbuckled up to three times. Therefore if there's a slip or the band needs to be repositioned they can do so without replacing the band. I suspect that this is not the case with the model that I have. The truth is that I'm not sure I want to keep it. I keep vacillating back and forth. It would seem that everyone who loves and supports me is happy at the idea of it coming out. They are concerned for my health and I have lots of support no matter what happens. I keep reading the medical journals and trying to attune to what outcome I want. The truth is, in my ideal vision, the band comes out and there are no long term scarring or ill effects. I then begin eating healthy foods -- the idea of being able to eat things like watermelon and big salads again makes me giddy. Congratulations on starting your banded life. May your path be paved with light, grace and tremendous joy. You're going to do great! I can feel your enthusiasm about his new adventure. Sending you lots of light!

Hi- They are still assembling data about how long the bands will stay in. Yes, they are designed to stay in permanently, but the bariatric community is still assembling data about the results in long-time bandsters. You may want to ask your surgeon to share data with you about the complication rates in long-time bandsters. There is always new data being published in the medical journals with updated statistics. I've been studying these stats lately. I'm four years out and have just been diagnosed with a slip. From what I understand I'm in the minority as far as complications go -- this is good news for the population of banded patients. However, from what I understand complication rates rise as the years go on. The stomach and esophogas can stretch.... the band can slip... but the possiblity of any of these can be carefully monitored by regular visits to your doctor. What tends to happen is that long-time bandsters get complacent -- for me, this happened because I was happy and engaged in other parts of my life (this was very good news!). I probably should have pushed myself to have a check up six months ago... but I was happily too busy. I didn't think to go see the doctor until I was in the midst of uncomfortable acid reflux. So as you are getting ready to be banded, talk with your doctor about what your care will be like in the years down the road. I totally support others in having a barium swallow test done annually to check the status of things. I wish I had done that.... All that being said, I still would have made the same decision I did four years ago and I would have said yes to the band! It was a miracle for me and allowed much healing to flow into my life. Sending you lots of prayers for grace on your journey!

Brittany Lynn- I'm sorry to hear about your challenges. While I know it is frustrating, continue working with your doctors so that they can determine what is happening. If you are experiencing a loss of restriction, it could be a leak. Have your doctors ruled this out? When I was first banded, I had a very slow leak at the tubing near the port. It was almost impossible to find. They did all kinds of tests including with nuclear medicine. My surgeon finally decided just to go in and replace the port and examine the tubing. Sure enough, there was a tiny hole in the tubing that was likely caused during a very difficult fill (my port was tilted and fills were very difficult in the beginning). If you're band isn't leaking, then I would ask your doctor to do a barium swallow test to double check your restriction and the placement of the band. It's possible that the band has shifted or that you are experiencing stretching above the band. I can appreciate that this is bringing up frustration and fear. However, whatever it is, trust that it will be diagnosed and then you will be able to work with your doctors to determine the next steps in keeping your band in good working order. Sending you lots of prayers for graceful resolution!!!

Fantastic news! Glad to hear that you are feeling better and were able to confirm things with your doctor. Sending you lots of light for continued grace and success on your journey!

Hi Laureen- Lots of light ahead for you! I'm four years out and have been diagnosed with a slip. It does seem that the longer we are out from our initial banding, the more likely these types of complications are. The bariatric community is still assembling data on this. My slip was diagnosed under with a simple flouro test. The slip and pocket is apparent under xray. It explains why I have been waking up with acid reflux and able to eat so much more. A significant part of my stomach has migrated above the band. I'm scheduled for surgery on July 3rd to either remove or fix the band. Most likely it will be removed, and I'm getting to be OK with the idea of having it out. However if they can fix it, I'm good with that, too. However, I just want to be out of the woods as far as complications go, so that's what's most important to me. I'm sorry to hear about your challenges, but I'm grateful that you are sharing your experience here. It is helpful to hear from other long-time bandsters about our expeirences with the band as the years roll by.

I'm fortunate, our insurance is going to cover the band removal (or if they can, it will be fixed, however they will not put in a new one as they do not cover revisions). I really like the surgeon we are working with. I lost 60 pounds with the band and have gained back 30. However one of the greatest gifts that the band gave me was that it gave me the freedom to concentrate on other areas of my life. food and weight no longer took up so much of my life force. With the weight loss and the freedom from compulsive eating, I was liberated to spread my wings and soar. It has provided me with a beautiful new life. I'm married to my Beloved husband, I have a career that I LOVE, fantastic friends, and I really and truly like and love who I am. So now, this new me, will be able to help me recalibrate should the band be removed. I'm not going to descend into darkness again. There's way too much light in my life now. I plan on taking really good care of myself... and pray for divine assistance :sad_smile: And should I be able to keep my band, then I'll Celebrate that, too!

It's great that they were able to diagnose you so quickly. I also had a problem with my port and tubing. As a result my band wouldn't hold a fill. They fixed the problem during out-patient surgery and it was a breeze! The pain was minimal and I was only out of work for one day. The surgery was in the morning and I was home resting by the afternoon. It is so much easier than the initial surgery! The reason you may be feeling a bit restricted is that the stomach may be irritated by the fills and the unfills. You are wise to drink liquids and let everything calm down a bit. Once my port and tubing were fixed, I was able to get a fill and hit the sweet spot. It was awesome! Now it's a few years later and I'm experiencing other complications... but they have nothing to do with the port situation... Lots of Luck to You!