Band Remover 2022

Hi all, I like sharing the story, because I remember having just as many questions when I had this (lapband) done back when my youngest child was 2 (so 8 years ago) I had been at a regular weight (5'5 or so and 130 lbs) - was good for me....until I got preg with my first - and SOMEHOW gained 70 with him (when I was 26) and despite diets, Weight Watchers, boot camps, south beach, no carb, walking, gym memberships - I only lost 30 of it. THEN, 6 years later (at the age of 32, I purposely got pregnant again, gained only 30 this time around, But remember - I was still carrying around the 40 pounds from my first baby(cakes). Anyway, in desperation, I did it. And I felt embarrassed that I had to go that route. But with my new metabolism and having two pregnancies - and after all the regular stuff, gym, walking, boot camp etc. -- it would not leave me and I didn't feel healthy. So, I did get the lapband, and it was a pain in the ass, there were required seminars and prescreening and pretests, liver checks, etc. etc. (but btw, eating healthier, exercise *walking was a huge help*) So, when my daughter was 2-3ish (back then it took forever to get certified, especially if you were too close to the BMI weight, which I was right on the cusp of not being qualified. Back then, it was like you had to gain weight before you qualified for it. When all was said and done, (again about 10 years ago now) I did land at a net weight loss of 70 pounds (from 240ish to 140/150) - but once I stopped having it filled, I did gain about 20. However, it doesn't matter, i'm back to close to pre-pregnancy weight and feel more in control about losing that in a healthy way. I know it's not easy when it's more than 50 pounds to lose. But, I do feel better! I don't really care now the nubmer that I weigh, as long as I feel good and more healthy. I quit getting it filled after after three times- it was very restrictive , even the doctor could see that. So, LONG story short, I was at where I wanted to be and had it completely unfilled, then removed about a month ago - I have not gained any weight!!! That is people's fear, but nope, I am happy to report, I actually lost 7 pounds since it was removed. And I feel much better with it OUT. I, obviously, am not against people who want or need it, but just keep an eye on it. My doctor said (not quoting him direct but in a nutshell he said ----> "10 year shelf life, if that - the statistics are still coming in" - just be careful. One POSITIVE experience from it: because I was restricted from eating for so long (whether band was filled or unfilled), I learned quickly to eat reasonable portions, not binge eat like I did when I was pregnant or whenever (everyone situation is different of to why they over ate)....and with the confidence that came with losing the weight - it did encourage me to PERMANENTLY eat different, healthier, and overall be more conscious of our eating habits and choices. And for those of you with kids, I don't need to repeat that! we want our kids to lead by example. I wish you all the best - I guess I'm leaning any advice for people with hesitations or wondering about self-experiences , and here to say - if you have the band, control the mind set and make it a permanent mindset and keep an eye on it!!! Because eventually you will not need it nor be able to have it. The removal surgery very me sucked badly, it was all wrapped around my intestines. (my doctor quit even doing them 7-8 years ago because of the complications they are seeing now that they have been reported more). But I guess, after everything else I tried and in combination with the rest of effort, it was worth it. if you get into that new "groove" - you won't need it the rest of your life. The important part, I think, is to sustain how your appetite and mind reconfigures itself afterwards. If you have any questions at all - feel free to message me! P.S. - I am not condoning lap band nor against it. I am only sharing my personal experience - just because I know that people need it for whatever reason they choose (health/self-confidence/feel better/not be so hot in the summer/can't lose/new metabolism sucks/never lost that baby weight, , etc., 👨‍⚕️

@hollywrites2u ---- I wish you the best of luck! Take it slow, have the right doctor.

Hi Shey, have them check it next week - I hope you have a reputable doctor --- it sounds like it need to be unfilled a bit based on what you are describing. You'll be okay though. Stick to broths, soft foods until you can get back into doctor. I would insist on a check in/barium look! Wish best!

Hi Parisshel, it was very painful, scary and I'm just happy it's over and the band is gone and I'm still alive. The way he explained it is that when the lapband first came out, they made two different versions of it. One was made with hooks, where you can turn it easily to put it in and the theory was, if it had not slipped nor eroded, it would be just as easy to take it out. He said I did have the one with these "hooks" -- and I'm not quoting him on WHY it wound up having to be dug out - but I'm assuming because of the slippage that happened. Also, another possible contribution to this issue could be that I was not having it filled consistently because I felt it was already too restrictive and people were commenting on that I was losing too much weight. (I think some might have even questioned if I was "sick" with something). I filled it a few time in the 10 years I had it and towards the end had it loosened/filling taken out and then eventually, unfilled completely in Nov 2021--- and maybe that's when it really started to slip and all that happened to wind me up having it completely removed. My suggestion to anyone that has one -- is, even if you are not going in to get a fill - at least still visit with your doctor and drink the barium so they can check in on the band - ask about slippage, erosion, etc. At the beginning of the big "lap band surge" before they knew a lot of long term reactions --- the doctors and surgeons would say it is "VERY RARE" that it will slip or erode. Now, they are finding out -- it is MORE common than NOT for it to erode and/or slip. So, have it checked - mine was supposed to be checked every three months. But, because I wasn't interested in having it filled, I would not follow those standards. I had a very very reputable doctor too, so, it really was my fault for not having him check in on it time to time, regardless of fills. To address your last part, I am feeling a lot better, thank you! it has been two weeks and 2 days since the removal. I would say I was only "ok" after about a full week. I still have incision tape that needs to fall off, but all in all, worth it knowing now that it's out! I have to say, I have not gained any weight since the removal and do not see myself eating any more than I did with it in (but again, remember I wasn't filling it, and he it completely unfilled last November). Looking back, I think the one benefit I did gain from it - it gave a "kick start" on my weight loss but also forced me to realize and change my eating habits. !! Good luck with everything!

HI Holly, I'm not sure - the doctor said I would no longer qualify for any other type of WLS (sleeve/bypass) because my BMI is normal range. However, that doesn't matter, I wouldn't put myself thru anymore surgeries anyway, personal choice. I will say, I have seen quite a few posts on this forum though where people are switching from band to sleeve. I would highly recommend getting it removed. 20 years is a long time and the doctor explained to me that there were two different types of bands when they came out., One mechanism had hooks, that were designed to easily install and eventually...easily remove the band. However, over time, the hooks basically sink and bury themselves into your intestines - and the surgeon has to dig/pry them out, hence the pain. He also said in every case of his (and his partners) where the patient had the band with the hooks - he has had to extract them this way. They will not even do the bands anymore. I'm not trying to scare you - just being honest and helping get the message out of how dangerous these things can become. Take care and good luck!!!

Today is May 11th, 2022. I had my band removed 6 days ago. I have had it for 10 years (I am currently 43). I never had it filled after year 3 (I believe I only had it filled 3 times the first 1-2 years, then felt I was too restricted, losing weight too fast so I had some of the fill taken out. I am 5'4 and started out around 245 and got down to a low of 145-150. Once I had some of the fill taken out, I did gain 15-20 pounds. I was comfortable at the 163ish mark, was still a size 6-8. Then, more recently (so year 8 or so, I would randomly throw up/gag in the mornings, painfully, losing appetite). So, I had it completely unfilled November 2021, gained a few more pounds (likely overate @ holidays) :) . Anyways, today I am going for an early post-op followup (day 6 after the band removal) -- I am still in a lot of pain. The surgeon had told me that my surgery took twice as long as it should have because part of the band prongs (?) had to be DUG out from my intestines. I now have extra incisions - I was in so much pain after surgery. I needed help by my husband to go to washroom (could not go from standing to sitting on my own), was actually in tears and that was with pain medicine. That intense pain did somewhat subside a bit after day 2-3. However, I am still experiencing pretty intense pain when going from laying down to standing up. I also, similar to a poster above, feel a large hard bulge where the largest incision is (where the port used to be). The surgeon did mention some hematomas (bleeding) may develop, can be painful and should go away on their own (ugh, that sounds so awful! basically internal bleeding - scary!) Either way, I feel like I was a guinea pig with the FDA, there was not enough long term research done yet, to really know all the risks and how very common they are with lapband. Which, yes, someone had to be the experiments, I get it. My surgeon says he quit putting them in back in 2018. I know and understand it's elective surgery and I signed off on it --- I just wanted to share my experience and hoping the damage this band has done to my body will repair itself completely! For now, I am just glad it is OUT before it did even worse, possibly permanent damage. My suggestion (and any good bariatric doctor will tell you) - is if you've had it for 10 years, get it out. There are other options (sleeve is one), I personally am not electing to have one but to each their own -- this is just a PSA (public service announcement).