sexysmirk

Hi everyone, Unfortunately I don't have a success story. I wish I had never been banded. I was banded 2/08. I lost 35lbs before the surgery but have since gained almost all back. They told me it was not a "magic bullet" but only a tool. I get that. But for me it proved to be a poor tool. Let me explain. I don't eat just in response to hunger, obviously. If I did, I would not have become 150lbs overweight. So it didn't bother me too much when the band didn't change my hunger signals at all. But that was supposedly the big draw of the band- "it tames the hunger". The main problem I am having is that it changed what type of food I can tolerate- and not for the better. I'm tired of throwing up, and sitting and burping and swallowing, hoping I'm not going to throw up. This happens if I eat any fruits or veggies. I can blend up berries with milk or yogurt in the blender but I can't eat veggies at all. I actually miss salads and broccoli (my favorite vegetable). I also can't eat meat or eggs. The main foods that are at all healthy and that I can tolerate are some types of cheese, milk & yogurt, whole wheat Pasta (but only with olive oil and garlic), and the berries in the shake I mentioned. This limited diet not only gets old fast, but it has eliminated most of the healthy foods I actually love and used to eat. And the really big problem is that I have gotten so upset and discouraged that I have discovered there are many unhealthy processed and high fat foods I have no problem eating. Ice cream, brownies, chocolate... I won't go on but suffice to say if it is high in fat or highly processed, it seems to be able to slip through the band fine. I had problems with throwing up and acid reflux from the beginning, my doc said the band fit tight when he put it on and I swelled up. And yes, I've had fills put in and removed and put in again. So, to sum it up, I'm sorry I ever had the operation and if I could have it taken out without going back in the hospital for another operation, I would. They say it's reversible, like it's so easy to remove, but it's still surgery and they stitched it to my stomach. That means scar tissue, which makes it all the more complicated for removal. So I'm going to see my doctor again next Wednesday and have every drop of fill taken out. It still means I can't eat meat or eggs, but I can have Beans and sometimes some overcooked broccoli when there's no fill at all. I'm sorry that this "tool" did more harm than good for me. And I'm angry with myself because I should have known better. I understand I may be in the minority- I read alot of success stories- but I decided to share anyway. Perhaps this helps someone. Or perhaps someone out there can relate. ~Sexysmirk~

Yes, I can relate. I did lots of research beforehand and went in convinced that gastric bypass was the right choice for me. My doctor talked me out of it, saying lap band was less dangerous, reversible, etc. He even promised to do the bypass if this didn't work. But I had such a bad experience with this, I can't imagine going back under the knife again. Not to mention not being able to afford missing work again or weather my insurance would even cover it. Ugh! ~Sexysmirk~

Unfortunately, my doc wasn't as supportive as your reply to my post. The last time I had my fill taken out, he kept asking me if I was sure I was chewing enough and was I really exercising. I have been really good about exercise, walking 2 miles per day or swimming for an hour when I can't walk (I have had knee surgeries and sometimes it's difficult to walk). Thank you so much for the support!