Dragonlily

7 years go I decided to make the move to get the lap-band. I was able to successfully lose 40 lbs. However, the tool that I thought would help ended up not working with me. I was very good restricted and not getting in enough proper nutrients. A lot of vomiting which in turn plays a head game of great I can eat today get in as much as you can because tomorrow you could be back to starving because nothin will go down. I also had constant reflux and all combined made any social outing hard. I made the decision to have my band removed. I am one week post op and feel incredibly free!! I started to giggle when I burped as I haven't done that in 7 years! I ate my first scrambled eggs and fresh carrots and apples and a slice of bread without pain!! It is a completely different feeling and I am so happy to have made the choice to have it reversed. I am grateful that I feel full easily still because of the restriction before but I am nervousness because I will be able to eat foods like Pasta and rice with ease now. I could have had a new surgery at the same time but at this time I am just not ready to alter my body in that way again as it's not reversible. I wish everyone success with their choice of surgeries and support to those who are in the spot as me.

So had my band surgery in 2007. Thought it would be great. Barely had any Fluid in my band before I ended up getting ulcers at the base of my esophagus. Completely frustrated by the lack of concern from the physician. Anyways long store short I have had severe increase in acid reflux, I now have a esophageal hernia, anemia and pain all the time and found out the cause is because the band is to high. My food intake is very limited and it is completely frustrating that I have waited so long to get it taken care off. I wish I would have been one of the success stories. But at least I am on the waiting list for removal!! It's really nice being a part of this community and to know I am not the only one that's had issues.

You look fantabulous! Great job!

You look amazing!!

I was scared to try salads at first but as many others have said I to had no real issues salad. Carrots and eggs yes....lol...good luck and take it slow

Keep up the great job!! You look amazing!!

Sorry to hear that you are not doing well with your band as well. I ha e been reading lots of comments on here and I am not sure if its the type of band that's creating the issues with our bodies or what!?! When you say spasms what do you means? I get really bad hiccups after eating, is that similar? I am sending you all the positive vibes I can that you do not gain any weight back and that if nothing else you can maintain!!

Auto correct ugh!! I meant that was able to lose 40 and that I am now maintaining...haha

Thanks everyone!! I am lucky that my health insurance does cover the removal. I was a me to lose 40 but gained 10 back and not just maintaining. I am just more frustrated than anything as I know most people are successful with their surgeries. I thought getting the sleeve but since I have not felt good and have had pain since I got the band I think I am just going to get it removed and keep trying the old fashioned way of healthy eating and exercise. If anything I have learned proper portion sizes and am more aware of what's going in and out so hopefully fingers crossed everything will be great!!

I have had my band for seven almost 8 years now. I drink pop on occasion but not often as it greats a lot of extra gas bubbles. I have not been able to (sorry if it sounds gross) burp since I had the surgery. So anyways I find I get that nasty shoulder pain that you may have heard other people mention. I don't the pain is really worth but it can be done. Just something to keep in mind!! Good luck

Hi All, Im new the this discussion group and I think I need a little help with my decision!! I had the lapband surgery June 2007 and I have lost about 35lbs to date. Not bad - slow but still a good thing. The only problem that I am having is that I have 2 large ulcers at the base of my esophagus. I have been taking Losec for about 4 months and I still have pain but the acid reflux is wayyyyy better. I have had alot of eating issues since my ulcers started - I don't enjoy food at all and I can't eat alot of the good things that I should be eating such as chicken and fish even alot of vegies(this goes for the bad things as well) and I am contemplating on whether or not this surgery was worth it or perhaps I should have the band removed and continue my weight loss journey on my own???:thumbup: Please give me any advice or thoughts on this as I just want to be healthy and be able to have a little enjoyment in the food world!! I think without the ulcer things would be a lot better but tired of vomiting after eating........

Thanks for your replies - The ulcers were a direct result of the lapband surgery, I have had 4 fills to date and have had 2 gastroscopies to check on the ulcers and have been on Losec to aid in getting rid of them now for about 4.5 months. I have had issues eating from the 2nd fill and when I went to see my surgeon because of the pain he initally didn't think there was anything wrong with me and the nurse actually laughed at my symptoms when she relayed what I had told her to the DR. I think it would be ashame to get rid of the lapband but I am concerned for the long term effects to my body. I am concerend about the scar tissue and even possibly having the ulcers get worse. My esophagus is quite small to begin with and I have less then 3 ccs in the band. My esophagus is irritated often so there are days when I can't eat anything and I vomit everything I do try to eat. I have talked to my dietician and dr about this several times because I eat whatever won't hurt and will go down - yoguurt, ice cream, crackers - nothing really super healthy..... So I am at a loss of what to do because the only place in Canada that has the clinic that does the surgery for free is in Alberta. I have since moved to Bristish Columbia and to see my DR. I will now have to fly out there should I need anything done. I think what I am looking for is maybe some ways to be able to cope with it or to help me make the right choice. It took me a long time to decide to get the surgery in the first place because I haven't been able to fdo it on my own. Im just frustrated - I hatge vomiting, I would love be able to chew my food and eat something and enjoy it without knowing that today is gonna be a bad day and everything is gonna come back up....*SIGH* Im feeling blue about all of this.....