househuntress

Banded in 2007...I lost 75 lbs...doing O.K. But never got to goal. Started having problems 2 years ago. I went to my band doctor..he wouldn't listen when I said there was something wrong. 3 months ago went to a new surgeon to have an endoscope to find out what was wrong. He found the band was originally placed too low. I have a prolapse of my stomach through the band and esophageal dilation. New surgeon said the band needs to come out. One problem is..no insurance...I would have to be self pay about 16k. My question has anyone had the same problem and what did you do to fix it? Is there a way to NOT have to have a revision to another WLS? I don't want to rush into another surgery if leaving it like it is but don't want this problem to harm my body. Anyone? Thank you for your time.

Thank all of you for replying. I did have an upper GI and that's how they found the dilation and yes my stomach has pushed up through the band. My new surgery said the best for me would be to have the band out..in his experience once the esphogaus is dilated and a prolapse through the band it usually never stays fixed. He said living on protein drinks is not and option and never should be considered a normal way of life after any WLS. With all that said...because of no insurance and having to pay out of pocket ....I will have to put the sleeve surgery off for a while. If you've had the same problems and everything resolved on its on and loosing weight again please reply. I would love to hear about a happy ending. Thanks again.

First year I was banded...it was WONDERFUL I wasn't hungry. NO...always thinking about food, no craving...I thought this is how normal people feel...the skinny ones. The next year was almost the same...I lost 70 lbs and then the hunger started coming back...I started snacking on small meals through the day...the weight loss stopped. I would go in (200 miles round trip to see the doctor) to see the Doctor for a fill and pay $200.00 for a "slight fill" I NEVER felt tight and would go back to just staying the same on the scales. I was too ashamed of going back to tell him I was still hungry and didn't fill full. If any of you have been overweight for a long period of your life you will understand how a doctor can make you feel horrible-ashamed of yourself because you're fat...you're weak...not too bright....because you can't loose the weight. This is how my roll a coaster ride has been banded with this doctor. I do make good choices and bad choices...but I would never change getting the band. It has helped me keep off 70 lbs. I just haven't been able to get below that. Long story and this is my question. Is there a way for the doctor to see how much the pouch holds? My doctor tweaks the fill and as long as he can see the fluid going through on the fluro he says that's good....at $200.00. I can't keep going back for more little tweaks since I have to pay. Maybe I just need to tell him to fill me tight? He says its all about what I eat...but if that is all it is I wouldn't need the band. I've thought of changing doctors....any advise? I've been at this a while and not being at goal is getting old. Thanks for listening.

Can anyone give me some names of great plastic surgeons in the Dallas Fort Worth Texas area? Also names of those that HELP with insurance paperwork getting them to pay for the surgeries. Thank you

My insurance didn't pay anything for my band..... Insurances states it will not pay for any weight loss related procedures. Insurances is BCBS high risk pool Texas How do you get insurances to pay? Many state their BCBS paid for their plastic surgery. Please tell me how! I NEED a TT but am still 50 lbs from goal. If I can get this figured out I can at least plan toward a TT when I lose more weight.

I'm searching for an answer for myself and if there are others out there with the same problem maybe we can solve it together. The first year (2007) of the lap band was WONDERFUL!! No more thinking about food all the time, not hungry (other than OCC. head hunger), the pounds just falling off...everything was perfect. Sixty pounds gone and I'm a happy girl...hoping and praying this was the answer since I paid a boat load of money for this. Fast forward to now..I've gained back 15 lbs and have 3.5cc in a 4cc band. I'm hungry, no weight loss, thinking of food again...not perfect. I know the weight loss will NOT be as fast as before..but I didn't have this to have to struggle as I did BEFORE the lap band. I know we have to follow the rules but we shouldn't have to go back to struggling as before. I know I make bad choices at times ....so this is what I was wondering. Have any of you with the same problem had an unfill to the point of where you WERE losing weight? Did it make a difference or did you eat more than you were doing before the unfill? My thought is this: maybe if I can't eat hard Protein and get full..I'm eating too many slider foods? I've used the calorie counter and sometimes I get too many calories and other times I don't. Sometimes I pb but most of the times I don't...what I have noticed since I'm tighter is that I snack more. I was wanting that "sweet spot" that everyone talks about..my doctor tells me I read too much on the internet and there's no such thing as a sweet spot and it's all about calories in calories out. I asked him about the gastric sleeve before I had the lap band..he said I would have too many problems and it wasn't as good as the lap band. Anyone with answers? I would sure like to hear some. Thank you for listening.

Thanks so much for replying. I love hearing about people that have succeeded after more than a few tweaks. My Doctor isn't the easiest person to talk to. At first he was sooooo nice and urged me to have the lap band.and not any other type of surgery. I found out the lap band is the only type he does. Now...he pats me on the shoulder and says it's not the band it's what you eat...well duh!! That is why I had the band. I'm not wanting a magic bullet here..it worked once why not now? I want to change Doctors and hopefully with a "new start" all around the weight will move. Changing doctors is like....well...other doctors don't want to take you. It's really odd that it's not easy to change and of course I want a doctor that matches my ideal of long term weight loss. I guess I'm just rambling..or venting. I'm sorry..I'm just frustrated with where I am right now. I'm around Jacksboro, Texas if anyone has a Doctor they are really happy with after 1-2 years out. I would love to hear about it and have their name and number. Thanks to all for listening.

After 3 years of being banded I'm moving the wrong way on the scale. Truthfully I lost 75 lbs and stopped...I need to loose 100+. I was soooo happy after being banded...the weight just fell off, I didn't have to worry or stress about what I ate or how much, the band was doing everything. PERFECT!! I loved NOT having to cook, measure, etc. I don't want to think about food..that makes me want to eat more....I need something simple but filling and will keep me full. All my life I've been fat and stressed over what I ate, how fat I was, going on diets, weighing & measuring food....finally I took the step to hopefully stop all of that because it WASN'T working after 30 plus years of trying. Hard to decide to have the surgery and was totally expensive since I was a private pay. Now...fast foward to my third year of being banded...Life is much better but I've not lost a single pound since my 75..in fact I'm 10 lbs heavier. I know I couldn't have done this without the band but now...the band isn't working..it doesn't feel like it did before (My doctor said I'm almost filled up and it's calories that is the answer). Just wondering here... but WHY doesn't it feel like it did...why...isn't the band doing it's work still? I have a lot of questions and no one in my tiny little town to ask. This is my only support. My band doctor is 2 hours away...that's one way..so to see him I have to take cash and drive for 4 hours. OK..now the whine session is over. I would like some input to any and all that have had the same questions and conquered them. My main question is how to stay full like I use to. Can someone give me some ideas of what you eat in a day of Protein that keeps you full? I can't eat eggs, bread or Pasta (never have since the band) which is a good thing but that really cuts out the Weight Watcher type meals. Any ideas and I am sooooo impressed by those that MADE IT and been successful in their journey. Thanks to all for any help.

Hello All; I was banded in 2007. I quickly lost 72 lbs in about 18 months. I have a band that holds 4cc of saline..I have it filled to 3.5cc. I just had a fill 2 weeks ago..the first fill I've had in a year. The Dr. said it's all about the calories and I just need to diet. REALLY...if I had known there was a big chance of gaining the weight back ..I would have chosen another form of weight loss surgery. I've lost NO weight since the first 18 months. I get stuck at times but it's because I eat too quickly. My hunger is BACK...I think of food all the time again. When I was first banded I wasn't hungry. WOW what a blessing that was. I've gained 15 lbs..I'm totally afraid and very upset with myself..but it's like the hunger is back. Anyone have the same problem and the solution? The next question: I had the fill of .2 two weeks ago. My Doctor allowed the nurse to try to fill me. I really think it was her first time. The Dr. stepped out of the room and she started to poke me with the needle. I told her I thought the port was over in was this position and she said no it wasn't and continued to insert the needle. She pressed so hard with the needle I thought if she missed she was go through to my heart or lung..I really was in a panic..about that time I heard a big pop and she said she *hit the metal!!!!* and was going to stick me again!!! I told her NO. About that time the Dr. came in and started teasing with me...I think he knew something was wrong. He stuck the port site, added the .2cc. The real port sight and the nurses port site is about 4 inches apart. She was sticking me in the band. This is 2 weeks later and I still have a BIG purple bruise where the tissue bled around **the metal?**. I really don't have any new restriction.. In fact I feel more hungry and can eat more. I really was afraid the *nurse* might have poked a hole in the band but I don't really know. I don't want to be an alarmist. I just want to feel NOT HUNGRY like I did when I was first banded. Thanks for listening and if you have any tips, advice, etc. Please help.

Hello everyone. I had my surgery April 2007. I lost 72lbs. from my highest weight and all was good. I've let 13 lbs creep back on and just can't seem to keep my motavation up to get it off. I can eat more and have the hunger back....I really hate that. I came back here for some advice and hopefully some experienced banders to help me through this. One thing I've noticed is that there are more people complaining about the lap band and talking about how it's not good after the initial banding. I haven't had any problems with the band...I guess I'm lucky but I have had problems with motivation and trying to eat enough Protein and someone to help me along. I don't have anyone close except for online. Anyway...I'm not really happy about seeing all of this advice about the gastric sleeve is better..etc. or the lapband isn't good. I need help and advice about the lapband...which this site is all about.. Thanks for listening.

I really appreciate the replies but I want to clear up a misunderstanding. I love my band. I think it's me just getting comfortable with the ease of doing nothing. That's why the 13 lbs have slipped back. What I was saying about not happy with the band is this...I AM Happy with MY BAND..but others are posting they arent. I use to come here and get great advice, everyone was happy or working on trying to loose their weight. Now,.,,when I come on this site,,there's more negativity toward the band and many jumping ship to the gastric sleeve. What ever works for them is fine by me but I feel if this is a lap band forum it's better for everyone if the talk isn't so negative toward the band. I'm in the medical profession and if you tell someone something won't work, they look sick, etc....they will start believing what you say even without having any issues. I feel that we all need to have a positve attitude about what we chose for our weight loss. If you're having medical issues by all means change or get it fixed/removed. I KNOW I need to adjust my eating, journaling, and back to the bandster rules...I just needed an ear to listen and some good advice, which I got. Hopefully we can all stay accountable and enjoy the healthy life we now have because of the lapband. Thanks to all and great success.

Thanks for the replies. I have been lax in writing down what I eat. When I first had the lap-band it was soooo freeing NOT to have to weigh, measure or write anything down...and I still lost weight. I want that again! I've not been working at losing weight..it's totally my fault. I just can get a method down for staying full and not wanting to eat all the time like BEFORE the band. I'm going to exercise some,,that should help. Is there a face book page for 2-3 years out people? If anyone knows of the link please send it to me. I think staying close with those that are doing well is a big help..at least for me it works wonders.

Same thing is happening with me. What scares me to death is gaining weight! I've gained 7 lbs in a month! I'm hungry all the time but will still pb on chicken and many things. I have a very fickle band as well...sometimes I feel way too tight in that I take two bites and get stuck..pb and then try to eat again. I'm HUNGRY...I wasn't like this 6 months after my band surgery but now the hunger demon is back....I'm scared. I don't want this hunger to come back like it was before the band.:thumbup::scared2: Where is that not hungry feeling? Satisfied? Not waking up thinking of food? Trying to get a grasp on this...at least now...I know I'm not the only one. I'm going back to the Dr. in two weeks..I have a two hour trip one way to see him and no other Dr. any closer, so it's hard to stay close to him or any other bandsters. Hang in there everyone...we will find a solution.

:w00t:Well it's going to be swim suit time again...and I hate it. I haven't lost anymore weight in almost 18months...there ...I finally admitted it. I've still lost about 70 from my highest weight but I've just settled in at this weight. I pb with hard protein...then am hungry and eat the wrong thing...I STILL haven't learned to slow down and CHEW CHEW. I guess I'm afraid if I chew things that small I can pack more in. My problem is my saggy baggy arms!!! I can hide some of my backside with the skirts on my bathing suit but nothing will hide this...YUK:cursing: Does anyone have a solution in exercise for these bat wings? The 50 thing and having been fat all my life is the main factor in my skin not shrinking from the previous weight. I hope everyone is doing much better than I am at this point. Ok...I got my whining in today..thanks for listening.

I LOVE soups and stews...PLEASE the recipe!

I've GAINED 5lbs in 6 months. He said...I wonder who did that..YOU. YOU chose to eat more, not exercise, etc. Only he was really nice about it. And yes I haven't been following the rules. He always does a fluro and found I needed a fill. He took all the saline out and put in new plus another... point 3 cc's. He told me I should have come back sooner. I asked how would I know to come back...I thought it was just ME.. Anyway, he wants me back in 3 months if not sooner if this isn't working. Back to square one on the rules. It's amazing what I've forgotten.

Ok...I've stressed over this for months. This is my 18 month check up on my band. I haven't seen the Dr. in 6 months. Haven't lost ..gained 3-6 depends on who's scales. I've thought about cancelling and trying to get a loss before going back but I think I need to face the music and listen to the failure speech. Wish me good vibes for the 3 hour drive and just continuing to do better and loss the rest of this weight. I'll fill you in on my appt. when I get back. He usually just tells me I'm on *those lap band sites too much* when I ask questions..like do I have more space in my band, how much can the band hold, etc. He just says....your band looks great! You need to eat with a baby spoon, follow the rules, etc. AND YES I know that. But I get frustrated when he thinks my questions don't matter. AND his receptionist is a BEAR..can't talk to the Dr. or nurse unless your dying and then call 911. I don't have any support here..I'm 3 freaking hours away. The nearest town is 62 miles away and there's nothing there for support. I keep thinking she (receptionist) will get nicer everytime I go in but hasn't happened yet. Don't get me wrong my Dr. is a great surgeon and has taken excellent care of me but sometimes..you just need a little warm fuzzy. :Dancing_biggrin: Thanks for listening

Thank you for answering. You look wonderful like you're at goal. I haven't excercised other than learning tennis but nothing daily. I know that is the key but after a long day at work..I just can't leave the house and family. I'm hungier than I use to be..truly..but I also eat when I get that first thought of I'm full. I need to work on all the bandster rules. tomorrow is the big day at the lapband Dr's. I've gained 5 lbs just stressing about this visit! I guess I'll just go and listen to my failure and move on. Thanks again for posting.

Thank you Cameron! You look fantastic! Exercises is the only thing I've never done..other than learning to play tennis. Once a week. Thank you for the pep talk...I'm starting a new today.

I felt the same way the with the first fill. When they fill you the first time..there's a lot of .ummmmm fat over the port. Each time your get a fill there will be a lot LESS fat so easier for them to hit and feel the port. CONGRATS!! You're on your way to being a LOSER!

Those of you that have lost 90-100 lbs what do you eat each day. I think that will help those of us that are struggling with weight loss right now.

16K was a ton of money and I paid the same self pay as you did. WE CAN get back the motivation...if WE WANT it bad enough. That was the key when we started this journey. I am now lazy and don't try as hard. We CAN do this. BUT..we have to WANT it BAD like we did before. You with Me? I'm tired of this and wanting to change..!!!

Thank you for taking the time to answer. That is a good idea....just learn to take my time and chew. There isn't any type of support group in my area. I'm in a small town..the largest town is 63 miles away..so I'm sorta stuck! That's why the internet has been so important to me. I always do better when I get online and really chase the answer. Thank you again. ~HH~

Banded april 07. Rather discourged right now. I've been stuck at the same weight for 8 months. 5lbs up 5 lbs back. I need some motivation and some insight into the long haul. I'm needing some insight from those that have been doing this longer than I have. Does the weight loss usually just stop for a while? Do you just slowly loose weight from that point on as your body adjusts? I live about 3 hours from my doctor and anyone that has been on this journey. The INTERNET is my only help with questions. The Doctors office isn't helpful..just come in but that costs money..I really just need some advice that isn't read from a brochure. My Dr. dismissed me at the 1 year mark and set up my next appt. for 6 months later. My 18 mo.. mark will be next Tuesday. Anyone check in at the 18 month mark and what was your outcome? I have struggled with the same 5 pounds since April. No more loss. I feel wonderful but still not in wonderland. I can't seem to break that yo yo with those pounds and get back into that wonderful loosing mode where it was just sooo easy. I know I pick...can't eat a lot at a sitting unless I haven't eaten much during the day. But if I've pb'ed I'm hungry and just eat a little here and there. I've journaled but can't get a number since I do pb..soooo I don't know how many calories I really take in. I haven't broken myself of the eating too fast and not chewing well enough. Any advice or motivational encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Great Success to all!

Not happy with my progress at the moment. I've asked this question on another thread but I think I need answers from some about my age. I'm needing some insight from those that have been doing this longer than I have. Does the weight loss usually just stop for a while? Do you just slowly loose weight from that point on as your body adjusts? I live about 3 hours from my doctor and anyone that has been on this journey. The INTERNET is my only help with questions. The Doctors office isn't helpful..just come in but that costs money..I really just need some advice that isn't read from a brochure. My Dr. dismissed me at the 1 year mark and set up my next appt. for 6 months later. My 18 mo.. mark will be next Tuesday. Anyone check in at the 18 month mark and what was your outcome? I have struggled with the same 5 pounds since April. No more loss. I feel wonderful but still not in wonderland. I can't seem to break that yo yo with those pounds and get back into that wonderful loosing mode where it was just sooo easy. I know I pick...can't eat a lot at a sitting unless I haven't eaten much during the day. But if I've pb'ed I'm hungry and just eat a little here and there. I've journaled but can't get a number since I do pb..soooo I don't know how many calories I really take in. I haven't broken myself of the eating too fast and not chewing well enough. Any advice or motivational encouragement would be greatly appreciated. For those that have continued to loose steadily what is your secret? Great Success to all!