pongomp

Hi all! I am glad I found this post. I was banded in April 2008 and did well for a very long time. I lost 160# and kept off about 140 of it over the last 11 years. But now, there are problems. I have been having intense chest pain, reflux, and lots of puking. I put off seeing my doc because I was fearful she would say the band would need to be removed. I finally met with the doc and she first unfilled the band, then scheduled an upper GI. Had that, and the tech noted that the barium was staying in my esophagus and the sphincter was not opening. Then, when it finally opened, that is when I had the chest pain. I followed back up with the doc and she said that I had a "lazy esophagus" that had been worn out from almost 12 years of banding and puking. She ordered and endoscopy, which I had last week. I have my follow up next week to talk about next steps. Since having the band unfilled, the reflux has gone and the chest pain happens much less frequently. However, I can eat anything now with no restriction.....and that has been a challenge. The doc said, before the endoscopy, that if the band has to be removed, she would not recommend a sleeve on top of a lazy esophagus...and the bypass would be my best option if I wanted a revision. It doesn't sound like refilling the band is going to be an option. So, I think I will have to decide to have bypass or have the band removed and try to live a "normal" life. I am having a lot of mixed emotions and nerves. Really, I won't know anything for sure until the follow up appointment next week....but I am preparing mentally for it. Curious if anyone else had similar symptoms/issues and had a revision to bypass? Or, and advice? Appreciate it!!

Thanks for all of your comments and advice! Unfortunately due to the weather, my appointment got moved to this coming Tuesday. So, we will see what the doc says.

Hi everyone - Have't been on here for years, but looking for advice. I have been banded 5.5 years and have had good success with my Realize band. I lost 135 pounds, and over the 5 years have gained about 15 back..which I am ok with. My concern is that I have always worried in the back of my mind that something was going to go wrong with the band after a few years. I have read and heard other people in the dr. office complaining about complications and having to get bands removed. I read about erosions, slippage, etc. To be honest it freaks me out. It seems like the odds are not good to have a band that never has problems. But really, that is what I have had. I had some issues in the beginning finding just the right fill level, but after that first year everything was pretty good. To be completely honest though, I have always had reservations about putting a foreign object in my body and it's long-tem effects. What prompted me to post here is that over the past week I have been having some pain in my stomache that feels like a constant ache. I have ruled out constipation/gas, hunger, etc. I am still able to eat normal amounts, and have not been vomitting. But, I just have this uneasy feeling that something is wrong. I made an appointment with my surgeon/doctor for this Friday, but I don't know exactly what I am going to tell her other than, "something doesn't feel right". I was reading through the "complication" boards to see if anyone else mentioned a constant stomache ache, but didn't really find that. Seeing all the posts about other complications did concern me though. Now I don't know if I am being hyper-sensitive and anxious when there really is nothing to be worried about, or if I should trust my gut feeling that something isn't right? I feel like I have always had a pretty good relationship with my band and know how to use it as the tool it is meant to be. Sure, I know how to cheat it, but I think everyone figures that out pretty quick. I guess what I want to ask are these: 1. Has anyone else had a constant stomache ache? 2. Do other veterans have fears that something is going to eventually go wrong with the band? Thank you!

Has anyone tired the GM diet after being banded, or any other "diets" in general? I was banded in April '08, lost a total of 125 pounds. Kept that off for a long time by having a very tight band. However, turned out to be too tight and I had to have all the fluid taken out of the band...let my stomach relax for 3 weeks, and then had it slowly filled again over several months until my doctor felt is was as full as should be. I have good restriction, not as good as before, but still good. During the time that my band was empty and getting filled slowly, I gained back about 25 pounds. I have been able to drop 5 of those, but really want to ditch the other 20. Some friends (non-banded) at work have been doing the GM diet and each lost about 10 - 20 pounds over 10 days. I read over it and the foods you are allowed to have, are all things I could eat with the band. So, I am thinking about doing it to give myself that push. Just curious if anyone else has done that and if it was successful?

Hey Bandsters - Writng today out of frustration and disappointment & just looking to vent it out and get some advice and/or encouragement. I was banded in April 2008. My starting weight was 323 and I got down to 205, which was a great weight for me. I maintained a weight of 205-210 for about a year. About 3 months ago I noticed I was having a lot of reflux at night and no real feeling of restriction. That was odd for me because I had my band very tight, which was my comfort level. I have a realize band that holds 11 cc's and had it filled to 10 cc's. I went to see my doctor & she was not in, so I saw the assistant. I explained that I wasn't feeling as much restriction. I neglected to mention the reflux. So, he put in another .5cc's. Within a week I had even worse reflux and could tell something was really off. I saw my doctor and she said I had the symptoms of the band being too tight and it was likely the top of my stomach had folded over the band. She removed all the fill from the band, put me on a soft diet, and told me to come back in 2 weeks. When I went back, she did a fill under fluro of 5cc's. After that I didn't relly feel that much restriction, but at least the reflux was gone. A month later I went back for a check up and she put in another 1 cc. Again I really don't feel that much restriction. I know that she is being cautous so as not to have the band too tight, but at the same time I have been gaining weight because I do not feel full. It feels like I am hungry all the time and that is frustrating because that is how I felt before the band & I don't want that again. My weight is now up to 230, which is still better than the original 323, but I want to get back to the low 200's again. I have another apt this Friday for a check up & fill, and am hoping she can put more in. I don't want to have the problem of it being too tight again either...but I know that I need it to be more restrictive. I am also frustrated becasue every visit with a fill is a $50 co-pay for me. I know it is safer to fill it slowly over time, but man it would be cheaper just to put more in at each visit. I think overall I am most disappointed with myself. I had thought that after 2 years, I would have control over my eating and portions and that the band was just a helper, but that I was really doing it. But now, without the band working as hard as it was, I realize that it was the reason I was able to loose so much and keep it off...by preventing me from eating too much. It's scary to realize how much I need and depend on that little piece of silicone to live my life the way I want to. Without it, it seems I don't have any cotrol over my eating. I guess I am just frustrated & unhappy with myself...really, I am the only one to blame. I can't blame the band or the doctor...I am the one putting the food in my mouth. I don't know what I'm looking for on this site, I think I just needed to get it out there. Has anyone else had a similiar situation? Thanks for reading.

It has been a little over a year since my surgery and I have lost 105 pounds to date. Has anyone else noticed an increase in the size of their johnson? I'm not bragging, but it noticeably larger. Not just in length, but in girth. My wife comments on it frequently, she's not complaining....neither am I. I actually asked my doc about it and he said it is not uncommon. The growth in length is merely from losing weight and that area now appearing longer because you can see it and there is not fat in the way. The increase in girth can come from increased levels of testerone once weight is lost. Also something about better blood flow to the area. Whatever the reason...it's pretty freakin awesome! It's like the band has a built in dose of Viagra. They really should put this info in the pamphlet...I think a lot more guys would sign up! Anyone else have the same pleasant surprise?

I was worried about that too. I was afraid I would have some big lump sticking out that would look like a third boob or something. But, that didn't happen. I have the Realize band. My surgery was 4/8/08. So far I a down 120# to a weight of 205. I have never been able to "see the port location". In the beginning I was very aware of its location because there was the scar from the incision. But now, that is almost invisible. The only time anyone ever notices the port is when I am laying flat on my back...if my wife rest her head on my stomache she can feel the hard spot where the port is located. She can't see it from the outside, but when laying on it, that spot feels different that the rest of my stomache. So, I don't think you have anything to worry about. You will always know the port is there because it you press on your stomache you can feel it.....but, won't see anything.

I know I am probably going to sound like an ungrateful whiner here, but wondering if anyone else is feeling the same.... Had the Realize band put in on 4/8/08. My weight on the day of surgery was 323. Now, 2 years later I am at 205 - 208 (6' 1") depending on the day. I am unbelievably happy with my weight loss and all the benefits of being over 100 less. I'm content with my weight now/clothing size, etc..and really don't feel the need or desire to lose more. I have been pretty stable at this weight for about 8 months. Don't get me wrong, I am happy. I have a great life and am so glad my health is soo much better. It's just that it feels like the excitement is gone. I know I should be thankful that I lost the weight and kept if off and have been living a "normal" life as an average sized guy...not fat anymore, not super skinny...just appropriate or proportionate I guess is a better word. I go to the gym and am comfortably fit..meaning that I am not some greek god with abs of steel, but at the same time I am not too flabby. And truthfully, I don't really want to be a muscle-bound guy..just not my style. I am truly content with how I look now. My problem is that in the beginning it was really exciting to step on the scale each week and see it going down...getting new clothes as my sizes changed, and hearing people say, "wow, you look great". Not to mention looking in the mirror myself and seeing changes. But all that has tapered off. The scale isn't moving, my clothes fit fine, and there hasn't really been any need for those "wow" comments. The thing is, part of me misses all the excitement of losing weight consistantly and all the things that went along with that. I don't know if this is making any sense or is just rambling. Anyone else know what I am talking about?

Comping up on 2yr anniversary of my realize band. Started at 323, now at 200. Been maintaining that weight for a few months now.

I acutally had to get a new wedding ring because mine was just too lose & couldn't be re-sized. My original ring size was 11, now it is 8.5. You know, I never though I had "fat" fingers or that I would lose weight in my hands....it's just crazy. I lost 125#, and am at my goal weight.

Hey - I went to www.surgeryloans.com. I put in my info & then was contacted by a customer service loan rep. He gave me 3 different options. The one I chose is a fixed rate of 9%, no interest if paid off in 1st year, and my payments are over 5 years. It's kind of like a car loan. From the time I filled out the online ap, till I got the money was about 1 week.

I always seem to have trouble with breakfast. I get up a 6:30 in the AM. I usually have a Carnation Instant Breakfast drink. If I try to drink it at 7:30, I can barely get it down and sometimes it comes back up. But, if I wait till 8:30 I can drink it with no real problem. I just joke that my band likes to sleep "all curled up around my stomache". Then, once it wakes up and stretches a bit, there is more room. I don't know the medical explanation...but you are not alone.

ESV2000 - hang in there! I had a problem getting enough protein in the beginning as well. One product I found that worked well for me was a protein drink called, "New Whey". It comes in test-tube shaped container and is 3 ounces. However in those 3 ounces is 42 grams of protein. The flavor I like is fruit punch. It honestly tastes like a melted popsicle; kinda thick. It is very sweet. Trust me, it's not my favorite thing to eat in the world and it doesn't replace candy....but it's only 3 ounces. I find I can suck it up and drink the 3 ounces in order to get the 42 grams of protein. Because it is so thick it coats the pouch in your stomach and keeps you feeling full for quite a while. I usually get it a GNC store, but you can also find it at gyms or online. Just a suggestion, might help you get some more protein in your diet. Best of luck!!

I just looked at the link as well... the junk section does look a little odd. Also, clearly the model does not need to be wearing this garment. I would have been more inclined to order it if the picture showed a heavier guy without the garment on, and then the difference with it on. I was luck and my skin retained its elasticity. I am down 119 pounds and just have some excess around the love handle section, but it seems like targeted exercise is helping that.

Shrinking Man - I have the Realize band and my port is located in the same spot as yours. Haven't had any problems with it there in the last 1.5 years. Fills were pretty easy based on that location. A friend of mine has their port on the side, a little lower and says it can be uncomfortable when sitting.

I got the Realize Band on 4/8/08. So far I have had a total of 10 fills & am at 10cc's. My band is a 9cc band, but my surgeon told me there was really room to go up to 11cc's max. I have been comfortable at this level of restriction for awhile now. To date I have lost 113 pounds & have 6 pounds to go to reach my goal. I used to use the Realize site pretty often in the beginning, but now I just log in occassionally to record my weight and look at my progress. I don't really look at the recipes and such anymore. All in all, no complaints about the Realize Band. I initially chose it over the Lap Band simply because it was made by Johnson & Johnson, and that was a name that I knew and a brand I trusted.

I have a Realize Band. It holds 10 cc, I am at 9.5. It has been 16 months. I only notice the port when I am laying flat on my back because there is a slight bump. Otherwise, not noticeable. I chose the Realize band for the web-site and when I held both bands, the Realize band seemed like it would be a smaller thing to have inside me forever. So far I am down 105 pounds, so it's doing it's job!

I was banded with a Realize band in April. So far I have lost 90 pounds, which is great. I just had a recent fill and am now at 9.5cc's. I trust my doctor, and she said not too worry about the fill level as every one is different. But, I am worried because I have read a lot of posts about the Realize band bursting when too full. Should I be worried about my band being at 9.5 cc's?

What's HGH?

Hey Crimson - I have lost 100 pounds & just recently looked into a Tummy Tuck. I am still thinking about it. It is a pretty major procedure. The incision goes across your waist line, just below your normal underware line - from hip to hip. The surgeon explained that the recovery takes awhile and can be very painful since they are going through abdominal muscles. Basically they make the incision, reach in and pull the skin down from your chest to make it tighter. Then pull skin up from the area above your man-parts to make that flatter. then stitch it back up, and cut away the excess. * I am hesitant due to the large scar, and a 2 month painful recovery time. So, I haven't decided yet. The only benefit is that my surgeon said that by flattening things out and removing excess skin from above my man-parts, I could expect my penis to be 1-2 inches longer. Hey - nothing wrong with that!! * Hope this helps

I'm at 8.5/9cc Realize Band. Next week is my one year surgery anniversary and I have lost 91lbs. I have been at this level of restriction for about 3 months and am happy with it. I don't see myself getting an unfill anytime soon.

The nutritionist that I worked with recommended that I don't pay soo much attention to the calories, but rather make sure that I maximize my protein and keep my carbs below 100 grams a day. That seemed to work well for me. Initially my band was empty for the first 6 weeks and I lost 40 lbs. before my first fill. During the mushy phase, my regular day was: 8 am bottle of sugar free carnation instant breakfast 10 am single serving low fat cottage cheese 1 pm Sloppy Joe hamburger/sauce mix (the meat is gound fine enough that it went down easy) 4 pm 3 oz Protein Drink (New Whey-fruit punch) - these are sold at GNC and have 64 grams of protein in only 3 oz. 7pm 1/2 can cream of Campbell's chicken & mushroom soup. ** if I was up late and craving sweets, I would have sugar free Jello Chocolate Pudding with a little whipped cream. ******* this "diet" seemed to work well for me. The items all have a good amount of Protein, and low carbs, and kept me full. Next month is my 1 yr anniversary and I have lost 90 pounds so far. Don't get discouraged, it's a slow process. Right now my band is at 9 cc's, and that seems to be my sweet spot. Good Luck!!

I understand what you are saying. My heaviest was 330, and that's when I knew I had to do something. Getting below 300 was pretty exciting. I was banded in April 08, so coming up on my 1 year anniversary. Right now I am at 227. My "realistic" goal all along was 220, so I am very close to that. But my, "holy crap I'm thin" goal is 199. Not sure if I am going to get there, but I am very happy with where I am so far after a year. It takes time, but you will reach your goal! Just hang in there.

Good question. In the beginning if I was out to lunch with colleagues, I would always order soup. A little later I found that I could do spinach dip. So, that is what I usually get - Spinach dip with tortilla chips. If I take small bites of the ship, the dip kinda lubricates it down. I can't eat very much, but since it is an appetizer portion, not so much is wasted. This is usually my go-to item if I have to go out with business people and am unsure of the menu or how things will go down. When I am on the road, I try to pack snacks. If I have to do fast food, I will usually stop a Mcdonalds and get the kids 4 piece nugget meal with apples instead of fries. I can usually eat 2 nuggets over about 30 minutes. Then about an hour later I have the apples. It's not the ideal meal, but works when there are no other options and I have to eat on the road. Hope that helps.

Hey John. As I said, I am in Elkton, about 30 minutes from you. I go to the CHRIAS center in Newark, De. That is where my surgeon is out of. It is a great facility and they have a bunch of different support groups - pretty much something for every niche. The web site is: www.chrias.com You might want to check it out and give them a call. I would think it would be about an hour drive for you. If nothing else, they might be able to suggest a support group closer to you.