hollywood74

Let me start by telling you that I had the Lap Band put in on Feb 11th 2006. Start weight was 245 pounds size 16, ending weight before emergency band removal was 130 size 4. I started having major pains in my stomach on Sept 9th 2008, but being used to pain I just dealt with it. I went ahead and did a work trip and did an overnight in Fresno CA returning to Phoenix (where I am based) on Sept 11th. I was extreme pain the entire way back and decided to tell my captain. He contacted my supervisor who had the paramedics waiting for me as I got off the plane.(Im a flight attendant by the way) They took me to the ER by ambulance which was very embarassing and after several hours and several tests, they determined my pancreas was very swollen and my gal bladder was hardened and bile was not able to pass. So next step was into emergency surgery to remove me gal bladder. My wonderful boyfriend was on the first flight out to Phoenix. I went into surgery and then to recovery. Two days later I found out the horrible news. They didnt remove my gal bladder but instead removed my lap band. The doctor claims that it had eroded itself through my stomach and caused a deadly infection. Needless to say I was in the hospital for 11 days! The docotor then informed me that had I gone maybe a few hours more, I would have died. I dealt with really bad seromas at the incision sites (6 of them), they drianed and hurt really bad. I am not a few months without my band and I have gained back 12 pounds. I am dealing with major depression and insecurities that is causing hardship in my relationship with my boyfriend. I feel like there is no option for me since I weigh 142 pounds now. I really think I need some professional help, this was a devastating loss that I dont know how to deal with. Anyone dealing with a similar issue?

Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I am really glad I found this site. I have never felt this kind of depression before. It feels like I have lost part of me when the band was removed. The Dr that removed it told me that I couldnt ever have the band back because my stomach was so damaged. Of course I wasnt able to choose the Dr that removed it because I ended up in an ER. I would have never chose him, he was awful and to this day has never checked up on me. I realize he saved my life but uuuggghhh!!! I am hungry all the time and I eat like crazy! I have lost control of myself in every way. I had my band for 2 and a half years and although it saved my life, it ultimately almost killed and yet I would do it all over again. I dont think I mentioned that I had paid 8k for the band to put in, out of pocket and the total removal with hospital stay is 86K. My insurance only covers 25k for the year so I am also in debt which isnt helping my depression any!