kslexi

I could post this on so many threads that I decided to make it its own. My story...I was banded in 2001 (yes, one of the first after FDA approval in the US), and have never had a single complication. I've lost 110 pounds, have felt fine, and really haven't given my band a second thought in years. About two months ago I started having trouble swallowing and some pain in the epigastric area and under my ribs on the left side. The first thought in my mind and the first sentence out of my mouth to my doctor was "something's wrong with my band" I've had a scope, a CT, a ton of lab and x-rays, all of which were basically inconclusive except for the scope, which showed gastritis and erosive esophagitis all around my band. They put me on meds and told me it would be fine. Then the first part of this week the pain got intense and I finally demanded to be seen by my original surgeon (who doesn't do bands anymore, he made an exception). I saw him on Wednesday afternoon and was in emergency surgery by 3 pm. What it was...I had tiny pinhole perforations of my stomach along the band that none of the other tests showed. I went through 2 months of pain and fear to find out it was what I told them on the first appointment. Another week, maybe another couple days, I wouldn't be writing this. My family would be planning my funeral. So please, please don't be swayed if you know something's wrong. I think alot of doctors don't really understand the band and it's complications, and they try to focus on what they know how to fix. I found this forum several weeks ago when I was trying to figure it out and it was a big help. So I hope I can be helpful to others. You know your body better than the doctor does. So the lesson is...go with your gut instinct! (pardon the pun, couldn't help myself)

Actually, for me, it's been the opposite. In having it so long, I was so used to feeling everything move every cm through me. Now I swallow and it's gone. Very weird sensation. I'm not used to normal anymore, lol. Good luck with your surgery, whenever it is. Let us know you're ok when it's all done : )

I was having alot of pain and trouble swallowing also. Unfortunately what was wrong didn't show up on any tests. I had pinhole perforations under the band, so I was about to be in a lot of trouble, but it got taken care of in time. I'm also a nurse. I'm officially off two weeks, so if you have it done early in the week, it's reasonable you'd only miss one weekend I think. The removal for me was a little worse than the putting in. But I've had it so long, I had a lot of scar tissue and while he went in over the same incisions, he had to make them bigger, so I have staples. I'm 5 days post op, and I feel pretty good. Little sore, little itchy, little lumpy swelling but all tolerable. And I've eaten oatmeal and pudding with no pain or nausea, and nothing came back up. If I wasn't sore, I'd have done cartwheels : )

Michelle, that's how mine started. Pain in the center of my stomach and center of my back. In the end, I also would take a drink of juice and 3 hours later throw up just the juice. It just sat in my pouch. I agree with the above posts, do what you got to do, don't be afraid to be the "bad guy". For me it took a crying screaming 2 year old tantrum in my doctor's office to get sent to the surgeon. Whose first question to me was "why did they wait so long to send you here?" He told me even after almost 8 years, he's responsible for me and my band. Which might be something for you to inform your surgeon. HE put it in you. HE is responsible. He can't pass you off to another dr. unless you let him.

I'm also a new poster here, but have been following this site for a few weeks because I knew band removal was inevitable. I'm two days post op from having mine removed (after 7 1/2 years with it, so believe me we were attached to each other). I've lost 110 lbs and am terrified of weight gain BUT... in the end, I didn't just lose weight because of the band. That was just the starting point. I've also learned to eat better and exercise regularly. And those things aren't gone just because the band is. I've got to trust that I'm a different person than I was when I had it put in, and not just physically. And hold onto the thought that I refuse to be THAT person again. : )