loleary62

For me, personally, it always comes back around to the fact that I am a compulsive and emotional over-eater and a sugar addict. I just had my band removed due to complications that I mostly caused. I had band surgery in 2008 and was very successful my first year losing 115 lbs. in 9 months, (I was 335 lbs to start). I also was very regimented and mostly cut out all simple carbs and followed the band rules to a tee. But, in year 2, I took my eye off the ball and allowed sugar back into my diet. I not only stopped losing weight, but I couldn't stop with just a taste or bite. Even so, I maintained my weight loss for another year or so. In years 3 and 4 I started pushing the limits of my pouch capacity and was pb'ing too often. That started a chain of unfills and fills due to "sudden restriction". I honestly did not realize how much I was overeating and pb'ing because I was in denial. I struggled with emotional eating due to some family stress. I had been doing therapy for over a year and even learning the Cognitive Behavior Therapy tools that would help me, I chose to eat instead. Pretty soon the reflux that was cured by a HH repair when I was banded came back and got worse and worse over time. Then I realized that every bite would come back up slightly and then would go down every time I swallowed. You see, I blew out the junction between my esophagus and pouch so there was nothing keeping bile (or food) down. My motility was fine (thank goodness). Having the upward pressure of the band fighting the downward pressure of the esophagus didn't help my case, but my band was right where it was supposed to be and I take full responsibility for what happened. I'm not writing this to freak anyone out or bash the band because truly, I loved my band. It helped me accomplish many goals that I had previously given up on. It's not easy for me, (a supposed "band super-star"), to come here and admit that I screwed up the one thing that gave me a chance at a healthy life. I'm doing it because I want you all to know: Reflux is not normal. Pb'ing is not normal and should only happen on the very rare occasion if at all. Having your band too tight will defeat you in the end. Not being able to eat solid foods, turning to slider foods instead is not alright. Take care of your band and, pending any surgical errors or equipment failures, it will be good to you. Best of luck to you on your journey! Best, Lisa O.