jamitchell23

I was banded in June 2006 (started at 300lbs) and lost weight down to 185! I felt fantastic! Two years later, I went on a scuba trip/internship on a remote island in honduras and got an obstruction - had to rush home... anyway, i was fine after the surgeon removed all the Fluid. Stupid, really really stupid me waited 7 months, idly eating my weight back before getting any fluid back in... i'm truly ashamed of my ignorance, and i've since been receiving fills. I have the old 10cc band, but am stuck at 230lbs. Today I went to get a fill, because I feel like I have very little restriction. I went in at 9.9cc and after the provider add .2cc she advised a barium swallow to check out why I wasn't feeling restriction. I did the swallow and COMPLETE obstruction. Everything looked perfect - no dilation, no slippage NOTHING. She informed me that some patients have been reporting a "de-sensitizing" of their pouch, losing the very missed feeling of "OMG IF I TAKE ANOTHER BITE I'LL EXPLODE".. I'm telling you- I want this back so much, I not only miss the older newer me but I miss not being hungry all the time. She suggested removing 2cc and placed me on a full liquid diet for 2 weeks, followed by a soft food diet for 2 weeks. She said they've had varied success with giving the pouch a break- possible regaining sensation. Has anyone had this experience? Does the sensation come back? I need advice from anyone!

I think you will do just fine. Remember, you are making a lifelong commitment to eating better. The lap band is designed to keep you from cheating, assisting you on becoming a happier, healthier person. If you eat improperly after surgery, you will pay the consequences. On a side note, questions like these (fear of commitment to follow the plan) should have arisen during your pre-operative psychiatric evaluation. The American Institute of Gastric Banding is adamant about the proper mental health of their pre-bandsters: their awareness of the risks of surgery and their resolution to change coupled with the comprehension of the consequences of those changes. For patients who are unable to adequately adjust, the lap band is not a suggested tool for weight loss.

This thread is 8 months old, but if you're still reading this, I'd be interested to know if you had a psychiatric evaluation before being banded. The American Institute of Gastric Banding and True Results recommends that all patients are not only mentally fit for surgery, but are capable of longterm commitment to weight-loss and the related consequences.

I have also been dwelling on the idea of the gastric sleeve. Pro's:it sounds amazing, major restriction- weight loss comparable to RNY bypass. Promising new surgery. Con's:60-80% of your stomach is permanently removed from your body. If you have to have a revision (if a problem occurs) you're in the hospital. "Promising new surgery" is terrifying to me. It's soooo new - no clinical trials. I've read a few ppl have had success being rebanded! Come out of hiding people and tell us your stories!

Met with surgeon today. I have to have a complete revision. :thumbup:

Just found out today that I'm getting my band replaced. Orginally banded 6-19-06, tentative date of reband is 11-19-09. Really struggling with the decision to stick with another lap band or go to realize. Dr says to go realize, but what does he know LOL. Can you elucidate your Realize experience?

I'm also 3 years out. About 15 months ago I had an obstruction and had to have all of the Fluid in my band removed. Here's the kicker: when I started having fluid slowly (and expensively) added back into my band, I have lost all sensation of restriction and satiety. Consequently, I've put on a bit more than 20lbs. Try 45lbs. Not trying to top you, just to let you know that I REALLY know what you are going through. I met with my surgeon this morning. He said he has about 10 patients a year with the same problem. He said the only option (in my case) is to completely replace the band. I have the first generation lap band (probably the same as you) and he gave me the option of going with the 3rd generation lap band ap or the realize band. He set my surgery date for November 19th! That's in 22 days! OMFG. You know, at the pinnacle of my new healthy improved body (when I weighed 180), I said "wow, this was so worth it! if I had to do it all over again I totally would". Well that's bull $#it. now I actually have to do it again and i'm pissed. slowly but surely, i'm going through all this crap again. don't make my mistake again gain any more weight. get checked out soon. On a quasi-related note, I've been doing research on the realize band vs. the new lap band and honestly, I think I'm going to stick with the lap band. There's a pros/cons list on Lapband.com - Compare LAP-BAND® and REALIZEâ„¢ Band – Get the Facts which is the pro-lap band side and a similar list at http://www.realize.com/dtcf/pages/compare-lap-band.htm which is the pro-realize side. I'm still doing my research. Keep us posted on how it goes. You may just need a fill :-)