Always smiling

I had the band since 2003. I finally had it removed in February of this year. It was great at first. Then it slipped. I had that repaired then it actually started forming its own scar tissue where the band is. So no Fluid and I was soooooo tight in restriction. Then I had it replaced hoping that would solve it. Nope. Formed scar tissue again. I never had fluid in the whole time the second one was in pace. I would aspirate in my lungs at night due to reflux that was so horrible. Waking up from a dead sleep choking and my lungs would be on fire. I had to sleep propped up or I would get reflux so bad. I dreaded going to bed! Now that it is out and I have had time to heal. I can sleep on my stomach and I am so happy!!! I will be getting sleeved September 2nd and am so stinking excited! Everyone is different on how your body reacts to something. But I am hearing more and more about how the bands are failing over time. Good luck with your decision!!!

I am a medical assistant and work in Women's Health OB/GYN.

I am scheduled for Sept 2nd! I am a previous bander (had it removed).

I am doing research for a doctor in Mexico for a sleeve revision. I currently have a LapBand and have it since 2003. Have had one slip, and one replacement. I am with constant heartburn, at night sometimes I aspirate in my sleep with it. So, need to have it fixed. I am aware that Dr Ariel Ortiz does lots of revisions, and fixes hernias. Does he suture over staple line? Dr. Rodriquez? Does he do lots of revisions? If you have had one of these two doctors I would love to hear your story. Thank You so much

Having my band out Feb 19th here in the states $6,000. It's encapsulated. Then at least three month healing time before having a sleeve. What's the healing like? I have a stretched esophagus (S shaped), anyone have that issue??? US price for sleeve... $20,000! I'm self pay! What's the weather like in Tijuana in June ????

Sending my thoughts and prayers. Hoping they can figure out the problem.

Thank you for your input! I will look your doctor up!!

I am looking into Mexico as an option for a revision from band to sleeve. Who did you use? Why did you choose them? Who would you not use, why? How was your experience? How much did you pay? Did they fix any hernia? Lots of questions yes. I have been scouring the boards for all any information. Thank you for any responses and any information on your experience.

I was curious as to if anyone was going to see you? I'm considering revision in Mexico and am a current patient of NWWL, but I am and have always been self pay (three band surgeries later!!). I'm not sure if I want to pay the U.S. Amount.

Does anyone know if Dr Rodriquez does revisions? I can't seem to find much? He and Dr Ortiz are the two I am leaning toward. I too like the idea of being in a full service hospital. I am a medical assistant so staying at the hospital is one of the reasons I lean to Rodriquez.

Ah so many things to consider.

I'm also looking at going to Mexico for sleeve revision. Are you banded or have a sleeve?

I did that last weekend, the drinking part. Your body may just be sore from the night of drinking. My whole body was hurting sunday and am still swollen :sad: Just like the previous post, flush it out with water. Good job not throwing up!!! I was borderline also. I hate that!!!! Good luck!

So had my first fill today! :scared2: Been banded since 2003, had a slip repair in 2006, and 2/2/10 had band replaced with new one, scar tissue removed that had formed it's own "band", and port moved. Dr. does fills it with 5cc (mine holds 10cc). I'm a lil nervous as I've been to tight and caused the slip. I express my concerns with such a big fill. He suggests we do the swallowing study. GOOD THING! :smile: I was to tight!! Takes out .5cc. Still to tight. Takes out another .5cc. I'm good!! I might still be a lil swollen still. So we will see how it goes in a couple of weeks. Also, Dr. doesn't do the 1 day liquids, 1 day soft, and then on to food diet?!?! ummm....I'm gonna do it! So baby food has been great today :thumbup:. So here we go again! I'm hoping third time is a charm!!!

Glad to hear your doctor did the swallowing study on you! I won't have another fill without it. If I have to pay out of pocket its worth it to me. Being to tight can cause a lot of problems. Good luck!

Banded in 2003. Slip repair in 2006. Band replacement (due to slipage and scar tissue) and port site moved 2/2/10. I still love my band, even witht he complications I have had! Started out at 200 lbs currently 133 lbs. It works!!

Glad you are doing better! Just keep up the liquids until the swelling gets better. Don't be afraid of having some fluid removed to make it better. You can always put it back in. It's better than going in for a slip repair. Good luck and hang in there!

This is just me, cause I've been to tight and caused the band to slip and paid out of pocket 2x's for the band. 1x for a slip fix. I'd wait until I wasn't losing 2 lbs. per week before I got another fill. But I'm just terrified of being overfilled and having to pay for fills and unfills. Just listen to your body. Nobody knows it better than you

You poor thing! Try only liquids until you get in to see doctor. Your fill might have made you to tight Its miserable I know, went 6 months one time like that. Good luck, I hope it gets better for you soon.

I feel your pain This is my second time around. First time I had a slip, I was overfilled and vomited alot due to blockage. That of course was the cause for slipping. That was in 2006. I just had my band replaced on the 2nd of this month. Had slight slip and some scar tissue that formed its own band!!! So, now I have the new model and hope that all goes well this time!!!

I just had my band replaced and a new low profile port installed. My original port was on the left side by belly button. As I lost weight, I could see it badly! It was embarassing. Now, my new DR put my new port right between my breast down a bit. Where your bra will sit. It's nice and covered! Love it!!! As far as pain, I haven't had a fill yet with the new port. I'm a little nervous myself about that. The other placement it was just as bad as getting a shot. Good luck.

I just had a band replacement (had mine since 2003) went from 200 to 135. My port on my tummy stuck out and was an eye sore in a two piece (I hated it!!!) My new dr replaced band and port with low profile in the breast part. I LOVE IT!!!!! I can tell you from having it in the usual place sticking out like a "button" I am thrilled now. Being screened at the airport and having them look at my belly funny was no fun either :thumbup: