deantwin2

I had my Lap Band put in January 3rd, 2006.  I was successful the first year, I lost 45 lbs.   After the first year I began noticing problems with my food getting stuck.  I assumed it was due to the development of seasonal allergies and I had an excessive amount of mucus going down into my stomach.  I had the fluid emptied out of the band and it helped, however when I got a fill the problem continued.  I made many adjustments to improve my allergy problem, however it did not seem to work overall.   I was not going to pay for the continuing fills and unfills so I decided to have the band stay empty.  Since 2008 I have not had any fills and have gained about 28 lbs back.  Over the next 2 years I continue to have issues of vomiting, food getting stuck in my esophagus, chest pain etc.  I finally decided to have the band taken out March 24th, 2010. (the removal of my band was done by another surgeon)   I feel so much better, I am able to eat without any discomfort.  I have developed an issue with excessive reflux.  My Dr told me it was due to my band being in there and the sphincter not working for so long.  I am currently taking over the counter reflux medication and hoping that in 6-8 weeks it will heal on its own.   I am currently working with a personal trainer and learning how to eat healthy as well as exercise.  I feel great and I am looking forward to getting the rest of my weight off with exercise and healthy eating.   This is not an easy journey, I am a food addict and I fight everyday to eat the right things and do the exercise.  But in the end it will be worth it and will give me another day longer to live in the future........Good Luck to all of you, hang in there!