hiddnstar

Yay! Im so glad to hear things went well for you! And you sound great! I hope you can now just relax and enjoy the holidays ~hiddn

Elderberry tea and/or Sambucus syrup (which is also elderberry). You can get this at a natural foods store. I've also had good results with Emergency C, though with a band it's best to let the fiz settle down before drinking. I love the ideas other people shared, especially hanging out on the couch and just taking care of YOU. I hope you feel better soon! Hang in there Send someone out to buy a lottery ticket for you! That will give you something to ponder for a while to take your mind off your symptoms. It's worked for me ~hiddn

You're welcome! It could just be your port healing again. Is your port on your left side? Could be a nerve inflamed. I can understand you worrying. I've often found myself wishing I had a medical background so I could understand more of how my body is working and what symptoms could mean. sleep well This, too, whatever it is, shall pass. And soon you'll be enjoying the holidays!! ~hiddn

My favorite thing to order is Thai curry with chicken and vegetables, Panang Curry to be specific. Not only does it taste wonderful, but the veggies are nice and mushie! Plus it's easy to appear "busy" enjoying the meal just like everyone else, instead of having a few bites and then sitting there while others finish. I've found that eating out has a different focus, now, too. The last thing I want is a "stuck" issue or some other disruption. So I order something that I'll enjoy and is not likely to cause a problem during the meal or afterward. I focus on enjoying the time with friends and family with food being secondary. And sometimes that means scrambled eggs and fresh fruit instead of the meat and potatoes others are having. I've also gone out to eat fairly soon after a fill and ended up with a meal of hot tea My friends have come to understand that I sometimes have "liquid" days and we simply go on with whatever we're doing. They eat, I sip Great topic! ~hiddn

Stay with the love that led you to intervene with weight-loss surgery and you'll be ok. Remember there are stages you go thru and things get better as the days pass. The worst part for me was being on Clear liquids for 2 weeks post surgery. Those first several weeks of healing are extremely important -- so pay attention and follow your surgeon's orders. It's what will give your body a good, solid foundation for the whole rest of your journey. ~hiddn

It's hard to say. I have not experienced that. I was told to always call my surgeon's office if I have trouble after a fill. Good idea to sloooooow down. When you get a fill do you stick to liquids, then move to mushies, then soft food before going back to regular food? If not, you may want to do that. And call your surgeon's office in the morning just to be on the safe side. ~hiddn

HI! Im glad you're seeing your doctor tomorrow so you can get a more accurate answer soon. When I had the band, I often had gas that seemed to be stuck difference places. Right under my left rib was a favorite place for it to hang out. I've also heard of referred pain, and with your having had surgery it could just be some leftover sensations as your body continues to heal. I really don't know, just voicing a couple of things it could be. I once called my surgeon because I had some symptoms that I'd read online could be a sign of slippage...and he told me right away that that was not what was happening. I don't know how he knew that, but my point is just because you've heard a symptom could be a sign of slippage, doesn't mean it's a sign that your band has slipped! (and I was freaked out, believe me!) From what I've read, I would think you might be have problems with eating and drinking if there was a slip----but please know that I do NOT know very much at all about this kind of thing. It's good that you're seeing your doctor in person tomorrow and can describe and point to the exact spot you are having pain. Just get a good night's sleep; there is nothing to do about it right now from what you've described. ~hiddn

I'm so glad you wrote again! Wow, what a horrible experience(s) you have had. Very expensive, too. Gaining 10 pounds in 16 months isn't bad. With what you went thru, I think you've done pretty well. Are you feeling ok, now? Back at work and doing ok? How long did it take for your stomach to heal from the erosion? I really appreciate that you came on and followed up. I was wondering what your outcome was. What are you doing for weight loss? I had my band removed in Sept of this year and don't have that part figured out, yet. Im doing pretty well, though with the holidays coming and food (mostly desserts) all over the place at work, it's getting harder to stay on track. Are you done with the surgeon or do you still have to go in for follow up at all? Take good care and thank you again! ~hiddn

HI! Im sorry I missed your other post on a topic I started, until just now. I don't know much about scar tissue. My surgeon said we won't know for 6 months after de-banding whether there will be an issue with it or not. I had my band removed Sept 16th of this year. In your post you said your doctor gave you two options, one of which was to remove the band and gain back all your weight...which is what I'd like to comment on. That is NOT a done deal. You do not automatically gain back all your weight, or any, just because you have your lap band out. I am continuing to lose weight - though much slower and I have to be vigilant about what I put in my mouth. But, then I also had to be vigilant about what I put in my mouth when I had the band! So not so different I love that you are eating healthy foods and have learned to love them. That will help a lot! Plus you seem very motivated to reach your goal however you have to reach it. I just want you to know that even though lots of people regain their original weight if they have their band out, it doesn't have to be that way. And it doesn't just "happen" out of the blue. I'm not saying it's easy to continue to lose! But the same courage that you used to get the band in the first place will help power you to continue to lose weight after removal. It seems you really want the bigger lap band. Would the deal be that the doctor would only give you a bigger band if he removes the scar tissue first? My suggestion is that you do very thorough research about that and have another talk with him about what that would entail. One question I would have is what is the usual impact of the removal of scar tissue in that area? Can that process cause it's own scar tissue? Would he be doing that at the same time that he removes the band? If there is an opportunity to have your current band removed and then wait before doing anything else, that is what I would do. It would be a chance to see how you do with all you have learned and all your new eating habits. You may pleasantly surprise yourself! The best thing would be to be able to get to your goal without the assistance of the band (in my opinion) You asked for people's thoughts, and those are mine I'm glad you have the option of getting a larger band if that is what you decide! And I like how you are thinking about it, knowing your body could simply be rejecting the band. I hear you are emotional and tired and DONE. I also hear that you have your best interests at heart and if it turns out that no band is best, then no band it is. I love your energy and your personal insights and I think you can trust your inner wisdom as you make the decision. Ask your questions and trust your gut. ~hiddn

HI! I had my band removed in September of this year after 3 years, but not for erosion. I'm sorry yours has eroded. It's good they found it early (or at least before you started having ugly symptoms). I chose to not have any more weight loss surgery. My insurance covered the removal as it was medically necessary. It also paid to have it implanted. Your idea of continuing to eat as though banded is good, in my opinion. It is what has helped me. I continue to lose weight or hold. At first I lost 8 pounds pretty quickly. Now it is slow and I sometimes stall for a while before it drops again. I want to lose at least 40 more pounds. Having your band removed is not an automatic sentence of weight gain! Not at all!!! Keep your goal as your top priority, no matter what. I feel so much better without the band because my body was rejecting it; so it helps me to feel how wonderful I feel being at a lighter weight and continuing on from here. I eat mostly protein and vegetables. I'm finding recipes from www.health-bent.com are helpful. My surgeon suggests a modified Mediterranean diet and also promotes the cook book found on health-bent called, Primal Cravings. I also take a high quality probiotic from Metagenics called, Acute Care. Banded or not, keep heading in the direction of your goal! I feel very fortunate to have found a surgeon who realized my band needed to come out. Your surgeon may have saved you a lot of pain and grief by getting to the problem before things got bad (as other people have described on this site). I had 3 years of discomfort, the last 2 quite miserable, before finding someone who could see clearly what needed to happen. I am so grateful. I'm glad you're being proactive about diet and thinking about how to proceed! ~hiddn~

You don't have to put weight on immediately. Its not an automatic thing, though lots of people do gain. You may need to be extremely vigilant about what you put in your mouth and include exercising consistently. If you continue to eat the way you ate, while banded, you will be better off weight-wise. I had my band removed and am continuing to lose weight. I am staying away from sugar, gluten, and dairy. I eat mostly protein and vegetables. And I walk a mile or more 3 times a week. I am far from perfect, but still either losing or holding. My suggestion is that you try to eat as though you still had the band. Pretend! That has helped me quite a bit. For me, (and I can't speak for you) I know if I treat myself to a hamburger and fries (which I did not eat while banded), it won't just be once. I'll want it and want it and want it. I hope this helps! ~hiddn

HI! Wow, you've been thru the wringer. I think you said you are a teacher? will you have some time off for the upcoming holidays? It sounds like you're doing everything you can and I really appreciate that you are sharing here. Great idea to drink something warm 15 minutes before eating to loosen things up! I wish I'd been given that advice myself, a while back. Hang in there! It sounds like your doctor is taking this very seriously and will get to the bottom of it. I wonder if yoga or relaxation exercises might be helpful? There are lots of things you can follow along with on You Tube (since I imagine finding time to take an actual class is near impossible!). And, as I'm sure you know, getting quality sleep right now is especially important --gives your body a chance to heal itself without being interfered with. Take good care! Here's a big hug for you! ~hiddn

HI! Here is the info on the Metagenics Acute Care---actually the whole name is: UltraFlora Acute Care. UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf It's not letting me cut and paste, so I'll include a link instead. The ingredient is S. Boulardii.http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care I had what felt like a golf ball and then tennis ball in my throat for 2 years, so I understand what you are talking about. My voice would get hoarse, too. The product I take, now, is around $35 a month. I have to get it shipped. But so very much worth it to me. There is something about the S. Boulardii that is special. It's one of those things that may have been meant for one thing, but has been discovered that it's helpful with another. I hope the info helps you. ~hiddn Thank you so much! My internist sells Metagenics. I'm going to call tomorrow & see if she carries this specific thing. If not, I'll order it online. I hope it works the same for me! I'll be curious to hear how it works for you! ~hiddn Thanks hiddn! I'll let you know. The reflux has subsided somewhat since losing a chunk of weight, but it's horrible if I eat too close to bedtime. With the band, it's strongly advised that we don't eat anywhere near bedtime, but sometimes…..well, you know The thing that concerns me most about silent reflux, is the potential in developing cancer. My ENT told me when he diagnosed it, which is pretty scary. Though it's not common, it can happen. That's enough for me That's enough for me, too. I had a bad reaction to reflux meds, so I'm especially glad this particular probiotic works for me. My acupuncturist told me that often it's not too much stomach acid, but too little that is causing the problem. He said the human body is very sensitive to what is put into it. If there isn't enough stomach acid to digest what is put in, then the body either tries to send it back up and flush it down and out. So, some people try to increase their stomach acid rather than decrease it --based on that theory. Im really tired right now, so may not be explaining it very clearly. Best of luck to us both! ~hiddn

HI! Here is the info on the Metagenics Acute Care---actually the whole name is: UltraFlora Acute Care. UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf It's not letting me cut and paste, so I'll include a link instead. The ingredient is S. Boulardii.http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care I had what felt like a golf ball and then tennis ball in my throat for 2 years, so I understand what you are talking about. My voice would get hoarse, too. The product I take, now, is around $35 a month. I have to get it shipped. But so very much worth it to me. There is something about the S. Boulardii that is special. It's one of those things that may have been meant for one thing, but has been discovered that it's helpful with another. I hope the info helps you. ~hiddn Thank you so much! My internist sells Metagenics. I'm going to call tomorrow & see if she carries this specific thing. If not, I'll order it online. I hope it works the same for me! Yes, I hope it works for you too! I'm sure glad my surgeon mentioned it to try. I bet your internist could order it for you, special, if she doesn't already carry it. It might be less expensive that way. I'll be curious to hear how it works for you! ~hiddn

Hi PuraVida37! I'm interested in what your doctor says about the sensation you're experiencing. I think we all find it helpful to hear what are common symptoms and what are not, so we can distinguish what is urgent and what can wait. Thank you for writing your experience here. We all learn from each other, which is one reason we come here to post and read. I hope what's going on with you is something like gas or the vagus nerve thing. I wonder if drinking the hot tea helped you to relax, thus the dissipation of the sensation. My body had a real problem with the band. I was extra sensitive to it. I did feel my band, from the very beginning. It felt like something tight all the way around, especially around the bra line; I had pain under both ribs. Your body may just be trying to accommodate the band and to adjust to it's presence. It could take a while or it may be very temporary. No way to know. I like that you're paying attention to the sensations and to what has helped, even for just a short period (like the hot tea). I hope your doctor is experienced and will recognize what you report to him about your experience. You sound like you already know when to drop everything and get to the ER and that you're paying attention. Have a good evening and please report back! Take good care ~hiddn

hi! Sorry about that messed up post above!! I kept pasting and didn't see it in the post...but apparently it pasted each time! Slim in AZ, Im glad you're going to try the Acute Care. When I buy it online, it comes in a box with cold packs. Put the bottle in the refrig as soon as you get it I hope it works for you! It's worth a try. And it may work a miracle. ~hiddn

HI! Here is the info on the Metagenics Acute Care---actually the whole name is: UltraFlora Acute Care. UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf It's not letting me cut and paste, so I'll include a link instead. The ingredient is S. Boulardii.http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care I had what felt like a golf ball and then tennis ball in my throat for 2 years, so I understand what you are talking about. My voice would get hoarse, too. The product I take, now, is around $35 a month. I have to get it shipped. But so very much worth it to me. There is something about the S. Boulardii that is special. It's one of those things that may have been meant for one thing, but has been discovered that it's helpful with another. I hope the info helps you. ~hiddn

3 years banded, now 3 months un-banded! As it turned out, my body rejected the band pretty much from the beginning, I gave it a good try. ~hiddn

HI! I, too, am very sorry you have gone thru all that you've gone thru. I imagine your body is somewhat in shock and trying to deal with the crisis. I had my band removed in September after having a load of odd, very uncomfortable symtoms for a long time -- and my surgeon coming to the conclusion that my body was rejecting the band. No erosion or any other complication like that. However, I do have a suggestion for you. I have no proof nor can I give you a reason why this has helped me, but would like to pass it along to you. The surgeon who took out my band suggested I take a particular high quality probiotic called, Acute Care by Metagenics. There is a certain ingredient in that specific product that he thought would help me. I had symptoms of silent reflux and throat spasms. (If you want to know that certain ingredient, I will find it for you). The surgeon told me that I will know without a doubt pretty much right away or within the first week of taking this probiotic, whether or not it is helping ---it would be that dramatic. And sure enough, WOW! Very powerful and very impactful. No more gas, no more throat stuff. I feel normal and healthy. After 3 years of feeling poorly and being a human gas factory, I was suddenly a regular human being again! I was taking raw Probiotics by a very well respected company, but this product left everything else in the dust. So, I hope this helps. The person who suggested your gall bladder might be involved...I agree. You said you still have yours and it may be working very hard along with your liver, trying to clear out the drugs and stress response hormones that were generated with what you're going thru. I am NOT a health professional in any way, shape, or form. But I think we all know surgery and all it entails can really do a number on our bodies. I like that you are wanting to relax and give your body time to recover. Like I said, I had mine out in September. My hair is still processing all that happened, has thinned somewhat, and has lost some of it's shine. So this recovery can take a while. Be patient and kind to yourself. I'm glad you're asking people here. How long did you have your band? I developed some food sensitivities after being banded. So, I am still careful with dairy, gluten, and sugar. You may want to eat gently, eat easy to digest food even though you're wanting to just get back to normal. Hopefully you'll be able to live and continue to lose weight without more weight loss surgery. I have chosen to not have any more surgery. I am continuing to lose weight (slowly, no where near as fast and consistent as with the band) and I feel good. Please stay in touch and take one day at a time. Go gently. ~hiddn

I agree, it's a very individual thing. I took 3 weeks off work and then did a week of half days (5 hours). I hope you will be able to take off as much time as you can -- more than 3 days, hopefully. You need to give your body the very best care and the very best opportunity to heal. That includes a balance rest and being up and active, exercise walking when you are able. I changed to eating organic food, as well. No one can really accurately answer your question about how soon you can get back to your regular schedule. But I have heard of people having it on Friday after work and going back to work on Monday (there is no way I could have done that!). I tend to think that is rare, but I really don't know. I hope it works out great for you! I'm sure you will do the best you can with what you have to work with ~hiddn

When I was first banded 3.5 years ago, I was very private about it. Only my closest friends and my family knew. I gradually shared with some people at work, especially those who had the same surgery with the same surgeon (we only have 1 in our town). Now I'm a lot more open about it and very matter of fact. It's everyone's personal choice of who, when, and what to share. If you decide to answer someone's question of how you've lost weight but don't really want to share as openly as they may want, my suggestion is that you smile and proudly state you decided to intervene on your own behalf and are using everything you know to use including diet, exercise, medical support, and making a basic change in how you relate to food. I have sometimes been appalled at how many people genuinely think MY weight is THEIR business. It is intensely personal for me. The people I wanted to know about my surgery, knew. I guess I kind of take it on a case by case basis; some people really are interested and curious and supportive -- you can sense it. I may or may not share with them about the surgery---but I DO share with them that it's taken a lot of work and commitment and I'm really excited to finally see the results!!! It's one way to engage with someone who's asking. Go with your excitement; talk about the new clothes you're looking forward to wearing and ask them where the best sales are. Get them all caught up in moving forward and off the question of "how are you doing it?" You can also say things like, "what is working for me these days is......(fill in the blank). And then there are a few who ask their questions tainted with judgement. I've rarely had anyone be actually rude and persistent, but when it's happened I've just answered a different question. Instead of answering their question of how am I losing so much weight, I say "YES! I've lost quite a bit and have more to lose. Thank you for noticing!" They might repeat their question of "how" and I'll answer with "it's been a long, hard road but really paying off now!" You really don't have to answer any question you don't want to answer. I don't see anything shameful about having the surgery. It seems shame plays a big part in a lot of lives, especially those of us who appear different from everyone else because of our size. I've come to the conclusion that feeling ashamed of myself for any reason is a waste of my time. I think we all know the courage and sacrifice involved in the decision and follow thru of surgery. We all recognized the dire health situation we had ended up in and we took direct and drastic steps to correct it. We struggle each and every day on our way to success. Having a weight issue is not something we can hide from others. It's all out in the open for other people to judge, accept, reject...to do whatever the heck they want (and a lot of that has been hurtful, whether or not it was meant to be). But somehow, I really believe that when others are judgmental of our weight or of how we decide to deal with our health issue--it really has to do with what is going on inside of THEM and is really all about THEM. At least I don't have to deal with what's going on in their head 24 hours a day like they do! When they're not judging someone else, guess who they are judging! Themselves! I think it is commendable that each of us is working hard and creatively to get healthy! For that, we deserve nothing less than praise and support. It is sad to run across people who, for whatever reason known only to them, are blind to the true situation and prefer to be critical of us and to remain distant. Don't take on their issues hiddn

Hi I wore a dress and sandals, period. I didn't want anything around my belly area at all. It was easy to change from the hospital gown to my dress again when I was released to go home. Sandals meant I didn't have to bend to put them on. You might take a small pillow to put between the seat belt and you, to cushion it. A roll of paper towels works, too. I didn't spend the night. I had had a medical alert necklace made, which was part of my honoring the beginning of a new life. It just had my name, that I had a lap band, my doctors name and phone number. Before leaving the hospital, I asked the nurse to help me put it on. I'd had it for months! And finally got to wear it! So, if you have anything that is symbolic or personal for you--remember to take it. Take phone numbers of people you may want to call if you have to spend the night. And be sure to take your love and vision for yourself; you've made a big decision on your own behalf. Congratulations! And hang in there. Never give up. Make every moment count. ~hiddn

hi Kim It looks like you wrote this quite a while ago. Did you have your band removed? I did not have erosion, but I had my band removed after 3 years. I'm sorry yours eroded and that you were in such pain. I hope all is well with you now. What did you decide to do in terms of continuing to lose weight? I am staying low carb and gluten free. Soon I will cut out sugar as well. I felt best when eating gluten free, dairy free, and sugar free. Plus I naturally lost weight eating foods outside those categories and upping consistent exercise. We're all different with what works! Take good care. ~hiddn

Just an aside: would it work for you to cook a crock pot meal on the weekend that you could eat during the week instead of processed frozen dinners? You might be able to control the carbs that way. I've found it enormously helpful, easy, fast, delicious. Plus the meat gets very tender and easy to chew. And my home smells wonderful, too ~hiddn

hi! I agree with everyone saying have a serious talk with your doctor. It seems to me that if you suspect the band has caused problems and you're also not using it (since you said there is no Fluid in it), that it might be best to take it out and focus on healing. Then decide what you need by way of assistance to reach your weightloss goal. It's wonderful that you had such success with the band!! That was a lot of work and committment on your part. You can have great success without the band, too, but you may need to research diet, metabolic help, and the latest research on the cause of obesity to find what resonates with you. It's all so personal and we're all motivated in different ways. There are some You Tube videos of Dr. Robert Woodbury talking about the things I mentioned if you search Healthy Steps in Santa Rosa, Ca. Dr. Woodbury has seen a lot of people come to his center for weight loss surgery only to find that the pre-op program he puts people on was more than sufficient and they lost so much weight in the required 6 months that they no longer wanted to consider the surgery! That gives me hope! And I hope it gives you hope, too. (Dr. Woodbury also says you will not be hungry on the diet! He uses a modified Mediterranean Diet) I love that you are considering the future and wanting to be around for your kids. There is so much to take into consideration, including scar tissue from another surgery and the possibility of the new band causing the same problems. Your doctor can provide info and professional opinion and then you provide your heart's answer. ~hiddn