kittycat95

Hello Tucson Mom! I am sorry to hear about your situation. I too just recently went to my doctor and was told that I have a major prolapse (band slippage) and that I will need to have my band removed, revised or replaced. I originally had my lap band surgery in April 2007 and had not had any problems up until just a few months ago. I was self-pay all the way so when I got this news recently (a couple of weeks ago) about the prolapse, I was devastated. According to my doctor I had one of the "old" bands that could not be snapped and/or unsnapped and therefore if he went in he would try to "revise" it and salvage it if he could and reposition it, but that he may not be able to and in that case would either have to remove it altogether or replace it. If he goes in with the decision to revise it it will cost me $6300 even if he can't salvage it and has to remove it. If he puts a new band on it will cost me $12,000 out of pocket added on to what I am already paying. I can't afford ANYTHING right now. So after much talk with him he more or less said that it was something that would eventually have to be fixed, but that right now if I could live with it, I would be okay. I am taking vitamins (pre-natal - they are the best, B-12, iron) and drinking protein shakes. I have also gone back to the basics meaning the way I ate when I first had the surgery, and believe it or not I seem to be doing much better. I feel alot better and have actually gained a little weight (which is great because I had lost too much). So, I am just "dealing" with it the best I can for now and hope things continue to improve. Just wanted to share my story with you and hope it offers some insight, suggestions, etc. I wish you the very best of luck!

Hello all! I am new to this site (just registered today) and I am desperate to talk with people who may have experienced what I am going through. I am scared to say the least!! I had the lap band surgery almost 3 1/2 years ago and had tremendous results and have had no complaints....up until about 6 months ago. I started feeling pressure in my chest and the need to vomit after eating or drinking anything!! I know I should have addressed this some time ago, but I didn't think it was a serious problem at first. I thought I was just going through some emotional issues and it was just stress and anxiety. However, I am not starting to get concerned that I am not getting any nutrition. I am still losing weight and have now gotten to what I consider a dangerously low weight. I am constantly thirsty and feel the need to eat, but almost immediately after drinking or eating anything (even water) I feel this extreme pressure in my chest and the need to vomit for relief. I was a self-pay patient and haven't really had the money to go back to the doctor, although I think it is a life or death situation at this point. Anyway, I don't mean to ramble on, but I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and can give me any advice, support, etc. Just knowing that someone else is or has experienced this will comfort me to know that I am not crazy!! Thanks to all who will respond.