Unbanded after 4.5 years....

[tizag 0]

Hi,

I want to try to answer specific questions people asked.

Alexandra: I was banded in Israel. My dr. gave me no indication as to how long the infection could have been there, or how I got it.

HarleyNana: PLEASE tell your mom to see her dr. I know the thought of having to have the band removed is awful.... but if something is wrong, having the band removed is a much better alternative than dying from complications.

Desertmom: Same for you. Don't ignore your symptoms. It might not sort it out by itself. I know you want everything to be fine and all the stuff to just go away... I have been there. *hugs* Everything might be fine, and it might not be fine. Remember thought that the endo doesn't show everything. Please go to your dr. As I wrote above, if it comes to it, having the band removed is a much better alternative than dying from complications. And is suffering the quality of life you want? You have lost 105 pounds... there is nothing to say you won't keep it off and continue to lose if you have to have the band removed.

Melati: The infection just happened. No connection to the surgery or to a fill. The band is a foreign object in our body. The area around the band and port got infected. I don't think I'll ever know why or how.

[Kelliebelly 13]

I am sorry you had to go through all that and I want to thank you for your post, it was informative and eye opening.

I was just wondering if the infection all clears is there a possibility you will be banded again, or would the infection come back or do you think it was just a one off that happened?

[Alexandra 55]

Tizag, thank you again for all your information. It must be wonderful to be pain-free and able to eat after so long!

[Mita 2]

Tizag,

That is great you are on the road to recovering from all your time in pain.

Did Your doctor ever explain why with all the test done they could never see the infection in your esophagus?

You see I have been unfilled since Oct and am getting stabbing pains here and there along my ribcage to where my port is. I put myself on Aloe Vera juice and am feeling better but without being filled I do have alot of restriction (could be stress or Aunt Flo). I also have an appt next week and have made myself a list of questioins to ask as well as your experinence.

[HarleyNana 10]

All I can say is your trials and tribulations have given us a wealth of information, again, thank you for caring enough to share.

[Iluvharleys 15]

Thank you for your post. I am glad to hear you are doing better. With the attitude you have, I am sure you will be fine. Good luck!

[Dody 0]

5 years with the band, and you weren't at goal weight yet. That concerns me, but certainly not overlooking the horrible time you had with the band. As I'm researching and getting ready to get banded I read every post, good, bab or indifferent, because I know there are a lot of variants in the band and people's reaction. There are those doing great; those that seek support; I've seen stories like yours of being having to be unbanded; but still it is the safest almost non-evasive surgery there is.

I really feel so horribly sorry for what you have gone through. I wonder if you continue eating like a bandster after that length of time if you still may feel just like one from the built up scar tissue.

Please let us know and try and stay positive and focused on yourself and your wonderful family.

Hugs to U

Dody

[tizag 0]

5 years with the band, and you weren't at goal weight yet.

Out of the 30,000 people or so who have been banded (how many banded people are there?), has anyone ever got to goal weight? I never heard of anyone actually.....

[Dody 0]

From what I've read there was a girl named Michelle on here that only had her band a couple years and lost 105 lbs. and wears an 8-10. Her's got infected and she had to have it removed. God Bless Her she went through a lot, but she certainly is an inspiration to everyone here.

Yes I think people reach their goal weights long before 5 years is uf. I was told initially they don't lost as fast as GB patients but in the end they catch up. Let's here from you guys that are really gaining up on that goal weight after a yr. or so. I know you are here.

[HeatherGurl 0]

I have seen a lot of people on LBT get to their goal weight or withing 5lbs.

[desertmom 297]

I have heard of a few,I think.There must be some.....show yourselves please.......

[shellyj. 0]

hi i just wanted to thank you for posting your story. i have had a lot of problems with to tight/to loose and have actually been contemplating a .1 cc fill. you have given me some food for thought. i also want you to know that i am sending you well wishes and healing vibes.

all the best to you and your family.

michelle

[Ceparano 0]

Tizag,

Thank you so much for your post. I read every line. As one who is not banded "yet"; I appreciate hearing the "good, the bad, and the ugly" part of being banded. I'm so sorry that you suffered so long before they got to the bottom of your problem.

I also feel that you have acquired the necessary tools to be successful in your wls. The infection you had was no reflection on your ability to use the band to it's fullest. Sometimes these things just happen. Be thankful that you came out of it with your life. Do you think you"ll get rebanded in the future?

[La_madam 20]

But then I think that if I didn't have the band I most likely wouldn't be hearing someone say "Mommy, I want some juice please" this moment.

you have one of the best NSV's the band can ever give....a child

I can relate to the emotions you are feeling . I was unbanded 1 week ago due to eorsion.

For those of you that are banded, enjoy your band and be thankful everyday that it works good for you. And don't look back and have any regrets ever - have fun and look towards tomorrow with a smile.

Amen to that! My feelings exactly

I wishh you the best, and please fell free to PM me anytime there are 3 of us who were unbanded last week here on LBT, we can all help eachother through this new challenge and journey.

[HappyGirlNJ 0]

So sorry to hear about your band loss, but you have gained much much more with those beautiful children. And you said it, you now know how to eat!!! You can do it. Get back to that Gym and do everything you can to keep that weight off. Think of how good you felt when you were thin and the energy you had. Your children need that energy from their mommy, do it for them now. Good Luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.