How Long to Wait?

[onikenbai 33]

For those of you who converted to some other WLS, how long did you wait for results with the band before calling it a day and looking into other options?

I had my band put in a year ago. Since then I have not lost a single pound, other than my pre-op diet. My problem is that I either have zero restriction and can eat till the cows come home and not feel full (exactly like before surgery) or I'm puking my guts out 7-8 times a day because I can't keep anything down. I've had fills and unfills galore looking for that magic balancing point between no restriction and puke-athon, but there doesn't seem to be one. My fils are down to 0.1cc at a time, which shows that we're really going conservatively in the search for restriction, and the doctors cannot figure out what the problem is. I've been for tests and, despite months of throwing up daily, my band appears to be in perfect position.

It's to the point where I can't put anything in my mouth without a contingency plan of where I'm going to throw up. Stuff doesn't get stuck so it's not an issue of not chewing and it's not an issue of eating too fast as I'm the most glacial eater ever and always have been. Sometimes I can keep food down as long as a half hour when I eat but eventually the nausea overcomes me and I have to head to the closest facilities. There's no pain, just nausea.

How much longer do I stick this out? I'm not losing weight, I'm throwing up all the time, and the healthy foods are the ones that are most likely to not stay down. I need to lose weight or I may potentially lose my sight as the pressure in my brain is threatening to pull my eyes out from the inside. At what point do you concede you've lost the bad war?

[Cleo's Mom 257]

Could there be something else going on to cause the nausea that isn't band related? Maybe some type of virus in the stomach or the h. pylori bacteria or an ulcer or something going on the the lower part of your stomach? Just a thought. Maybe ask for something for nausea from your doctor and take it before you eat and see if that helps. But that isn't solving the problem, just the symptom. You need to find out what is causing the problem. Has your gallbladder been checked?

Have you had an endoscopy and if so, what did it show? I always ask for copies of all test results. And pictures, if they provide them (my gastro doctor does for endoscopy).

I'm just throwing out some ideas. I hope you have success finding out what's wrong.

[Nanook 2]

I saw my surgeon on a regular basis after I was banded and when it looked as if things were not going to work as planned he and I discussed the fact that we would wait a year and then make a decision on what to do at that point. I also developed GERD which sent me to the ER and due to that the insurance was able to cover the removal. I also still had all my same co-morbs and then some and so a few months after it was removed I revised to RNY. I think as long as you're working with a doctor and and are honest and up front with each other about your expectations etc... a year is plenty of time to give it. Good luck to you, Nancy.

[AtlSpeedy 0]

I had a serious conversation with my surgeon last Thursday. He agreed to start the paper work to get my band removed. I haven't decided on a revision yet, but I really considering it. I've been banded for 2 years and lost only about 20 lbs total.... I am over my band. Good luck & trust your instincts.

[onikenbai 33]

Update:

All parties have now conceded the band isn't working for me. I have, officially, lost the band war. I am now starting a whole new war with my GP in trying to get a revision to something else. She is anti-surgery. Even worse, she is not computer literate, a complete requirement now that Ontario has moved to a totally automated referral system for the bariatric network. Me getting the proper healthcare I need may be completely sidelined by my doctor's ability to register for a username.

[oceancity4me 0]

Hello,

I was banded in Dec of 09. I have been having the same issue.....either no restriction or puking up just about everything. I know the feeling. I have lost 56 pounds tho. As of right now they have emptied everything out of my band for 3 weeks to see how I do. Well I am worried I will gain in the next 3 weeks:) I am happy that I have lost weight but I was really hoping to have lost more by now and very frustrated with the filling and unfilling! Why can't I get it just right? I wish you the best.

[smyz64 0]

I'm so happy to hear it's not just me!

I have been worried sick since last August. And the cost is killing me to keep putting the same 1CC in and out. Not sure I would recommend this surgery to friends anymore.

Good luck!

[onikenbai 33]

My doctor got over her computer phobia. I am now on my way to getting my damn band OUT I finally had to take out some fill to stop the puking all day long. Now I'm down to puking only a couple of times a week. I've put all my weight back on so I'm right back where I started but 18K poorer. At least the next surgery will be free. Thank you universal health care.

Some people can make the band work so yay for them, keep on trucking. It seems it either works for you or it doesn't. Me, it doesn't. As much as I lament the loss of my 18K, I'm still sort of glad I exhausted the least invasive options before I go all out. Still not going to be recommending it to others though.