Newly Bandless After 5 Years...but it's not the band's fault!

Sunta · February 8, 2011

Hello All,

I was a frequent poster on this board when I first got my band 5 years ago. Then, like so many succesful Bandsters, I dropped off the board because I was too busy living my happy banded life, 100 pounds down and thrilled. I did gain back about 30 pounds over the five years, but that was because I had some minor band issues like not being able to find the sweet spot, and getting too tight, then too loose, then I remained too loose for a couple of years. However, that all being said, here I sit five years later, 70 pounds thinner but without my band. I've been reading alot of posts by people who have lost their bands due to erosion and slippage or other problems. I would like to report that I did lose my band, but it was not the fault of the band at all. I consider my band to have worked extrememly well for me despite the minor issues with tightness/looseness. I consider 70 pounds off to be a huge success. What happened to me was that my appendix burst three weeks ago, and when it burst it spread infection throughout my body and infected the band. After my appendix was removed, my band had to come out a few days later (after I was stabilized on antibiotics). At the time my band was removed, it was in perfect position and condition aside from the infection from my appendix. I am posting this to say that not all band losses are the fault of the band. Life is full of risk, and despite my horrible hospital experience recently, I can honestly say I am glad I took the risk of having the band. 70 pounds is a huge life change for me and I can do so much more than I could when I was much heavier. I am considering the bypass now but will start off trying to maintain my loss on my own and hope I won't have to have another surgery. I have learned alot during my five years with my band, such as eating primarily lean Protein, upping my fruits and veggies, and combining protein and Fiber to feel fuller longer. I am hoping with these tricks, I can succesfully maintain my weight loss and maybe even lose more weight. Don't let other people's horror stories stop you from getting the band. If it weren't for my appendix, I'm sure my band would have continued in good condition. Good luck to all of you newbies and I wish you much success with your bands!

OnMyWay2Thin · February 9, 2011

Thank goodness you are okay after your appendix ruptured. I was fortunate, it was caught and removed. You sound like such a positive person that I think you may just be able to do it on your own at this point. You know the rules to follow, you sound excited about trying it, and you've had five years experience regarding how to eat. I'm just happy you are healthy and hope you are feeling much better soon!

Thanks for sharing your story, I'm always worried about losing my band and you've shown it's not alway the band's fault. Please stay on the board and let us know how the "new bandless you" are doing!

eko · February 9, 2011

Thanks for sharing your story. I have been banded for six weeks, so I am just starting my journey with my band. I want to wish you all the best. Stay well!

Jachut · February 10, 2011

That sucks, what terrible luck, but its great that you are healthy and still here! If its any consolation, after five years I'm not bandless but completely unfilled and its beginning to look like I wont be refilled at all, at the very least it will be 12 months. I've had no fill for 4 months now, due to cancer treatment and now I've got a lot of special dietery requirements that jut cant really be worked around the band at the moment, because chemo is really messing with my digestive system and its motility. I have not had a problem at all keeping the weight off - and that's with a normal appetite, I'm not nauseous or sick in that way at all. I've just gone one rule that I follow - three meals a day and nothing else. And of course I've continued to exercise. Maintenance is much much easier than losing. Good luck to you!