My surgeon told me I failed - he was wrong

[auntbrat 1]

I was banded in April 2009 and lost 30 lbs. I went to see my surgeon for several fills over the next year. I have to admit during this time I was so discouraged that I began eating around the band. Of course my weight went back up. I saw him in March 2010 and he said the band was filled to capacity and that I should consider bypass. That wasn't an option for me since my insurance at that time didn't cover it. I asked him if he thought I could turn things around and make it work. He said that was unlikely. I let him take away all my hope. I lived the next year as if I didn't have a band until I learned my new insurance covered weight loss surgery.

I scheduled an appointment with a different surgeon who came highly recommended to me. I was so excited to have hope again. I went to my consult fully intent on talking about getting the band removed and having gastric bypass. He talked to me about my history with the band and then said he wanted to check what Fluid was actually in there. I was shocked to learn that there were only 7.5 cc in my 10 cc band! He said it was too early for him to declare that surgery a failure and I would need to get more fills to see if I can get back on track. He added 1 cc at that time.

Initially I was completely devastated about not having bypass right now and having to work with the band. But by the next day I was able to clearly see this is another opportunity to make this surgery work. Once I got past the 48 hours of Clear liquids after the fill, I discovered I have restriction! I'd never felt it before like this. The dietician suggested I act as if this is a new surgery and stay on Protein Shakes for 2 weeks. I have had just little bites of lean chicken here and there but am toughing it out with the shakes and am losing.

I hope that if there is anyone out there who feels their surgeon's treatment is questionable, please get a second opinion. I never felt comfortable with my surgeon and the way he treated me and I regret not seeking care from someone else. I am looking forward to working with the band and am so happy to have hope again.

[Rachel412 116]

I'm glad you finally feel like you're in the right place!

[kristallynn13 18]

Good luck to you. I hate hearing about people that have had bad experiences with their surgeons. We have all been through so much, we don't need any additional hurdles toward our weight loss.

[kll724 3,055]

I was banded in April 2009 and lost 30 lbs. I went to see my surgeon for several fills over the next year. I have to admit during this time I was so discouraged that I began eating around the band. Of course my weight went back up. I saw him in March 2010 and he said the band was filled to capacity and that I should consider bypass. That wasn't an option for me since my insurance at that time didn't cover it. I asked him if he thought I could turn things around and make it work. He said that was unlikely. I let him take away all my hope. I lived the next year as if I didn't have a band until I learned my new insurance covered weight loss surgery.

I scheduled an appointment with a different surgeon who came highly recommended to me. I was so excited to have hope again. I went to my consult fully intent on talking about getting the band removed and having gastric bypass. He talked to me about my history with the band and then said he wanted to check what Fluid was actually in there. I was shocked to learn that there were only 7.5 cc in my 10 cc band! He said it was too early for him to declare that surgery a failure and I would need to get more fills to see if I can get back on track. He added 1 cc at that time.

Initially I was completely devastated about not having bypass right now and having to work with the band. But by the next day I was able to clearly see this is another opportunity to make this surgery work. Once I got past the 48 hours of Clear Liquids after the fill, I discovered I have restriction! I'd never felt it before like this. The dietician suggested I act as if this is a new surgery and stay on Protein shakes for 2 weeks. I have had just little bites of lean chicken here and there but am toughing it out with the shakes and am losing.

I hope that if there is anyone out there who feels their surgeon's treatment is questionable, please get a second opinion. I never felt comfortable with my surgeon and the way he treated me and I regret not seeking care from someone else. I am looking forward to working with the band and am so happy to have hope again.

Congrats to you! You are wise to seek a 2nd opinion and then to work with the new surgeon. Best of luck. Karen

[Mimilou2004 13]

I am so excited and happy for you! You have a new lease on life and didn't have to undergo radical surgery. I am proud of you for seeking health care and glad you didn't get a jerk this time.

Mimi

[auntbrat 1]

Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement. I'm very excited about this new chance and I'm going to work hard with this. I wish you the best as well on this unusual journey.

[Darkkmocha 5]

Good luck to you and Kudos for not giving up!