Time To Have The Band Removed..?

[Jack 855]

Hope this all works out for the best Bandsters!!!

I am nearly my 8th full year postOp, and had some issues with slime & PBing episodically.

Had the imaging done twice now and they still aren't sure of 'exact' Dx. Short of the invasive procedures they gave me to choose from, I asked for a bit of unfill.

With only 1.5cc in a 4cc band, they finally took out .2cc. This has given great relief and I believe I'm eating far better with no symptoms the last several weeks.

I've been a happy Bandster in general, but several times went through episodes that made me too wonder about removal.

So far that doesn't seem to be indicated.

I know how frustrating not being sure what to do can be.

While I remain "40# above goal" I'm still very close to what I weighed getting out of high school 50 years ago....and my pants size remains down 6-7 sizes as well.

The odd old Bad Eating Habits are more and more rare, yet at times I will suddenly discover I'm about to eat something even when NOT hungry! That awareness of the difference between 'hungry' and "NOT hungry" has been a marvelous improvement for me.

[janelouise 0]

Sorry to hear you are suffering Mdlala. I am now taking medications 4 x day to coat the ulcers, hopefully enabling them to heal. I have been in trouble for years with this and have only now gotten to the bottom of the problem. It has also been suggested that I may have a fungal infection and that may also require some medication. Fungal infections are not that uncommon apparently (says my surgeon)

I do not want to be in any more pain, nor do I want to be taking wretched medication all the time so will be saving up to get it removed. Probably in the region of £4000.

I have no fill at present and there still appears to be restriction and I think this is due to the band sometimes absorbing Fluid but also from the irritation caused by the ulcers. Try and get some investigative work done if you can. Also make sure you wash out your pouch before bed so that no food ends up laying above the port.

And JACK thanks for the kind words. It isn't an easy journey and I know many people on here have encountered problems. I have kept off just over 40lbs - my best weight loss was 46lbs so not too bad all things considered. Of course I worry that having it removed will be 'dangerous' for me, but I also worry that I could be doing untold damage to my oesophagus by letting this carry on further.

Will post an update soon.

[Mdlala 1]

Hi

I ended up having my lapband removed three days ago. The recovery is going well but my esophagus is still very swollen. My doctor said that would take a month to heal They did find scared tissue and the best decision was to take it out. I don't plan on having any other surgeon. I will continue with what I learned to continue to be healthy. Best of Luck to you

[janelouise 0]

Dear Mdlala - I hope you make a speedy recovery. I completely understand your decision, and I will be following with a removal as soon as my ulcers have healed.

It is a little daunting facing life without the band, but as you rightly say, lessons have been learned. I am looking forward to being able to eat healthy food again with out the problems we faced with the band. It works for some and not others. I have managed to keep 40lbs off so not a disaster by any means. When you feel better do let me know what eating plan you are going to follow? I have a mind to do Weight Watchers online!

Anyway, brave decision and the right decision get well soon

J