I have been banded for 6 years..ugh..

[ribearty 544]

Oh how badly i want to respond to this post. I myself went through lap band hell. I went through lap band hell because my doctor wouldn't listen to me. You are right, he was making lots of money off me each month. I am a 46 yr old woman and i know my body. My band was good for me for about two yrs. and then after a fixed flipped port, everything went downhill but my weight (which i am accountable for) i would lose restriction after 2 or 3 days of a good fill and i had horrible port site pain. So after 7 months of arguing with him i had it. Sure enough, he finally paid attention to how many cc's were in there. One time i asked him what is in there, and he didn't know. i was so pissed i slammed the door. So he found a leak and my port was being rejected. I switched doctors within the clinic and have been so blessed. I chose to have the band out and switched to the sleeve. My insurance covered it because the band was being rejected and i couldn't have it. So far i am 45 pounds down 10 weeks post up and a very good surgeon that listens to me. It sounds like you are trying and doing what you should be doing. I have nothing against lap bands, but why does it seem like if someone has a band thats working they think its you that is doing something wrong. I don't think you are slamming your band, you have every right to slam your incompetent doctor. If you have a chance and decide to change surgeries, the sleeve is so easy. The recovery was a bit hard due to two surgeries at once (band out, and sleeve) but i am good now. I am so sorry you are gong through this. I wish people that had successful lap bands would be more supportive of those that are struggling. If your insurance is paying for it , maybe they can tell them your body is rejecting it and you may want to consider the sleeve. And i never found my sweet spot either after two years. So i feel for you and support you. We have all walked in each others foot steps, so lets make suggestions for those that need it, not tell them how successful you have been with your band. She is hurting enough and feeling sad, she doesn't need more ridicule~~~ You should change doctors if you can., one that listens to you. Yes, my fills were over 200.00 too every month. All it did was build a big medical bill. After i had the sleeve i had 3 post op visits and cancelled the rest. I feel good and am doing fine. I wish you well and please send me a personal message if you want to talk. i am here for each and everyone of you. AS I HAVE WALKED IN ALL YOUR SHOES!!!!!! Lets make sure we are supporting all our members on here. I have heard some harsh things on this site and it makes me sad. Just because one thing works for, it doesn't mean it works for another, even if they are doing everything right. Again, I am here to support all of you. This is a terrible disease that had debilitated many of us...my heart goes to those that are struggling. BUT I BELIEVE IN EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!

Did you have your band out and the sleeve done in the same surgery? I am 6 years today with the band, but have been having problems with it. I have been on prescription meds for heartburn for 3 plus years and it is not getting any better. Last year had to have Fluid taken out due to esophogeal dialation. I have an appointment to see a different doctor to see what is going on. I am worried about internal damage and scar tissue from the band.