Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I was banded in 2006 when I was 16 years old (part of a child study) back then I didn't know what I was getting myself into, not to mention I wasn't mature enough to fully grasp that it was a life changing experience. Since the beginning I had many complications. I never followed the post op liquid/ purée diet and I look back now in disgust with myself. I lost only 40 lbs in the first 2 years, only because I learned how to control my band. I drank while eating, and then would throw up my food only to re eat what I had lost. Eventually I gave myself a hiatal hernia from all the abuse i was giving my band, i also made myself a second stomach (a bulging pouch above my band). My doctors decided to revise my band and fix my hernia in 2009, since then I just haven't had any success. Now, being older and more mature knowing that I have to focus on my health I am in the process of being sleeved. So far I have lost 10 lbs pre op, just waiting for a date. I'm so excited and terrified at the same time, I hope I will have better luck this time.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It sounds like you are already doing some of the preparation work. The band SUCKS there is no doubt about it, but I think we can all look back and see how we could have done things better - how we contributed to the less then stellar success. I am trying to learn from my mistakes and to learn from people on these forums that are MOST successful.

The sleeve does a much better job of reducing appetite/reducing food desire, but, you still need to work at it. This won't be a surprise to a bandster, but seems to be a surprise to some people who are sleeved as their first WLS.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The band does not remove the upper part of the stomach the produces the hormone hunger sensation., tue sleeve does The band imo is about as clever as wiring your teeth shut, your still hungry and if u try hard enough u can get past it. 16 is so young as well.

Forgive yourself. First off, it wasn't your fault. Yes, you could have acted in a way completely unknown to you and beyond your years, but.. C'mon.. It isn't likely any of us would have succeeded in those circumstances.

If you look for a silver lining, treat it like my first marriage-- damn it sucked! But now I know how good my second marriage is and appreciate my husband so much more!

Ditch that ex band and get it on with your new partner, the sleeve! You can do it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am so glad you mentioned a second bulging stomach. I am looking toward to the revision also. But I asked my Dr. why was my upper stomach so huge? He turned, looked at me, and said "I DON'T KNOW" and then turned and walked out the door. I look a good 7 months pregnant. Deep down inside I sort of felt that maybe I had made a second upper belly due to the band always being too tight. Nevertheless; My Dr. never requested any tests to be done no matter how much I complained about stomach issues, port issues or throat issues. I blame myself for not completely following the rules but the wrong foods were easier to swallow. You were 16 and I was 55. No matter how young or old, We both made the wrong choice. I will be seeing another Dr. soon, the appointment has been set.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am so glad you mentioned a second bulging stomach. I am looking toward to the revision also. But I asked my Dr. why was my upper stomach so huge? He turned' date=' looked at me, and said "I DON'T KNOW" and then turned and walked out the door. I look a good 7 months pregnant. Deep down inside I sort of felt that maybe I had made a second upper belly due to the band always being too tight. Nevertheless; My Dr. never requested any tests to be done no matter how much I complained about stomach issues, port issues or throat issues. I blame myself for not completely following the rules but the wrong foods were easier to swallow. You were 16 and I was 55. No matter how young or old, We both made the wrong choice. I will be seeing another Dr. soon, the appointment has been set.[/quote']

Do u still have the same dr?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No don't. He left his practice and a new Dr. is taking over. I'm really co fused.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No don't. He left his practice and a new Dr. is taking over. I'm really co fused.

My thoughts were, that's just not good enough. If u were reporting issues he should have been fixing them not saying I dont know. Sounds like he thought lap band was easy do and then had lots of complications because he was unresponsive or lazy about adjustments and post op care.

I hope the new dr is much more helpful! Are u able to get more info, second opinion etc? Surely being confused isn't good going into another surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You're right , I will request to have tests done to find out about the status of my band. If there's any problem at all, I'm sure this Dr. will want the band taken out and so would I. as a matter of fact, one Dr. has already mentioned that he could remove it and I could go with the sleeve or bypass. and thats by going on my complaints. Thnx for your input.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LadyVeteran1

      Sleeve surgery is on April 14th.  I am counting the days!!  Can't wait!
      · 3 replies
      1. Brookie2shoes

        Me too girl!! Are you in the full liquid diet right now? It’s sooooo hard!

      2. LadyVeteran1

        Not yet. I was told I only have to do 24 hours of a liquid diet. But I have my pre-op tomorrow so I’m going to confirm if I need to do longer.

      3. buildabetteranna

        Your so close now! It's gonna be great :) Wishing you a speedy recovery and looking forward to seeing how it goes!

    • buildabetteranna

      Down 33 lbs and slightly stalled, but I'm gonna reevaluate and push through. I started back to work last week after 2 years of being disabled due to mental health as well as my weight. It's a great job and I'm just so happy to have this opportunity at a second chance at life. Hope everyone is having their best journey ❤️ Together, we got this!
      · 2 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Great work Anna! Keep it up 😁

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 1 reply
      1. stevieoriole

        Am feeling this right now. My surgery date is 4/1. Sign the consent tomorrow. I feel like I overloaded myself with too much info, too many opinions. Got to the point where I was wondering if I should do this. Then I thought of my reasons for taking this step and that settled my nerves. Still get moments of doubt but am striving forward. Am just going to follow my book from the surgeon. Joined this because I was told by my dietician that I should do this for support

    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×