Saying Goodbye to My 9 Year Old Lap Band

[Byebyelapband 82]

I was banded in August of 2005 weighing 310 lbs. I lost a total of 45 lbs with the band before I plateaued, mainly because I did not modify my eating behavior and deal with the emotional issues in my past that caused my obesity. Well, about 6 months ago, I starting vomiting after EVERY meal, which caused severe acid reflux, an ulcer in my esophagus and two hospital stays in 2 weeks for chest pains and shoulder pains that mimicked a heart attack. After taking a stress test, having a CT Scan done, and a Cardiac Cath done on my heart, it was determined that the band was the culprit. So, yesterday (3-20-14), I had the band removed and my insurance company deemed it as medically necessary. Now, let me back up a little. About 3 years ago, I began therapy to address my past issues and I joined the YMCA and started a workout program focused totally on being a healthier ME. I also got a personal trainer and joined the Herbalife Franchise and started drinking the shakes and taking the supplements. I have gone from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16 right now and still losing. I realize this is a marathon and not a sprint, so I am focused on the long term goals of a size 10 or 12 (I am 5'8"). I am very happy with my decision to have my band removed BECAUSE I now have the tools I need to continue to lose the weight by exercising and eating healthier. I workout 3-4 times a week by jogging, lifting weights, using the elliptical machine, doing Zumba and sitting in the sauna. I have attached a before and after picture. 

[2muchfun 8,927]

You don't have to be banded or have WLS to come back here for advice or support. Don't be a stranger and let us know how the knowledge you learned from your journey has helped you?

[hiddnstar 167]

I love your insights and motivation!!!

Great going!

I hope your healing goes well and that you're up and about feeling good, soon.

When I had my band out, my surgeon told me to walk 5 times a day while I was healing....which at that time meant I needed to get up every 90 minutes to walk. That sure helped me keep active and snuck exercise in there without much discomfort at all Very clever surgeon!

I was walking over 2 miles a day without realizing it!

Thank you for sharing your story here.

~hiddn

[TLL 105]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! The band is not for everyone, but in the long run, you found what works for YOU and that is exactly what this is all about!

[mrsto 2,925]

Thanks for sharing your story. I also have some concerns about my band, for the very same reasons that you had yours removed. I've been fine for many months, but about 2-3 months ago, after the last fill (that was too tight), I started having bad reflux and other issues. They removed some Fluid, but I was still having the problems. They finally emptied the band, and did a upper GI swallow.......which was normal on all counts. I'm still having bad reflux and chest pain. Yesterday I thought maybe I was having a heart attack. Interestingly, I still feel restriction with the empty band, and continue to eat as I did prior. Granted, I do have plication with the band, so that may be helping. Anyway.....I'm having an endoscopy on Friday, so we'll see if anything shows. I'm very concerned with all of this, because I don't want to lose my band. But I'm very close to my goal, and no matter what happens, it will be a cold day in hell before I allow this weight to come back. I'm too old for this shi-t!

Thanks for your post.... I love your strength!!