My little lap band monster is coming out!

[bandproblems 10]

I may need to get my band removed due to dilated esophagus and restriction. The doctor recommends a conversion to bypass but I really don't want that as it seems such an invasive surgery which is why I had the band in the first place.

I lost 110 lbs since 12/2010 (330 -> 220) and I am pretty happy, however, I am worried about potential weight gain after removal.

Not sure I got the will power and discipline without the band.

I definitely do not want to get back to my old weight or even close to it and I also do not want to have the removal surgery and then maybe another surgery later for bypass.

Well, my band was removed after almost exactly 4 years and 120 lbs weight loss. Since the insurance did not cover the conversion I decided to do just the removal.

I had the surgery last Wednesday around 8 am and was back home around 1 pm. I only ate some Soup that day and a few chips. It was an amazing feeling being able to actually eat a cup of Soup and having it go down without having to vomit it all out again.

The next day I already ate some solids. The third day a regular Breakfast and lunch. Amazing.

My stomach and belly were pretty sore for the first 3 days, especially when sitting down, getting up and eating. I also had a lot of issues using the restroom (urinary and bowel retention are very common after anesthesia) but it is getting back to almost normal.

I realize I will probably gain some weight back but I will try to keep it to 10-15 lbs. I plan on continuing eating only half portions in restaurants and no more than 6-8 oz at home. Hopefully my willpower will be enough. I definitely do not want to get anywhere close to my old weight.

I will keep you updated.

[bandproblems 10]

Well, my band was removed after almost exactly 4 years and 120 lbs weight loss. Since the insurance did not cover the conversion I decided to do just the removal.

I had the surgery last Wednesday around 8 am and was back home around 1 pm. I only ate some Soup that day and a few chips. It was an amazing feeling being able to actually eat a cup of soup and having it go down without having to vomit it all out again.

The next day I already ate some solids. The third day a regular Breakfast and lunch. Amazing.

My stomach and belly were pretty sore for the first 3 days, especially when sitting down, getting up and eating. I also had a lot of issues using the restroom (urinary and bowel retention are very common after anesthesia) but it is getting back to almost normal.

I realize I will probably gain some weight back but I will try to keep it to 10-15 lbs. I plan on continuing eating only half portions in restaurants and no more than 6-8 oz at home. Hopefully my willpower will be enough. I definitely do not want to get anywhere close to my old weight.

I will keep you updated.

I have gained 5 or 6 pounds in the last 2 weeks but that is o.k.

I is just so much joy being able to eat real food again after years of misery. I realize I will need to control my food intake but even if I eat half portions from what is commonly served it is probably still twice of what I used to eat with my band and the restriction. I am not sure if the enlarged esophagus caused less of the food and nutrients to be absorbed but eventually the food must have ended up in the stomach. I went from maybe 2 bowel movements to daily which indicates more food. Many friends and colleagues have commented that I look so much better (happier) even though they do not know about my procedure.