Band removed yesterday at 24 weeks pregnant!

[AtoZBaby 1]

I had lapband surgery in 2009 in Phoenix with Dr Terry Simpson.

Fast forward to now, where I am happily married, pregnant and suffering miserably from the lap-band! I did not feel comfortable going back to Dr Simpson with my issues...his office turned into a 'cattle call' with too many patients and little to no time for questions. You virtually lined up to be seen. I was also offended on two occasions, once by a fellow patient who snickered at me and said 'why the hell are you here?' and a staff member that told me that my minimal weight loss (from 200 to 185) was probably because my body was comfortable there...huh? The last straw was my attempt to go in two weeks ago for the pain, reflux, rapid weight loss....and they said sorry, he's on a family vacation...you were self pay years ago so you should find someone else to help with your 'issues'.

After a week and a half of an inability to swallow food or Water, I was desperate and was referred to Dr Jason Reynoso at Scottsdale Health Care. Wow! Talk about a caring, compassionate guy that knew I was in trouble and wanted to help me ASAP. Losing 25lbs when you are 5 months pregnant is not normal and he started the process immediately. An Upper GI indicated a slipped band and little to no liquid or food able to pass through. I was scheduled for surgery and had it done yesterday. There was a lot of scar tissue that had to be removed and it appears the band wasn't originally installed correctly as the buckle essentially disintegrated. Obviously being pregnant and having surgery is the last thing you would ever think about but I knew it was becoming a matter of life and death for myself and my unborn child. I am sore but home and can eat like a human again!

I decided to write this to encourage anyone pregnant with a band and suffering to reach out to your Dr as soon as possible. I have cried many tears...mad at myself for ever putting myself and my child in this position and 'waiting it out' over the past couple of years when I was obviously having issues.

Sorry for the rambling rant but I needed to get it out! Best of luck to you all!

[PuraVida37 715]

Wow. That must have been so scary. Glad you got a compassionate doctor to help you. Wishing you a happy pregnancy and a safe delivery.

[Short and Chunky 230]

AtoZ - 1st, congratulations on the new baby. I am sure you are excited and I wish you only the best.

2nd, your lapband experience was sure scary. Been there..my band had to be removed in April of this year for the same reason - a bad slip - nothing going through and horribly sick. I was actually vomiting blood. My band had to be removed too.

I am glad you are home and feeling better. I did feel better, almost instantly. I do miss my band (I know crazy thought) because I have regained 30 pounds - in 3 months. I am under a new doctor's care now and hopefully, that will get better now.

Best wishes and good luck in post-band but most of all best wishes on your new family member..

Melinda in Florida

[kll724 3,055]

Congratulations on your upcoming baby and best wishes for your future!