Lap-Band after pregnancy

Missiecraig32 · July 12, 2007

I had the lap band 2 years ago. I lost over 80 pounds in the first 8 months. I got pregnant last july and gained all of my weight back minus 25 pounds. This is an emotional strain because I was thin and felt so good about myself before I got pregnant. In march I had a beautiful and healthy baby girl, but am having some trouble getting back on track. I find myself extremely frustrated and almost depressed. To go from wearing a size 6 to a 14-16 in my Lane Bryant clothes is really hard. I am lucky to have a really supportive husband who claims that he thinks I am sexy even when I am large. For myself, I feel disgusting and can't believe I have gone back to square one. I don't feel attractive or sexual at ALL! I try and stick to the diet but I end up hungry and end up saying I dont care b/c I am already huge. My band has been tightened but we all know we can cheat by eating soft sugary foods like ice cream, cake, and Cookies. Anyone out there that has been in my situation? :help:

fabfatgrl · July 14, 2007

I"m there!

I've had my Band unfilled for three pregnancies. Everytime I get it filled after a pregnancy, I have issues with the fill... lots of PBing, etc. So have it removed. I just gave birth and will try to refill one more time in about 6 weeks. I really hope I can get my Band to work again or else I'll need to consider revision surgery.

Missiecraig32 · July 14, 2007

Do you know how much revision surgery runs??

fabfatgrl · July 15, 2007

I think it depends what you have done and who does it. I've been quoted anywhere from $12000 - $18000 to go from a Band to a VSG.

Missiecraig32 · July 16, 2007

What is VSG?

fabfatgrl · July 16, 2007

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy... it's the first part of a Duodenal Switch operation. Basically, they shape your stomach around a thin tube, called a bougie. They staple it off into a banana shape... leaving the pyloric sphincter in tact, so no dumping. It's restrictive only... no malapsborption. Has only been done as a stand alone for about 4 years... but results seem to be as good or better than the Band. No fills... no PBing.

It's becoming very popular both as a primary operation as well as a revision for Bandsters. You can find a bunch of Bandsters talking about it on the Obesity Help VSG forum... also there's a post by an ex-Bandster in the Band Removed thread. I think his name is Andrew?

Laparoscopic Associates - Weight-Loss Surgery San Francisco, Bariatric Surgery is one group of doctors that do a lot of them

I really really don't want surgery again... but if I can't get my Band to work, I'll have to. When I first had surgery, I had no kids... was single. Now I have three little people under four that need me. Totally changes the risk profile, KWIM?