Embarrassed and Scared

[72LB 4]

I am new to blogging and hope I doing this correctly. Enjoyed what weight lost I had (25 lbs); never able to discount BP and Diabetic meds-in fact they have increased.

I am 72 years old, had the Lap Band placement in 2009. Developed post-op wound infection and enlargement at port site. Dr. said enlargement is normal, will decrease overtime with healing. Gallbladder removed 2010. Since Band placement I have had bouts of daily nausea, occasional vomiting, developed many allergies and sensitives. Fluid was removed from my Band over one year ago due to gastric problems. My doctors and I have discuss possibility that my body is rejecting the band material, there is abnormality present; now having chronic Gerd coughing.

I am so afraid, I have hear it is more dangerous to remove the band. My surgeon has suggested removing the Band and performing the gastric sleeve, (I decline sleeve). At 72, is my Quality of Life is better trying to live with the problems.

Has anyone in the 70> group experienced the same concerns and issues as I?

[2muchfun 8,927]

I'm 68 so I'm close to your criteria. I think type of surgery is very personal. If not for the band I would never have had any bariatric surgery. I just was not willing to have my stomach removed or my digestive system altered. That's just me.

I know if something happened to my band I'd just live with dieting for the rest of my life. That's just me.

I've never had any problems so it's easy for me to say that's just me. I've heard the opposite, removing the band is easy as long as there's not slippage or erosion.

My opinion, and just my opinion, I'd have the band removed. It sounds like there's a drum beat for your band to cause some serious health issues down the road. But that's just me.

tmf

[72LB 4]

Thanks 2muchfun for the respond. I am so very glad to hear you have not had problems with your band. I am embarrassed that I did not follow recommendations of some family members. "Do not have it". they were not supportive of me having the band. I could not convince them that Lap Banding may help to resolve or prevent exacerbation of current medical issues. I had the band, now must request support for having it removed. My plan was to have the surgery in April or May.

I won't ask you to guest what has happen!!!

The day I wrote this blog, is the day I was informed my surgeon has semi-retired and moved out- of- town. His patients has been referred to other physicians. So the only way I can be followed by him is to leave town for the procedure. Now, I am embarrassed to ask those smarter then me, non-supportive, "don't do it" folks, to take time off from work for traveling with me. As of yet I have not found a local surgeon to do the procedure.

I feel like the Cowardly Lion...

Edited April 3, 2016 by 72LB