kelowery 4 Posted September 27, 2016 Hi, I've had my band for almost 4 years. I lost about 50 lbs total and I have gained back 30 of that. I got pregnant 6 months after my band and did fine throughout my pregnancy. I even breastfeed my son for a year afterward. I really think that breastfeeding boosted my weight loss. I had some problems and my band slipped and I have had nothing but trouble ever since. I go for a fill and its too much and i have to get it unfilled and gain weight. I'm seriously thinking about getting a revision to the sleeve. Any pointers? I feel like such a loser, but I so tired of being overweight. I feel like this is my best option. I really am at a point that I hate my band. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sweesee 30 Posted September 27, 2016 I had the same problems with the band, plus I was in constant pain from it. I was sleeved 8/8 and doing really well! It's a huge difference Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelowery 4 Posted September 27, 2016 @@sweesee I really have a lot of pain too, I think I am just used to it. How was your sleeve surgery? How was your recovery? Did they just do 1 procedure or 2? I'm mostly nervous because I feel like I have failed with the band and I don't want to fail with another WLS. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sweesee 30 Posted September 27, 2016 It went well. I think I had more pain than virgin sleevers but the doc said I had a lot of scar tissue (I only had the band for 3 years, I'd hate to see what decades would have done to my body) my surgeon was able to do it in one procedure thank goodness, but when he came in the next morning to see how I was doing, he said that he had another one that morning where he just couldn't do it in one shot. So I think it really depends on the situation but my advice would be to get that damn thing out of you, the sooner the better. Living in pain is not acceptable, even though we try to normalize it, it's our bodies way of saying something isn't right and we shouldn't ignore it. I felt like a failure too with the band but so far it has been night and day. I have less hunger and just physically can't eat a lot even if I wanted to. I'm already down 35 pounds. The first week I was actually more from all the fluids, then it just started dropping off. Don't get me wrong, it's not a magic wand and requires work, but it's 100× easier. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelowery 4 Posted September 27, 2016 @@sweesee thank you so much for your help! How long was your hospital stay? Was the procedure still laparoscopic? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cbonet 336 Posted September 27, 2016 You didn't fail the band it wasn't the right tool. Research shows now that the band is not effective for sustained weight loss. I had mine in 2007. I just had my surgery this month. Band out-sleeve made. I can swallow better, my bra doesn't hurt pushing onto the band, I'm not regurgitating..... So sorry I waited to do it. Good luck-you'll do great Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sweesee 30 Posted September 28, 2016 No problem ☺ I just stayed overnight and was home by 6pm the next day. It was laparoscopic I just had a drain which I didn't have for the band but they took the drain out before I left the hospital. My surgeon asked if I would ever recommend the band to anyone, I said "nope" he said it's a horrible horrible procedure (his own words) (I had my band done at a different surgeon in a different state) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelowery 4 Posted September 28, 2016 Thank y'all for your insight. I'm going to be doing some research for a new doctor. I went through true results for my band. I think I'll be switching doctors though Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
