Lap band removal - cost? Hassle?

[moonbeam 1]

Hi, I am 8 years out from initial surgery. 2 years ago I had my band emptied as I got very ill. I had developed an aspiration pneumonia. It was a terrifying experience and everybody including my pulmonoligist and oncologist thought it was lung cancer. The CT scan done in the ER Showed my lungs full of ground glass masses (not entirely sure of term). Thankfully a young resident put two and two together and we figured out it was the band causing this. I had been coughing and vomiting at night and gone to the ER twice already thinking it was an asthma attack. Long story short the band was emptied an has been sitting idle. Have since changed my lifestyle and am fit and slim without the band. Now however the port of the band is very visible and looks like a golf ball on my torso. I hate it. Want it gone. When I called last year to see about removal I was strongly discouraged from doing that. Now I just want it out. I live in manitoba, CANADA. Has anyone been through this? Any idea on costs? Was it a hassle to arrange?

Thanks!

[tankheadmommy 94]

Hi, I am 8 years out from initial surgery. 2 years ago I had my band emptied as I got very ill. I had developed an aspiration pneumonia. It was a terrifying experience and everybody including my pulmonoligist and oncologist thought it was lung cancer. The CT scan done in the ER Showed my lungs full of ground glass masses (not entirely sure of term). Thankfully a young resident put two and two together and we figured out it was the band causing this. I had been coughing and vomiting at night and gone to the ER twice already thinking it was an asthma attack. Long story short the band was emptied an has been sitting idle. Have since changed my lifestyle and am fit and slim without the band. Now however the port of the band is very visible and looks like a golf ball on my torso. I hate it. Want it gone. When I called last year to see about removal I was strongly discouraged from doing that. Now I just want it out. I live in manitoba, CANADA. Has anyone been through this? Any idea on costs? Was it a hassle to arrange?
Thanks!

I'm in the US. I did not have to pay anything to have my band removed. When the lapband was emptied (fluid out), I continued to have pain and reflux, so it was taken out without a problem. I would pursue it. I feel so much better without it. I did not how bad I was feeling until I had it taken out.

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