I've lost my band....

[SElaine 3]

You know.... skimming through this forum, I see a lot of posts where people have regretting getting their band and have (or are contemplating) getting it out. My case is completely the opposite.

I had my band put in May 2007. I have done fairly well with the weight loss. I lost 94 pounds-- not extravagant, but I have been happy. I have never had a problem with food coming up, PBing, or being uncomforatable. Unfortunately, though, I've had other problems.

After my first fill I had a stitch rip through, or at least this is what we think happened. It caused an abscess near my band that became infected. The infection leaked into my abdominal cavity and spread to my liver. I ended up in the hospital for 12 days, I had surgery for the abscess, and had a portion of my liver removed. I also had two blood transfusions in the process.

OK... this was horrible but as far as I knew and from what the docs could tell, this was a fluke. We kept my band in, and I was excited for that. Going into surgery, I was fairy convinced it would need to come out.

Well, several months later I began having a similar abdominal pain. Into the ER I went. Sure enough, I had another stomach abscess and infection. Therefore, another surgery. This time, however, they also discovered erosion of the band.... as if everything else wasn't enough. Of course, this time there was no question my band was coming out.

It's been two weeks since I've been home from the hospital this time. It's all starting to sink in and I'm not sure I'm handling it well at all. I paid cash for my lap-band. Myself and my family had to make a lot of sacrifices to be able to get it. We even had to move to a smaller home, further away from my childrens school, in order to pay for it. And now, with all of the complications, there have more and more medical bills piling up. I'm very frustrated. I feel like I've been cheated. I had so many hopes that this was the answer.... and short-term it was. I feel like I've been stripped of something that was a part of me. What were all of these sacrifices for?

I've gained 7 pounds since I've been home from the hospital. I've been making an effort to try to eat the way I should, and honestly, I'm working out more now (2 weeks from being out of the hospital) than I did most of the time I had the band. I'm scared of gaining all the weight back.... and I can see it happening, it is happening, and I'm not sure what I can do about it. Those around me (of course, none have been banded) tell me to not to worry, to eat better and that I'll be fine. Well, you know what? I'm trying, but come on. If I could eat to lose weight, wouldn't I have done that in the first place? I don't want to become the person I used to be. I feel like I have no control. Physically I am hungry all the time. Who can live on Protein shakes? I'm trying, but it's not working.

Thanks for listening to my story. If anyone has been in a similar situation or can offer any advice, I'd love to hear it.

[sfeiner 2]

I'm so sorry for your loss SElaine, Could you join ww to keep the wt off?

[VegasGrace 1]

Thanks for sharing.

I am a single mom, no insurance.

So when I was looking into WLS, I had to say, "it's okay if I die"...for real. That risk...I had to be willing to take it.

I left instructions to each of my children, set up direct payments for the cars...the rest of the stuff didn't need to be paid...dead men pay no bills.

I had to say my goodbye's in a letter...open if I don't return kinda thing.

And the cash for the procedure....whew. I went into more debt. $7,000. I chose to go to Mexico where they have more experience in banding...it was a plus they are cheaper as well.

And I knew the risks 'if something goes wrong' money for more surgery. But I made the decision that if anything went wrong...I'd have it removed so as to keep costs low. Just take it out.

You tried to keep yours, and you are stronger than me. Hate this didn't work out for you. Hope you didn't spend more than $7000. The subsequent hospital bills could be taken care of thru the hospital, if you qualify.

Thanks for sharing, again....people looking into the band need to understand things can go wrong...and you could pay dearly out of pocket and with your life.

[mini_me 3]

wow...i am so sorry. i wish you luck on this journey.

i will say a prayer for you tonite.

[SuzanneG 1]

So sorry to hear your story. I wish I had some great advice for you. I'm assuming either you don't have insurance or it doesn't cover WLS? Would a gastric bypass be possible?

By the way, 94 pounds IS extravegant in my book!

[SElaine 3]

Thank you all so much for your support. :biggrin2: It feels better just getting it out of my system, KWIM?

I do have health insurance, but it doesn't cover WLS. Bypass isn't an option right now, financially. And then again, I haven't checked into it, but I've lost enough weight I probably wouldn't qualify for it, anyway.

This was a big shock to me. I feel like I've lost a friend. I know that sounds silly..... But really, don't we go into this with a long-term commitment in mind? I don't know many people that have it done thinking they will just have it for a few months and get it out. So, in a way, I do feel cheated. BUT.... I'm not letting it get me down. I've seen my dietician and I'm keeping food logs and weighing in every two weeks. I'm working out more, and I've considered joining WW. And I'm still going to my support group meetings. I figure I need all the support I can get and I'm going to take advantage of it.

Thanks again. I appreciate you all.

[juliegeraci 7]

S. Elaine, can you join Weight Watchers or another program before your weight gets out of control? That would be my advise. Good luck.

[FurEllie 0]

I had mine "forcibly" removed back at the end of November. I too know how you feel :thumbup: They ended up removing 1/2 of my stomach and STILL I can eat whatever I want. I miss my band!!

[laurieu 0]

S. Elaine,

Reading your story touched my heart..You have done fantastic losing the weight and I can understand your fears of gaining it back. I really do think you are on the right track seeing the dietician and keeping the food log and as you get stronger after this last surgery you will work out more and more. I think W.W. would be a great addition to what you are already doing! Keep the faith and keep talking on here!

L.