Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Lap band intolerance and bypass revision?



Recommended Posts

Hello all,

I come to you with a heavy heart. I am, by all definitions, a successful bandster. I am 5 1/2 years out from surgery and had an initial weight loss of 165 lbs. I am still maintaining a 115 lb weight loss.

However... I have what has been identified as "lap band intolerance." My lap band continues to get tighter and tighter, the longer I have it. I had a revision 3 years ago to switch from a 4cc band to a 10cc Vangaurd. That gave me plenty of room... for a while. But this band is now getting too tight. I have been admitted, more than once, for I.V. hydration after an accute obstruction.

I also have a chronic issue with inflammation that no one can explain. When I get puffy, my band gets too tight. I wasn't aware of having this inflammation problem before my band... but of course, I was 330lbs. Who would have known if I was "puffy??" We have stopped my period (Mirena) to try to address the monthly tightness... but, I get tight anytime I have inflammation. It is not lupus nor is it lymphoma... all of that has been checked. Maybe it is the band... I don't know.

ANYWHOOOO... me, an avid supporter of the lap band, is a person who is faced with 1) a revision to a bypass or 2) a trip back into the land of morbid obesity.

I would love your feedback. I understand that there have been others with band intolernace. I really want to hear from you. I want to know about your experience... and if you were able to resolve it. It is NOT an option to simply take my band out with no tool to replace it. I have even spoken to the developers of the lap band to see if they might have an answer for me. They are are concerned about the inflammation... but think that my best option is to go to an AP band. Yet a third band does not feel like a good solution.

Thank you, in advance!

Jules

Upstate NY:confused:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am so sorry this is happening to you, I have thought a lot about what course i would take if my band had to come out. I decided if this did occur I would probably opt for the sleeve (GVS) procedure. Have you researched this at all? You need to make the decision thats right by you. They have a sister forum you can access on this site. Just a suggestion I hope it all works out for you. Please keep us updated!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Would is be possible that it is an allergy to the materials?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Please keep us posted on this matter. I am so sorry you are having problems. You have come such a long way already.

Have you checked into the Realize Band or the gastric sleeve?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So sorry to hear of your situation. I have nothing to offer in advice I'm afraid. I just wanted to wish you good luck, keep your chin up & hope the right answer comes to you. Best wishes, truly, from the heart.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you so much for your kind replies. I did think about a different type of band... Either any AP band or the other brand of band. However, I dont think that would address my issues with inflammation. I still swell up pretty regularly (for no apparent reason).

As for the sleeve... If I'm going to have surgery again, I am not going to go with a restictive procedure alone. I believe that my metabolism is such that I will need something more to shake my obesity again! I would also have to travel out of my region for the procedure. It is not offered around here.

Thanks again... Keep the feedback coming. My RNY will not be scheduled until the insurance clears. The concern is that I do not weigh enough to qualify for a RNY. My BMI is 32.

Be well,

Jules

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am new to the world of the Band but were I in your position I wouldn't even think twice about it. I would get the bypass. I know many people who have had it and have done well. Obviously due to malapsorption you would be able to eat very little sugar but other than that shouldn't be a huge deal. Since you are not Obese anymore will your insurance pay? I have no idea if you are self pay or not but I asked that question to my doctor. If they had to take the band out due to a complications and I am 100lbs down would they pay or would I have to gain the weight back. He implied most insurances would pay if they argue for it. Best of luck.

Greg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×