Band Removal

Has anyone had their lap band removed?  I am thinking about doing that because after having my band for 3 years I have gained my weight back and it is painful at times.  I really think that this is not for me.  As for those of you thinking about doing a lap band, you will loss weight but the way you eat will change forever and I feel weight loss can be achieved in a better way!  Also you can eat around the band over time meaning you will find ways to eat the foods that go down easy!  

[Teddybear09]

You need to work with a dietiician and your surgeon to get the band working again.  I know where you are coming from about sabotaging my band but now I mad a deal with my psychiatrist to not eat chocolate or tim tams, I am getting help from the dietician and the gp who fills the band to get my band working for me so the weight that I had gained, is starting to come off.

Yes lap bands are a change of lifestyle and I am sure this was discussed with you by your surgeon.  You have to start to not eat empty calories and eat food that is good for you and will help get the band working again.  Good luck with it because I know where are at because my light bulb moment happened last year when I was at the gp who does the fills and she made a comment about getting the band to work and we are working on it.  Wish I had this head space when I got married in 2008 and then I would have looked better but can't be helped now.

Get some help and if that doesn't work, have the band removed.  remember you are likely to put on more weight because you have total freedom to eat.  Also becareful with any medications you are taking - some of them are very weight gaining medications and shouldn't be taken as they change your appetitie and you will eat the house out if you are on them.

[gilboandco]

Hi trishnhou, I've had my band in/fitted for over 7 years now, so I know what you mean about eating around the band. I think I've always done that always, but I have still lost 10 stones in total. I personally think If your band is filled to that (what they call)'the sweet spot' It don't really matter If you eat around the band you will still lose in the long run. I know because I have done It myself and still continued to lose stones. Please make the correct decision and good luck for the future. gilboandco.

[mered]

I have had my lap band for 2 years and have gained weight.  It is coming out in 2 weeks.  I lost a good deal of weight the 1st mo. of having it and then could eat around it and have gained 20 lbs!  

[mered]

I did it!!  I had my lap band removed on June 30th.  While the first 3 days were slightly sore I am now feeling much better.  I am watching every bit of food that goes into my mouth and going to start exercising next week.  For me this was the best decision that I could make for feeling lousy with the band and being able to eat around it.  

[kristen720]

I had my lapband removed 2 weeks ago. I was so upset..as this was such a lifesavor for me as I lost 65lbs. The reason they took it out was because I was having the worst acid reflux and the band was so tight around my stomach, even without any fluid in it. I was fine for years and all of a suddent it started. I feel better now and no more reflux but miss my band so much. It would help me control my eating and I am having a hard time now as I am hungry alot..I didnt get hungry much before. If I did over eat, it came back up..not anymore...down it goes and no return!!! So scared of gaining back all my weight so started exercising this week and watching my calories and fat.

[fiscalcass]

I saw your comment and wanted to say I still have my lap band but am thinking about taking it out.  My acid reflux is terrible and on my last visit the nurse practitioner suggested i have it removed.

I have had the the lap band for three years as of March.  In the beginning the weight loss was easy, but i hit a plateau.

For about a year now I have been having terrible reactions like throwing up, diarrhea, gas pains.  

My question is what complications can arise?

[skuzie]

i had mine removed last week and the fluid cos of vomiting and constant pain even when the fluid was out, the surgeon said that when he took it out it was adhered or stuck to my stomach, straight away my ache had gone, im just being sensible now, odviously servings are up a bit, but still eating slowly, i wonder if i will ever kick that habbit!!!

despite being sore, i feel better and when i eat still a bit sore but not as bad, after i see my doc im going back onto tony furgeson, with more determination, no excuses, i dont want to go back to 30kg ago!!

i wish everyone luck
susie

[clancy01]

I had my band removed a week ago and do feel great although very sore.  The surgeon butchered me and I have a dent in my belly now....go back to see him in 3 weeks to find out what he did.  I have had my band in since 2005 and had a band slippage fixed in 2009.  I originally lost 40 kilos in th first 2 years but with constant vomiting.  Then things changed and I have now put on 30 kilos.....he now wants me to try the new Gastric Sleeve....has anyone had this ???

[skuzie]

hey all,

i feel heaps better now a bit over 2 weeks without the band, even downed 1kg, which i think is 3pounds, (im in australia).

just remember the sleeve is NOT REVERSIBLE, and only a few world wide can reverse it, they take part of the stomach away to make your new bit, and the stomach left over they only staple it, and a main side effect although all the research descibes it as rare, but the staples can leak gastric contents like the acid into your abdo, which is immiate operation, cos i was thinking about it, but my surgeon told me that his off sider does them but wont touch you till useally 6 months after surgery!!!

i also have a little dint from were the port was taken out, and the wound has dehised, meaning not healed, and im having daily dressings, which means i cant go back to work, as im a nurse in ICU i would be a magnet to bugs! at least the parents are letting me live rent free, and my boss is great he suggested going from part time to casual and return to normal when i feel ready like after a couple of months, but kind of need a stable income while im saving for a house!!!!!

i know what you mean, you get used to small serves and that very painful reminder if you have over eaten!

lets just keep everyone especially ourselves motivated, we all are scared about going back, but together we can do it!

have a great day
susie

[tineshav]

i had the lap band surgury three years ago this December and i am scheduled to have it taken out today do to it being painful and i did lose weight for awhile but now i have gained 30 pounds back and my port hurts all the time and i am having some issues with things stuck i believe.