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Stories of Failed BAND PatientsHi, I was also a lapbander and thank God I found this site and the wonderful folks in FL. Dr P removed my band 12days ago, and did the MGB. I feel great....I too had the slime coming up everytime I tried to eat and the pain when something got stuck on band. I had band 4 yrs and last 2yrs it was open too, and I still had issues. As far as I am concerned the band was a $15000.00 mistake, but the $170000.00 for MGB just to get band out was worth it. Everyday you continue to have the band could be more damage to your body. Stay on this site and you will get plenty of info. There is a 12 step process to the MGB, so get started on that while educating yourself. You can print the manual off the website and it tells you everything. Good Luck with your decision. Denise in FL Dear Dr. Rutledge, Please Help me. In 2004, I received a Lap Band in Mexico because my insurance carrier does not cover weight loss surgery. During the first 18 months or so, I went from 292 to 224 pounds and I was feeling great. Then I started having significant problems with aspiration, and I had to have all of the fluid removed from the band. It has been more than two years now, that I have had to sleep upright in a recliner, and I still have problems. With the band remaining wide open, and with a chronic loss of quality sleep, I have gained back about 20 pounds. This has lead to, or worsened my feelings of depression, and I'm truly horrified at the prospect of continuing to gain weight and trying to function with little quality sleep. My Doctor in Oregon has told me that I absolutely need to have the lapband removed, and this procedure alone, will cost somewhere between 13 to 15 thousand dollars. So once again, I am very seriously considering flying to Mexico to have the band removed and have a RNY bypass done at the same time. The cost for this would be $14,500. I have just come across your site which indicates that SOME patients might be able to have an outpatient MGB for as little as $9500, so this obviously catches my attention! I am a 52 year old male, 6 feet tall, approximate weight of 244. I regularly do cardio or fat burning workouts once, if not twice a day at least 6 days a week. I recently "tweaked" my knee, so my workouts have fallen off a bit, but for a pudgy guy, I'm in pretty good shape. I'm wondering if I might be a candidate for an outpatient surgery in which my lapband would be removed, and the MGB procedure might be done at the same time. I'm an elementary school teacher, and I'm feeling kind of desperate about getting something done SOON, so that I have time to recover and maybe even get some real sleep before school starts up again on August 25th. I would really appreciate it if you would let me know if I should look into your services any further. Cost is a huge issue, especially considering the fact that my wife is not at all supportive and thinks that I just need to use some self discipline. HELP?????????? Thank you, Randy B P.S. Is it reasonable to assume that removal of the lapband, followed by either type of bypass would remedy the problem(s) that are causing the aspiration? Dear Dr. Rutledge, I was banded in January of 2005, and after 2 years had lost 140 lbs. Earlier this year I began to experience a gradual loss of satiety which persisted despite aggressive fills. After endoscopy I found out that the band had eroded into my stomach. I had the band and port removed in March of this year. I now find I am constantly hungry, and have regained about 30 lbs. I am 5' 5" and my current weight is 250 (current BMI = 41.6). I am very interested in the mini gastric bypass procedure. I would be a cash patient; was wondering if you could approximate the cost of the surgery and hospitalization. I lived in Vegas for 26 years; I now live in Provo, Utah and would be very willing to commute for a consult and subsequent surgery. My sister lives in Vegas so I would have someone to look after me immediately following discharge. Until the band erosion, I was very successful at following the eating plan and implementing behavioral changes in regards to food; I also have undergone pre- and post-surgical counseling, and currently have been working with a private therapist over the last 3 years, partially in regards to my food issues. I am not bitter or angry at the outcome of the LAP-BANDŽ procedure, how could I complain about a substantial weight loss? I just am sad that I no longer have that tool to help me on my weight loss journey. I don't feel re-banding would be a viable option for me. I would appreciate some input from your office as to setting up a consult to have the MGB procedure. I originally was considering conversion to R-N-Y bypass, Fobi pouch surgery. or Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch; after researching your MGB procedure, it seems that it is less costly, less risky, less postsurgical downtime, yet just as successful. Thank you for reading my email; hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience. Cordially, Patricia S Hello, Dr. Rutledge, My name is Wanda H. I live in Anderson South Carolina, I had the LAP-BANDŽ in august 2002, I kept it until July 2006. I didn't lose but about 35 lbs. I always had the restriction but when I ate I would vomit. The only things that would go down were the bad stuff. I am interested in the mini bypass but on my LAP-BANDŽ surgery I was private pay and my insurance that I have now does not cover surgery. Do you know of any insurance that is out there and would be available to cover mini bypass. I spent 20.000.00 dollars with the LAP-BANDŽ surgery then the removal of the band. I am at my wits end I cannot lose weight and I just keep gaining. Could you please give me some directions I would appreciate it so much. Thanks so much Wanda H. Hi, All Band people have continued eating many many times after we were full. Just take me to a pizza buffet!!! LOL I'm 61 years old and I've had my Band for 3 months. A couple of times I ate too fast or the wrong thing (pasta) and became very miserable. Chest pain, nausea, and profuse sliming. (Production of massive amounts of saliva---sorry to gross you out) And you can't swallow the saliva so you have to spit. This has only happened a couple of times, but believe me, if I get that twinge of too much or too fast, I'm done eating. I know that I'm responsible for what happens to me with this band, and I know if I start being able to eat larger amts, or become hungry all the time, I need a fill. That's what's great about the band-----the adjustable aspect. Good luck, Yes, My band was placed and I initially lost about 20 lbs. I am eating only about 1/2 the amount of food that I used to eat. The problem I think is that I can still eat junk food, especially sweets. The good nutritional food I like to eat like chicken, lean steak, salad and such just makes me sick after a couple of bites. One thing I am not able to eat is breads, donuts, pasta especially anything made with yeast. I'm glad to have broken my bread habit. Now if I could just not eat other junk food. On the plus side I have not gained any weight since having the band, but I'm not happy with not loosing any as I'm carrying around over 100 pounds extra weight. It's really starting to affect my life. My LAP-BANDŽ doctor was Dr. Robert R. In Mexico. He was really great and I had such a good experience, but he does not do the revision surgery to remove the band and do the gastric bypass. I have been overweight about 9 years. I have applied for a personal loan to have the surgery as I am self employed and have no insurance. I live in Kingman which is only and hour and a half from Vegas. Hope this information helps. Respectfully, Marla Hi Kathy! Welcome to CLOS! My name is Tricia and I was a LAP-BANDŽ conversion to MGB. I can tell you first of all that you made the right decision to come here instead of settling for the LAP-BANDŽ surgery. As a former LAP-BANDŽ patient, I can tell you that this surgery is not only easier to recover from, but it is also THE BETTER SURGERY as far as losing weight and keeping it off goes. With the LAP-BANDŽ, you might have lost weight, but sooner or later, you would have developed problems (reflux, slippage, etc.) that would have steered you right into gaining weight again. I love the MGB. No PBing (violent vomiting or dry heaving), no pain in the chest when eating, no pain anywhere! If you want to know more, just email me and I will be happy to share more of my experiences with both the LAP-BANDŽ and the MGB with you. Good luck on your decision making. Tricia
I just got my book today and it mentioned we needed to be on the web site as part of our deal to get the surgery. Is this what I am supposed to be on? Also, I read where you could not drink soda's after the surgery, I have the band [failed at it] and I knew it mentioned not drinking soda's because of the acid on the band. What is the reason for the by-pass since there is no band? Thank you Hello, I had the LAP-BANDŽ for two years and have just recently had it taken out 2 weeks ago. If I had it to do over again I would have NEVER gotten the band, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work for some people. The band gave me terrible acid reflux and started cells in my esophagus, spelled wrong I'm sure, to begin converting to cancerous cells. Needless to say the band had to go! The problem is that the band creates a pouch at the top of your stomach which in turn holds the acid from the food you've just consumed right there at the bottom of your esophagus...not good. I did lose some weight but every time the acid would mess with my band and cause another slip and I had to go unfilled for a week or two I gained back whatever I lost. So for me I'd say no to the band, but who knows maybe you would never have issues with reflux and the band would suit you fine...it's total personal decision. The one thing that I have figured out is that calorie absorption is cut in half with gastric bypass but with the band you still have 100% absorption because nothing has been physically changed. So due to that you do lose more weight with the bypass rather than the band. Whew...lot of typing! A. Dr. Rutledge, I have been researching mini gastric bypass for over 6 months. I am 54 years old and my peak weight was 220. After trying every diet and exercise program, I could not maintain weight loss. It seems whatever I loose it comes back with a vengeance and another 10 #. 4 years ago I had a LAP-BANDŽ procedure in Mexico. I have lost only 30 lbs and it has remained off and I travel back for refills. I cannot seem to get to my weight down any further. I am 5' 6" and weight 190 #. My BMI is just over 30. I have hypertension, sleep apnea, and increased cholesterol. I live in Montana and am a Registered Nurse. I am well aware of the criteria and complications as well as the need for nutritional follow-up. Would you consider me a candidate for MGB? Sherry N LAP-BANDŽ Negatives I had slippage and reflux with the band. I had it fixed once due to slippage. I still had reflux so I had it taken out. There are negatives to all wls. You just have to figure out what is best for you. Good luck! T. Hey, I have the LAP-BANDŽ right now, but I'm in the process of converting to gastric bypass. Bottom line...not losing weight with the band. So, after much thought, I've decided to convert. There are people, more than you'd think, who just can't lose the weight with the band. No complications other than not losing the weight. I don't care if I lose one pound a week or 5..I just want to keep losing. So, that is why I'm opting for the bypass. Good luck in your decision and your wls journey. Take care, Hi My name is S.F. I had my LAP-BANDŽ done Nov. 2004 and just recently had an emergency E.G.D. on June 14th and a copy of the summery of the report found out they found an erosion and migration of my LAP-BANDŽ, can anyone help me with this? Hello Tricia, I too had the stomach band and then had the MGB on 7/26/06 by Dr. Peraglie in Houston. But I had my band placed in 1988 in Houston, and then had it removed in 1994, after 6 years of having it. I was having many of the same problems with the band that you mentioned in your post below. 12 years after having my band removed I had the MGB. I can honestly say I tried to make the band work for me but the amount of vomiting I did after eating only a few bites of the healthy foods was causing other health issues for me. I just thank God I discovered the MGB and Dr. Peraglie because He has saved my life!!!!! I truly hope everyone researches their options very well before deciding which weight loss surgery to have. I had my first one in 1988, not covered by insurance, cost a small fortune and it did not work. This time, with the MGB, it is working beyond my expectations, and, I will finally get my health back. I wish I could tell everyone interested in weight loss surgery the problems with having a band. It is not geared to long term success and is not healthy for most. I have many other friends who had it too and failed to succeed with it and reach their goal. Many gained back most of their weight and still can't eat healthy foods. With the MGB I have never vomited, and I am 3 1/2 months post op and have lost 55 lbs. already. I never had these kind of results with the band, and, I truly hope people will realize the bands high rate of failures, and get the MGB instead. I just felt I had to write and let you know you're not alone, and to wish you well and hope you have as much success as I am having with my MGB. Our bands were a nightmare but that part of our lives is over now, Thank God. Hello, I have the LAP-BANDŽ now. I was banded in 3/2005 in Mexico. I weighed 211 then and now weigh 182. Very slow and hard to lose the weight. I throw up nearly every meal due to food getting stuck. Do you do the conversions to MGB? If so, what is the procedure and cost? I have watched some of the video's but didn't know if you took the band out or if it had to be done previously. Thanks, Rhonda K Hi Tricia.. No, I am no a conversion from any weight loss surgery. But I will say that I checking into both the lap and the RNY and was this () close ..lol to having the RNY. A girlfriend of mine after I spent almost a year talking to her about the MGB, went with the lap. she had nothing but complications from day 1 and finally had to have it removed after 6 short months b/c the band eroded (sp) into her stomach.. OUCH.. Good luck to you. Hello, My band did not erode but it was removed, Banded 7/13/05 Removed 5/31/06 Dr. J., Ocala, Fl. My band was removed due to medical complications, my body rejected the band!! Dear Dr. Rutledge:
A friend of mine sent me you email address. I'm 45 years old
and had LAP-BANDŽ surgery 4 years 2 months ago. I am 5'1" tall and weighed 318
lbs at the time of my surgery. I now weigh 271 lbs. My lowest weight was
244 lbs. I would very much like to have a revision surgery. I live in
Sacramento, CA and was referred to a bariatric surgeon at Kaiser in
Richmond. They recently started doing
LAP-BANDŽ
and also do the RNY gastric bypass. I was told they would not convert my
surgery because they just don't do any revision surgeries. I do have access
to another insurance also. If needed I would self pay if I have to. I am
miserable and don't want to spend the rest of my life at this weight. Can
you help me?
Sandy J.
Dear Dr. Rutledge, Dear Dr. R, I went to Dr. Ortiz for a LAP-BANDŽ and he found that my aorta artery and another one too were too close to my stomach( which is on the wrong side also) and he could not place the LAP-BANDŽ because he thought it might rub the arteries and cause a rupture. Do you think the staples would do the same thing?
Or do you think it could be done open and use stitches instead? Thank you. I guess this will be the last time I e-mail you until I see you at my one month follow up. I want to thank you all for your help in my conversion from the LAP-BANDŽ. I can already tell that this is going to be so much easier than the band ever was. I can tell the difference in my body and the way it feels. I'm not weighed down anymore even though I haven't lost that much weight. I just don't feel blah anymore. I realized yesterday and today especially, how much more energy I have already. The daily grind doesn't exhaust me anymore!! Trish and Sandy, you are the best. I consider you friends and I hope you feel the same way. Dr. Rutledge, I have already started telling family and friends about you--especially if they mention their weight and wanting to do something about it. I have struck the curiosity in several people. I told them that they will be in the best hands if they decide to have surgery with you and your staff. Sincerely, Tricia Dr. Rutledge, I previously wrote to you about my disappointing LAP-BANDŽ experience. My next question is how much overweight does a person have to be to have MGB surgery? Also, do you have an age limit? Thanks, Ann V I get the LAP-BANDŽ on July 01, 2006 and doesn't work for me I sell my car for the LAP-BANDŽ and now im gona kill myself. I had a LAP-BANDŽ procedure in May of 2006 and have only lost 25 pounds. If this is as good as it gets I will be seriously considering a MGB. How much does it cost with the LAP-BANDŽ removal? Thanks Ann Hi, I wanted to get some feedback from others out there who may have gone through my situation. I had my Lap-Band surgery at a top hospital in NYC in May 2006. I lost 10lbs in the first weeks after surgery when you are on liquids and still healing. Now I have a hard time eating solid protein and tend to eat high-carb foods that get past the band easily. As a result, I haven't lost weight in the last few months. I contacted the hospital and they say that if I cannot tolerate proteins and am going to unhealthy foods instead, my band may be too tight. I feel like the band has failed me and that if I do end up losing weight in the long run, it will be the "traditional" way, without the assistance of the band. Has anyone else experienced this and could you shed some light or provide a glimmer of hope? Thanks & best to all. J Hello Dr Rutledge thank you for replying to me so quickly.. In as few words as possible - can you tell me the difference between the midi gastric bypass and the actual gastric bypass. and which would be the best one to have in my case - as detailed below:- I have been told that the stomach stretches back again with the midi - is that so? Why I am asking these questions, is that I have already spent a considerable amount of money in France - having a LAP-BANDŽ fitted, only to find that it did not suit me - and restricted not only the amount of food one ate, but also what foods one could eat.. It seemed the band allowed all the BAD foods to go down ok - but restricted lots of the good ones...also the vomiting, and the filling of the band turned out to be very expensive and inconvenient...I have now had the liquid removed...but the band is still inside me. I had the band fitted in 2002... I need an operation which works...I realize we all have to eat to survive ha-ha. but with myself...sometimes I can go on and on once I have started...I daresay you recognize this from your other patients....my BM1 is 42.1/2 - and I am 61 years of age.. other than that I am in reasonably good shape...but if this weight stays on I realize that the future may not be too rosy for me!!!!! I look forward to receiving your reply ASAP. kind regards yours sincerely Joan m Good Afternoon Dr. R, Dear Dr. Rutledge Please can you call me at your convenience (anytime will work for me). Otherwise email me with a convenient time to call you. My number is 630-xxx-xxxx thats my cell phone. I would like to obtain details on the MGB procedure. I had a LAP-BANDŽ applied 2 years ago (no success). Thanks you kindly,
Hallo,
my name is M M, I'm from Luxemburg. 3 years ago, I had an operation
and got a
LAP-BANDŽ, BMI of 39. The
LAP-BANDŽ works, but in the last time I got several problems with.
That's why my doctor, Dr Martin Kox, proposed me the solution of a
gastric bypass. Looking now in Internet pages, I found lots of negative
comments about.
Where are the happy people, who lost her weight??
I scare's, is there really a reason???
Thank you for your help,
M
Help Dr Rutledge!!! I had a LAP-BANDŽ surgery in July of 2002, I was unable to even drink any fluid for the first two days and stayed in the hospital until I could drink 8 oz with in a hour, I was able to do this on the third day. When I got my first fill I again could not drink even fluids and had to go back and have part of the fill removed after having to have an IV for dehydration from vomiting my own salvia every hour or so. Needless to say I had problems most the time with heartburn/reflux, In February of this year all the fluid was removed from the band , In August of this year I had to have surgery because the band had slipped, After the surgery I was told the band could not be refitted and it was taken out. I was told the reason was my stomach was to think, my husband was told my stomach was to soft. My doctor has suggested the slipped bad was caused by me over eating. I do not fill this was the cause as I eat very small portions of mostly soft foods as I was not able to eat any thing else until all the fluid was removed. I have been told by my doctor he will not but a band back on even if I wanted one back on. If I wanted to have surgery again I would have to have a bypass. My insurance does not pay for this type of surgery so before I decide to take out another loan and have another surgery I would like to know all of my options' have been gaining weight back since all the fluid was removed from the band and even more so since it was removed. Can you give me your opinion on what you think I should do ? I am getting more depressed every day thinking I will never be able to control my weight and will one day die from it. Most of my family is obese so I know what I have to look forward too if I do nothing .Thank you for listening to me, I hope to hear from you soon. It would be nice to hear something positive if possible. You can reach me at TERRI.XXXX@XXXX
I am so excited I saw your website
I have a
LAP-BANDŽ
and hate it!!
long story
anyways,,,I live in Michigan and I contacted the rep from there
however, I am a medical cardiology tech and want the best
where are you located?
Kathy S.
Dr R,
My mother-in-law had the
LAP-BANDŽ surgery about 2 years ago and it has not done anything as
far as wieght loss goes all she does is throw up.
She wieghs about 360 pouds and i am very worried about her health. Not only does she have bad knees and hips but she has a huge hernia the size of a basketball that she has had so long that her posture is slumped to one side from leaning over it all these years. she can't stand up for more than 10 minutes at a time because of her back hurting from having the hernia and no muscle in her abdomin. she has had the hernia fixed once but it came back two weeks after she had it fixed. No one should have to live this way. She paid the hernia off after 2 years and is still paying for the LAP-BANDŽ surgery because her insurance would not pay for it. I doubt it pay for the mini bypass either, but it's worth a shot. she is 59 years old. my question to you as a doctor is considering she has mesh over her abdomen from the hernia repair would it be impossible for the gastric bypass due to chances of infection where the new connection to the intestine is. i heard of them doing a pouch shaped like a banana is that any different than the original one. would you please let me know if there is any chance for her and this surgery. and if there are any doctors willing to take this challenge on in the Houston Tx area. sincerely, Christy J.
Hello I have some questions about the Mini Gastric Bypass:
Dr. Rutledge,
Hi Dr R.
I am very interested in the possibility of having the MGB surgery and have been researching it for the past few months. As I am currently printing out the patient info packet I have continued to read the wealth of information you have available on this website. I have just read that you do not accept patients who have had other bariatric surgery. This fact is disturbing to me. I am a failed Lap-Band candidate. I had my surgery performed by Dr. Horgan in Chicago. I was very successful with the band and extremely happy with my decision to take control of my chronic weight problem. I worked hard and followed all the rules the program entailed. I was one of the few unfortunate people who had a problem with the band erosion. It was removed last April and since I have regained 35 of the 75 pounds I had lost. I am now searching and researching options for myself. The MGB appears to be the best option for me. I am concerned and inquisitive about the no previous abdominal surgery rule. Is it steadfast or can individual cases and specific circumstance be reviewed? I am an RN and believe this procedure is the most appropriate option for me at this time. It would be disappointing if the possibility of the MGB couldn't even be discussed. I would especially appreciate your consideration in this matter.
Thank you, Nancy G.
I have a
LAP-BANDŽ and I would like to have the mini gastric bypass done, what
is the cost please....
Height 5ft 6 inches
Weight 300 pounds
Kindest Regards
S E
Dr. Rutledge, I had a LAP-BANDŽ done in November 2004, had to have it removed in January 2006, because of infection in the port and band. I can't seem to get rid of the infection completely!!! Ive been on antibiotics off and on for the last year, Augmentin, Bactrim and Ribflampin, I took the last of the antibiotics around September 14, I am so afraid that the infection will come back again around the end of November again. If I need to have surgery to go inside where the port was to see what is going on in there, CAN YOU DO THIS SURGERY FOR ME? I also have been considering MGB, simce I am not doing well with the weight loss. Ive put back 30 pounds, that I lost...I so desperatly want to lose weight and get rid of this infection once in for all. CAN YOU HELP ME? Please call me at 702-xxx-xxxx or e-mail me at leannxxxx@yahoo.com
Thank you for your attention to my problem.....Leann C
No more band
STUPID band! what is WRONG!!! ok guys i am about ready to pull the plugs on my optimism with the band. this (insert curse words) band is giving me problems AGAIN and i really dont know what to do!!! i had been partially unfilled since may when i recieved a tiny fill that was fine for a few weeks but got progressively tighter to the point of closing me off. the dr took out .4 cc's SWEET RELIEF! so i waited 3 months to get a small refill. .1 and 1/2 but definitally NOT .2. (my dr said a .1 fill is so small its hard to give one that tiny so it was a smidge more than .1 but not more than .2.) so i go home things are great. eating solids no PB's this goes on for a few days. i do notice that my meals are getting smaller and smaller. yesterday my caloric intake consisted of: BREAKFAST: yogurt LUNCH 4 bites of mushy mexican (barfed up) NEW LUNCH slimfast DINNER 2 bites of mush cooked veggies (barfed up) NEW DINNER yogurt and a 90 calorie juice i am SO FRUSTRATED i dont know what to do. before my fill i was WIDE OPEN. i had no restriction on portions and none on textures. HOW can a .1 - .1 1/2 fill SEAL ME OFF???? if i cant EVER get restriction again how can i be successfull with the band? in november it will be 2 YEARS that i have gone WITHOUT restriction. i have had so many fills and unfills its RIDICULOUS. my fluid level is constant. i have never had them draw out less than they thought should be in there. my band hasnt slipped. WTF IS WRONG THEN??? ok enough complaining. i have to figure out if i can wait a week till my scheduled unfill or if i will have to in sooner. (MORE CURSE WORDS!!!) M banded 8-18-03
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