Failed LapBands 2

I have the LAP-BAND® 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 wl journey.

Hi
My name is S.F. I had my LAP-BAND® 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-BAND®, 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.
Take care,
Beth in Texas / Dr. Peraglie MGB / 7 foot bypassed before 345 / now 290 ( 3 1/2 months post-op )

Hello,

I have the LAP-BAND® 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?
Answer: Yes it is our fastest growing market segment

If so, what is the procedure and cost?
Answer: The MGB is $17,000 and the LAP-BAND® removal is $5,000

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
Hanahan, SC

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.
Debbie in St. Louis!!!!

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:

Sandy J.

Dear Dr. Rutledge,

Greetings from the Northeast corner of Kansas! I have been researching my options for weight loss surgery, and I stumbled upon your MGB
procedure.

I had a LAP-BAND® placed in November, 2003. I am a tad under 5 feet tall, and my starting weight in November 2003 was 241 pounds. I have nothing
but constant struggles and frustrations with the LAP-BAND® since the day it was placed!

I have never had a significant fill in the band; I have not had an adjustment since May, 2005, and at that time the fill was less than
1cc. I **cannot** eat protein (chicken, rarely, beef, never), unless the protein is in the form of eggs, yogurt, or tuna. It is now a
meal-time ritual for me to have a "spit cup" next to me when I eat. I never know when something is going to go down, or get stuck. All too
often during meal-times, I have to run to the bathroom to throw up.

One would think that I would be thin, because I can rarely eat a meal. Sad to say, that is not the case. Initially I had good success with
the band, as far as weight loss--at one time I had lost 71 pounds, and had gotten to 170. Now my weight is back up to 201. This is the
biggest mystery to me, because I simply cannot eat--in total honesty, I seldom consume more than 1200 calories per day, because 9 times out of
10, I can't keep down what I ingest. I have adopted healthy lifestyle choices; for instance, I walk 5 miles a day, 6 days a week, plus I do
strength training.

After a visit to my primary care physician, and several tests later, she determined that I am suffering from malnutrition. I now have vitamin
B12 injections once per week.

I am, in a word, desperate. I'm scared to death of invasive bypass surgery, I'm scared to death of permanently altering my digestive
anatomy. I simply do not know where to turn or what to do. The MGB appears to be a solution. Any information your office could send me
would be so very greatly appreciated.

I eagerly await your response.

My very best to you--
Kelly

Dear Dr. R,
I wanted to ask you a question to see if I should even peruse the matter concerning the mini gastric bypass. A couple questions.
1st.

I went to Dr. Ortiz for a LAP-BAND® 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-BAND® 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?
2nd. I have a problem with sweets and I know the RNY helps with that because eating them will make you sick. Does the MGB do that also? I may call you sometime to talk about it further but first I'd like these questions answered.

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-BAND®. 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.

I previously wrote to you about my disappointing LAP-BAND® 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?

I get the LAP-BAND® on July 01, 2006 and doesn't work for me I sell my car for the LAP-BAND® and now im gona kill myself.

I had a LAP-BAND® 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-BAND® removal?

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??????????

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?

Sorry I'm not starting trouble. I now know 3 friends that are unhappy with their band. I take responsibility for my own decision. I wish the office I had it done at would help me some. Or at least return my calls.

I only want people who are considering the band To know that it is not perfect for everyone.

When I tried to research the band I did not find any people with negative things to say so I am just hoping people may be able to make a more informed decision.

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?

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-BAND® 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 realise 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 recognise 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 realise that the future may not be too rosey for me!!!!! I look forward to receiving your reply asap.

Good Afternoon Dr. R,

First, let me thank you for offering me an invitation to come and watch the surgery. That is a very bold and impressive offer on your part. I am convinced that you have nothing to hide and I respect you for the offer.

Unfortunately, I must respectfully decline for two reasons. First, I must tell you that I have decided to have my Surgery in Fresno. I had a LAP-BAND® installed in January of 04 by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut of Monterrey, Mexico. In my opinion, a World Class surgeon and person. I was a self-pay patient. For whatever reason, the LAP-BAND® has only been moderately successful for me. I lost 51 pounds (333 to 282) in about 5 months and have maintained + or - 2 pounds for the remaining time. I need to loose another 100 pounds in order to be able to like myself and hopefully extend my life span another 20 - 25 years. I'm 62 now, worn out and ready for the junk pile. If HealthNet would cover a GBP in Monterrey, I would be back there in a heartbeat. Since they won't, Dr. Rumbaut recommended Dr. Felix, Dr. Higa or Dr. Ho in Fresno. With that in mind, I've decided on Dr. Felix to modify my LAP-BAND® into a RNY. After intensive research, I believe that's the best procedure for me and that Dr. Felix has the most skill and expertise to get me through it. So far as my Second reason for declining your offer . . . . I think I'm a pretty macho guy, but you'd probably be spending more time with me than your patient after the first sign of blood. I commend you on your choice of profession, but some of us just aren't cut out (no pun intended) to do what you do.

I again want to commend and thank you for the way your've handled my complaint. I'm sure your surgery techniques are just as skillful as your patient relations.

My best to you and your family for the Holidays. Next time I get to Vegas and am all thinned down, I'll see if we can get together for an ounce or two of protein.

K W
CA

PS: I've heard conflicting opinions of leaving the LAP-BAND® in place and doing the RNY under it or just removing it to begin with. It kinda makes sense to me to deflate the band and only reinflate it if or when the new pouch stretches and weight regain is a possibility. Want to venture an opinion?

Please can you call me at your convenience (anytime will work for me). Otherwise email me with a convenient time to call you.

I would like to obtain details on the MGB procedure. I had a LAP-BAND® applied 2 years ago (no success).

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 sulivia every hour or so.

In Febuary 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 stomic was to think, my husband was told my stomic was to soft.

My doctor has sugested 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 to eat any thing elles untill 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 opions.I 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 shoud do ? I am getting more depressed every day thinking I will never be able to control my weight and wiil 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 somthing positve if posible.

Kathy S.

Dr R,

My mother-in-law had the LAP-BAND® 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-BAND® 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.

I have some questions about the Mini Gastric Bypass:

Also, I had the LAP-BAND® procedure (I still have the band) but have gained
all my weight back. Would you be able to remove the LAP-BAND® and perform
the surgery?

How long before I could return to work?

Thanks!

Dr. Rutledge,

Thank you for your reply. I currently have the LAP-BAND®, would it be
possible to have it removed and have the mini gastric bypass done?

Thanks,
M C
XXX, Inc.
Business Analyst
Phone: (919) xxx-xxxx

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.

I had a LAP-BAND® 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

Thank you for your attention to my problem.....Leann C

No more band

Well, I haven't posted in a while for I have been very happy with my band and living well with it. I got my band in August of 2005 by Dr.Ortiz and was very happy with the result.

I went from a size 18/20 to 14 and never had to have a fill because I still had pretty good restriction. I found out I was pregnant in the beginning of August this year and I really wasn't too worried because I had seen that a lot of people had successful pregnancies with the band, and, hey I hadn't even had a fill that needed to be taken out.......

Well, I've had a lot of "all day sickness" with this(my third) pregnancy. My first 2 were not like this. Anyway this past Thursday shortly after lunch I got incredible pain in my stomache that escalated in non stop vomiting.

I was admitted into the hospital and they ruled out my gall bladder with an ultrasound and put in an awful thing, an NG tube. This stands for nasal gastric tube and goes through your nose to your stomache and drains any contents to stop the vomitting.

Finally a very nice gastric Dr. got involved and diagnosed my problem. My band had prolapsed and my stomache had gotten kinked up in it. So it had to be removed immediately.

After the surgery I felt immediately better, no pain or sickness other than surgical sights. So I am relieved because it was a horrible 48 hours. I now have to try to get through this pregnancy without gaining too much weight, which really worries me. But the important thing is the baby is fine, we had an ultrasound right after and it was moving and waving at us. So I can deal with a little weight.

One other thing I thought was interesting is that my Hartford, CT. surgeon Knew of Dr.Ortiz and thinks very favorably of him. He actually praised his surgical knowledge and style. I guess a bunch of the doc's around here were trained by him. He is also going to become my physcian after the birth and will hopefully be able to give me a new band. So thats my story

surgery 8/19/06 Dr.Ortiz
222/187/150

Hello
I am a former LAP-BAND®er.
There is a site, LAP-BAND®talk.com that has a forum about people with complications and those who had to have the
band removed.

I had mine for 4 months, lost a pound a week[was happy with it], got a small amount of fill and the stupid thing completely closed down a few hours later.

I couldn't swallow my own saliva and after vomiting blood for a few hours, went to the hospital where I
spent 5 days[total obstruction, IV steroids, a pain pump,a nasogastric tube that pumped acid and blood out of me, and fluids for dehydration]

Not having a bm for 2 weeks is no fun either. I now have an ulcer[thank you band] from all the acid and still suffer from esophagitis. No...I didn't die, my band was ultimately removed, Hospital and doctor bills around $50,000 which I was able to negotiate to about $15,000.

A lot of people have good luck with the band, but do your research.

The newest stats show 25-75% of those who have it, need to have it removed and there are definitely lots of complications involved[slippage, ulcers, erosion, constant nausea and or vomiting or just wishing you could, and pain]

My port hurt ALL THE TIME...
Do your research and good luck...

M

The date banded.---------2004
Where you were banded (Country)----Mexico
Whether your band has Eroded or not.---Eroded - removed Dec 6, 2005
P M
Disbanded on Dec 2005 due to Erosion

Banded 2004
Banded in TJ MX
Surgeon Dr. O
Date of erosion detected Nov 21st
Band Removed Nov 28th

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.

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!!!)

--- In karen taylor
< wrote:
>
> As a child I had always been big boned (as my mother used to say),
and when I eventually left school I started to loose a few pounds
and felt a little better about myself, although I always felt self
conscious following all the usual taunts from the kids at school.
>
>
> I then met and married my now ex husband in 1993, and in 1994 I
gave birth to our daughter. I did put on 1 ½ stone during my
pregnancy and managed to loose a few pounds here and there after the
birth, until my marriage started to break down a few months later.
Eventually I plucked up the courage to leave what had become a
violent relationship taking my 15 month old daughter with me.
>
>
> Over the following years I started to put weight back on due to
depression, not to mention the extra stones that followed. My
confidence and self esteem plummeted to an all time low, and
returning home every evening after a day at the office I would put
my little girl to bed with only the sound of the television, my
thoughts turned to food. I suddenly found that food had become my
friend, also the odd drink of vodka and diet coke (not that the diet
coke makes any difference) went down quite nicely!
>
>
> In 2005 after many months of researching I come across an
article about the LAP-BAND®, and this is what happened to me………
>
> March 3rd 2005 I had my consultation where I immediately was given
the option to have a LAP-BAND® fitted or a bypass. I had a blood test
taken at this consultation along with a few to pay and a pre op diet
to purchase.
> April 4th 2005 I had my first LAP-BAND® operation in Birmingham,
UK and since then have had a further 4 operations to rectify
problems.
> Nov 2005 The 2nd operation was to reconnect the tube which had
disconnected and left me in so much pain for almost 5 months, I
actually thought that something was drastically wrong with me.
> Mar 2006 The 3rd operation to have the whole band replaced as it
had been placed too high, thus not creating a smaller pouch for the
food.
> May 2006 The 4th operation to turn the port round as it had
completely over turned. (Dr's don't know how or why).
> Nov 2006 I have now had another fill back at the end of October
by my consultant. Whilst having this fill I experienced a very
strange cold feeling, and at this point my consultant stopped and
said that he was not going to put anymore in the band, asked if I
could feel any restriction when drinking water, `nothing' I replied,
and off I went with another 2ml added, now up to 6.5ml. After
leaving the clink I started to get this terrible pain in my chest
(centre, between the breast bones), which then spread to the sides
and upper back. This went on for hours and I eventually dropped off
to sleep to wake the next morning pain free.
> My consultant called and I explained this to him, but as he didn't
make any comment relating to this pain I thought that everything
must still be alright.
> I still have no restriction and have since been sent an email from
my consultant stating that they all feel that they can not continue
to fill my band as there must be a structural problem with the band.
2 possibilities are:
>
> 1) An erosion of the band itself
> Or
> 2) An aneurism of the band.
>
> If it is an aneurism then the manufactures have verbally agreed to
pay for the band to be taken out and it would then be my decision to
have another one fitted. If it is not the surgeon has agreed to take
it out free of charge, but I will now have to pay hospital costs
(about £2000), which I can not afford after borrowing £7600 for the
original operation which has failed.
> Again Nov 2006 I then underwent another x-ray to see what the
problem was. Eventually I was given the terrible blow that my band
was in the wrong place yet again. The band was actually around my
left fat pad and not even around my stomach! (It's no wonder that I
continued to put weight on as I had no restriction what so ever). It
took many months for this to be detected, and of me complaining that
I had no restriction even after band fills were performed under x-
ray, and once again I found myself in hospital having more incisions
made to replace my 3rd band.
> Dec 20th 2006 Finally I had my 5th operation for another new band.
> During this last operation I had 1cc inserted into my 11ml VG
band, but have had absolutely no restriction to my food or liquid
intake. In fact, I have hardly lost any weight at all. I really
thought that following a pre op diet 2-3 weeks prior to this
operation, then the liquid and mashed stage post op, that I would
have lost at least 2 stone by now.
>
> I am not due to have my first official fill until 16th Feb but
still find that I could but don't eat more than I should.
> Each time I contact my health educator I am told the same, that
I should not be eating more than 4-5 tablespoons at each meal
(currently still on mashed stage). This is easy if you are a size 8
and not used to consuming large quantities of food, and whist I am
sticking to this religiously, I am finding that my hunger pains are
getting worse. It's not a case of head hunger or needing liquid as I
have tried this, but after having a meal I start to experience
hunger pains about an hour after. Two hours after a meal I then
start to have liquid (was told not to drink for up to two hours
following food intake). This still doesn't help.
>
> I visit the gym at least twice a week where I use the treadmill
and bikes (no other equipment used at this stage), I also try to
walk each day, weather permitting, and if I manage to get away from
the office for a lunch hour. Again, I was told to re-evaluate my
portion sizes, even though I have continued to explain that I am
sticking to the small portions, and that the gym is not the right
form of exercise. At the moment I just feel that I can not do
anything right in their eyes, and that I have paid out £7600 +
travelling costs, time off work unpaid for all operations, and many
added extra scars which should not have happened.
> I am extremely upset with the level of aftercare I have
received, and can't understand how a band has helped so many other
people.
> What am I doing wrong?
>
> Has anyone experienced all this pain and misery? As mentioned
previosuly, I thought that almost 2 years down the line that I would
have my life back and be slim once again.
>
> Kaz
>
>