It has been forever since I have posted, partly because I've been busy, and partly because I've been frustrated.

 I've had my band for two years.  I've always had intermittent issues with it being too tight, and about a year ago I had all the fill removed and continued to have daily reflux and vomiting.  There would be days when I would throw up hot tea and water, and other days when I could eat pretty normally.  I had several Upper GIs and an endoscopy, but no one could see anything.  It has been frustrating.  I gained back about 10 lbs from my lowest weight, but have managed to maintain my weight for the past 18 months or so.  I would like to lose those last 10 lbs, but I am still comfortable with my weight!  

My brother (a bariatric surgeon) decided that I needed a revision to the new AP band.  He said he's seen much more success and less complications with his patients that have that band.  He would only let me see Dr. George fielding in NYC, as he believes Dr. Fielding is the best band surgeon and excellent with revisions.  When I saw Dr. Fielding, he said he believed I had a hiatal hernia that was causing the major part of the difficulty.  He also felt that the AP band would be better for me.

So, last week, I flew to NY for my revision.  It ended up being a huge expense.  The insurance company paid for the hernia repair, but they would not pay for the band removal and replacement.  NY hospitals are ridiculously expensive, as well.  I had my surgery on Monday, and Dr. Fielding did find a large hiatal hernia.  He also replaced my older band with a new, small AP band.  I spent the night at the hospital and flew home to Texas yesterday (Wednesday).

I am nervous and excited, probably the same as anyone having the band for the first time.  I hope it works.  I hope I don't continue to vomit all the time,  but I also hope I don't gain back any weight.  Traveling yesterday was probably a mistake, and I have been extra sore as a result - my flight of course was delayed 2 hours on the runway!  I am having some wicked gas pains right now too.

Anyway, that is the saga from my end.  I still tell everyone, I do NOT regret getting the band in the first place for one minute, and even if I had to live like I was forever, I would never have had it removed.  It is a little scary that I'd rather be thin and sick like I was than be fat, but it is the truth.

Here's to hopefully an even healthier future!