My banded journey thus far...almost 21 months

May 18, 2012

I have noticed some posts lately asking folks here if they would do it again. I answered yes I would but events of last week had me 2nd guessing for a little while. I suppose it's natural to fear making a wrong choice because of past bad choices..wondering if this WLS will be like every other failed diet....


Recap of my history so far: 10 years ago, I was critically injured in a head on crash which resulted in 16 months off work, 20+surgeries to repair broken hip and both knees...one which had to be totally replaced. I was 279 lbs at the time and I truly think a physically smaller person wouldn't have survived. As it was, I did code the first night of my 4months in the hospital. Fast forward 8 years later...266 lbs..daily pain meds for chronic joint pains, and pre-diabetic. Then..my husband gets diagnosed with throat cancer.

Well..because of the high costs for cancer treatment, we met the catastrophic limit for BCBS, which meant that any medical costs for the rest of the year would be no cost to me. It was difficult to feel like I was "benefitting" from his cancer but...it was also some good to come out of the bad. My husband DID recover completely, losing 80 lbs in the process.

Because of all the surgeries, including one that gave me a nearly fatal staph infection, I was reluctant for any invasive surgeries. I knew the risks of the lapband but i chose it because  I did not want to get my inner anatomy re-routed, nor did I want to lose at a rapid weight, risking gallstones or looser skin. In my experience, some friends that had the gastric bypass were more depressed with all their hanging skin.

I will admit that I too believed Allergans selling points, but I also trusted my surgeon and his track record. I knew the risks but hoped I would be one of the successful ones because this was my ONLY chance to afford this.  My doc was careful to explain all the risks.

With all the negativity about the band lately, I have sometimes second guessed my decision, wondering if I should tried to get the sleeve but...then i read about acid reflux being common. Yeah, the band is much more "high maintenance" but...then I look at my life and my results so far.

I was 266 lbs the day before surgery. Size 22-24, waist 46". I am presently 190lbs..size 14-16 (and even a size 12 dress!) with no comorbidities. 

I had three fills during the first year with a small unfill at 9 months out when I started PBing too much almost every day for a week. That adjustment lasted almost a year, until 6 weeks ago when I started getting hungry every 2-3 hrs and could eat more if I wanted to. I asked him for only .1 or.2cc but he looked at the pouch under fluoroscopy and added .5cc.
Two weeks later (last week), I started PBing again and during the weekend, my pain pill got stuck and I couldn't even drink water except for a small swallow at a time.

Soooo, I got in to see my doc first thing after the weekend and he took out 1/2 of what he put in last time and I am happy to report that I am back to normal...and losing again. The doc said I was right 6 weeks ago when I asked for a smaller fill. And now I know what is "too tight" for my pain pill.

If I had to do it over again, I would've still chosen the band but..if something happens to make me lose it (getting another pill stuck), I would most likely revise to the sleeve because the risks of losing a 2nd band is even higher. I just want to keep it,as long as it works for me, grateful that my problems have been minor and fixable thus far. I know if I lost the band, the sleeve would help me maintain the weight loss i have already achieved via a slower route.

Right now, my life is great. My husband has been back to work over a year now, successfully working as a Critical Care licensed paramedic, with every other weekend off.  After 26 years in my shiftwork job, i finally made it to the top of the seniority list so I have weekends off now too. Both our kids left the nest in February and we have been loving every minute of this new chapter. We are both skinnier and enjoying a sex life like we've never had before. He reminds me to get "my drink on" every night before dinner and makes sure I get the tenderest cuts. We go out a lot more often and sometimes just share an entree since both our appetites are much smaller. Good lord, we haven't had to go major grocery shopping since the kids left in February! It's so amazing to not buy a gallon of milk every other day....or to find my leftovers are STILL there the next day. :)

I especially love feeling beautiful again. I know I still have 20ish lbs to go but I am inching my way there steadily and wearing clothes that fit me instead of HIDING me. I look in the mirror every day and like what I see....even the not so pretty parts because I know it's just a shell anyway. I love my husband and his nickname for me. (little butt!).

In closing, I have to say for the sake of pre-ops, that I would not encourage someone to get the lapband, knowing what I know now, thanks to those who have shared their unfortunate experiences with the band. That's the big reason I am quick to call my surgeon for any issues. In almost 21 months, 4 fills & 2 unfills, and only 2 stuck episodes, I am doing well.
I can eat almost anything except for reheated chicken, doughy bread, or meat that is too dry....just much much smaller portions

To those that still choose the band over the other options, I would encourage them to follow the rules and never hesitate to call their doctor. Many issues can be remedied if handled promptly. I know I was reluctant to call at first because I was losing weight but...too many scary cases here made me call.

I thank everyone for sharing their experiences, good or bad andThanks for reading :)

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