Regretting the band

I am really starting to regret getting my band.  I have had more trouble with it than most RNY patients.  I can't get my band adjusted right, it either too tight or not tight enough.  I throw-up at least once a day on it, more port area is always sore from bumping into things with it.  And I think the most upsetting part is that I have only lost 30 pounds in six months.  I did not pay $17,000 for something to not work (ok insurance paid most of it).  I am very frustrated with this thing.  I thought I did my homework and really wanted this thing but now I just want it gone.  Anyone know my pain or how I feel?  Can I do anything about it? 

Hi,
There was a point that I regretted my band... it was failing me...I wasn't losing much weight and was getting  really tired of tossing what seemed like everything I ate.  So I whined for awhile ( I can throw an AWESOME pity party)  And then something happened, I decided to really check myself, hold myself accountable for every inch of the journey.  I charted all my foods (even the things i wasn't suppose to be eating) I started holding myself accountable to do my exercises each day, (I stopped the excuses of why I couldn't workout), and I really worked to get my water in every day.   Was I perfect?  No.  Did I still have some issues that I had to get straightened out with Dr to help me succeed?  Yes.   But I am succeeding now.  My workout is much more intense than it was back then but now my body can handle alot more.  I am not trying to play down your frustration... I ASSURE YOU... I WAS there...  even offered to give it to anyone would come and  get it! I was blessed with really supportive friends that kept encouraging me and helping me learn ways to succeed... and now...  My goal is in site...  I mean,,,its really happening :)  You can do this and I do understand how issues make it harder, talk to your Dr about problems with the port, mine was sore after workouts for a long time but now my abs have built up muscles around it and it doesn't cause me any discomfort. 

So that is my advice, work on a plan to make it work for you, talk to others on what works for them. If you would like I am more than willing to send notes back and forth via messaging to give you some suggestions on what I did to help me get out of the rut.  It will get better, HANG IN THERE  :)

OH, PS....  how is your restriction?  Is it not there yet or are you eating things that getting through the band but are not good for you?  (Been there done that too)  Yes Now every one knows... I have goofed as well :)  Hang in there :)  You CAN do this :)
Let me know if I can help,
Swoosh :)

Well said Swoosh! 

Lisa O.

I'm sorry you're feeling like this. Could you tell me about your fills? How much does your dr give at once, have you had any unfills, how much, etc?

One thing you need to remember with the band is that you won't lose weight as quickly as other WLS. I think 30 lbs in 6 mos is great. What were you expecting or what were you told about losing with the band? My dr says 1-2 lbs per week. Also, the band is tool. You still need to do your part. Although, I'm not saying your not working hard and following the rules, etc. Losing weight can be frustrating. Do you have a support group that you go to? Does your dr have a support group or anything? 

Sorry you are having those feelings about your band,  I certainly do not agree, but that is irrelevant and not the reason for my reply.

I don't know what your expectations were going into surgery, but the average weight loss for a banded patient is 1-2 lbs per week after perfect restriction.

Point one :  Six months is not necessarily a long enough time frame to get to perfect restriction, especially if your Dr is ultra conservative on fills.

Point two:    Dividing your 30lb weight loss by 26 weeks  =  1.15lb per week.  That's well within the normal range for a female lap band patient, all be it on the slower side.

Certainly there are other options available,  but my suggestion is you sit down with your surgeon and have a discussion about what restriction should feel like and what you can expect when you reach that point.  Even with proper restriction, you will never feel that "Thanksgiving stuffed feeling".  Moreover, if you are eating too fast or taking too large a bite of food you certainly are going to run the risk of throwing - up.  If your drinking liquids with your meals that can also cause vomitting.   Before you throw in the towel, revisit your early band instructions from your Dr or if your's are sketchy or incomplete, consider Jean's band rules. 

It certainly is possible that the band is not the right choice for you , it could be that you have some complications or it could be owner / operator error.  Please consider reviewing the instruction manual.  

Best of luck, there is a wealth of info and experience here and plenty of suggestions on how to maximize the results you get from a lap band.

FatGuy(shrinking)inNC

I agree with the others it is time to have a heart to heart talk with your surgeon.  I personally think that most of us want to results of other WLS but also wanted to go with the least invasive surgery.  Who doesn't want to lose weight quickly!!  My  nurse practitioner told me before my surgery to only expect 1/2 to 2 pounds per week AFTER decent restriction.  So I took that and did the math for myself ~ 26 to 104lbs in a year. It took me almost a full 11 months to get decent restriction and I've lost 61 pounds. It will be one year on June 12th.  So don't be so hard on yourself....make a plan and plan to succeed!  Hoping you don't short yourself!

ITA with everyone else here..it's too soon to give up! Make an appt with your Doctor and REALLY talk to him..explain how you are feeling. Hopefully you can find a happy medium with your fill level and start to lose again. Good luck! -Nikki

Definitely talk with your surgeon.   I wouldn't know I had a port except when I go in for the fills and they poke around there.  Maybe share more here about your fill history.... how much are they putting in and taking out at a time.  My dr's office is VERY conservative and even though I've had 6 fills, I started with a 2cc primer and I'm only up to 6cc total.  But they rely on me for feedback and I have to be honest with myself about what I'm eating and how much to give them the right feedback.

I think you sound like you're doing fine with weight loss, just maybe reach out to your surgeon and see how you can make this work together.

 I've been there!!  There have been many times that I've hated my band in the last 2 years, many times I've fought my band, too tight fills, too loose fills...I'm too loose right now after an unfill but after being so tight I vomited for 4 months my body needs the break...and the weight gain, Grrrrrr.  30 lbs in 6 months is nothing to sneeze at, its 30 pounds GONE!!  Great job!!  I'm not sure what to tell you to do about it other than that you really have to just relax and go with the flow.  If a fill is too tight get it taken out, wait two weeks and get 1/2 of it put back if its still too loose, it is really trial and error when the sweet spot is close.    Restriction levels change as you lose, you may need .1CC every time you lose 10 pounds to stay perfect.  Yeah, its a pain to have to keep going in for fills but necessary.  I'm still learning so many things about my band 2 years out.  I think the first and foremost that I struggle with is that I am not in control in this situation.  Yes, I control what I eat, how much I exercise, and how often I actually GO to see my surgeon but I can't control my restriction, how often I NEED to see my surgeon, or what he will decide when I do see him.  I hope you find something that works for you.  As for that sore port you could ask to have it moved if you are willing to go through another minor surgery.  I hit my new low profile port a LOT less often!!

Kari

I am so sensitive to fills currently a little over a year out and I only have approx 3 to 3.5 cc in my band.

I get too tight if I'm filled with more than .2 cc's at a time .. with that being said the band is just a tool.. it doesn't take away head hunger, it doesn't help us make better choices it can only limit the amount we eat depending on our restriction.. and believe me though I can eat a slice or two of pizza now.. I can't eat a WHOLE medium like I did before the surgery.

We have free will .. ..RNY lose the weight fast and it's great but we have heard the stories where a year or two down the road they gain some weight back.. usually not all but some.. and that's because its possible to let our guard down....

It's hard.. everyday making that choice to be good when in the kitchen at my office lies a box of donuts and the chocolate frosted one is calling my name.

I agree with other speak to surgeon maybe go back to basic/clean eating, lean meat, veggies, fruit .. starting tracking your food.. and make sure you measure your meals etc. Like I said my band is on the looser side so I don't feel FULL or stuffed but I try to read my body and I know when I have had enough.. I don't need that last bite or two.. I'm good .. and if I do get hungry between meals I eat an apple or a pear..

Good Luck