My journey

Aug 17, 2009

In 2001 I had my first lapband put in.  It was not yet FDA approved and so I was part of the study group.  I was at my top weight of 289 lbs and at 5'1 my BMI was almost 55.    My lapband was put in at NY  Mt. Sinai by Dr. Alfons Pomp.  I lost about 100 lbs. (some of it I lost before surgery with just regular diet and exercise).  All was going fine until around 2005 when I began to start gaining weight and was constantly adjusting the band; it was too tight; it was too loose.  Then Dr. Pomp referred me to NYU and Dr. Ren to diagnose the problem with the band.  Had another surgery  in 2005 to repair a huge hiatel hernia which was interfering with the operation of the band.  Prior to the surgery I had gained about 35 lbs and lost it shortly after the surgery so was feeling optimistic.  However in 2006/2007 I had continual problems with the band; no real weight loss; kind of like up and down with weight but nothing drastic either way.  In 2008 it was determined that the band had slipped up and was around the esophagus and needed to come out  By this time I had moved to FL so was unable to return to the NY doctors.  I found Dr. Michel Gagner in Miami Mt. Sinai (who I knew from NY) and in this past February he removed the old lapband, put in a new lap band.  I had again gained about 35 lbs prior to this surgery.   Initially after this surgery I lost 30 lbs the first month and then another few more lbs on top of that. However I have to say that the band was a disappointment.  It has now caused dilation of my esophagus; I have been at a total standstill with weight loss and I am now with the surgeons at Cleveland Clinic at Weston, FL.  Their recommendation is to remove the band and do a revision to an RNY.  My surgery is scheduled for August 31.  I realize deep down inside I probably should have done the RNY from day 1 but I guess we live and learn.  I will update again after surgery.  Good luck to all of you in your own individual journey and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Maryjo

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About Me
Boynton Beach,, FL
Location
25.2
BMI
Surgery
08/31/2009
Surgery Date
Nov 02, 2008
Member Since

Before & After
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289lbs
143lbs

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