Revision of Gastric Band

Hi Jeanie, I had my gastric band fitted privately in 2007. I initially lost about 5 stone but then gradually put it all back on again as I didn't have any restriction. I had several fills but very little restriction after them. I went to another company for 3 fills in 2011 but still nothing. Although I have no restriction I will still be sick after eating quite regularly. I really want your advice as for the last 3 months I have had very little appetite. I have an under active thyroid and saw my gp almost 3 months ago and after blood tests showed that I wasn't taking enough thyroxine he increased my dosage. I still haven't lost any weight even thou I am barely eating.I'm wondering if there is a problem with my band or if it has suddenly decided to start working again afteraround 6 years! I am not in a position to pay privately to see my original surgeon and would appreciate any advice you could give me about where to go from here. Many thanks. Deb

Hi Deborah, I had my Gastric Band fitted Privately

So Sorry that you are not well,, my journey wasnt an  easy one as i have mentioned above I never lost any weight and had several fills. Like yourself people think that having a Gastric Band sorts all weight problems out but little do they know that it doesnt suit everyone. After a few years I got to the stage where all of a sudden i couldn't even eat sloppy foods as after a couple of mouth fulls everything would come back even water i struggled for 3 months until i couldnt cope anymore.. My Consultant informed me that when he opened me up to take the Band Out the port had erroded and with constantly being sick the acid had caused this problem, this meant that the Band was getting Gastric juices in. The Band thought it was getting a fill so started to restrict thus the reason why nothing would stay down also he told me that i wasnt tollerating the band.. I think if i were you i would ask your GP to send a letter to your Consultant regarding your problem.. i know you say you cant afford to see your consultant privately neither could i but i paid £180 to see him and the next day i was being operated on. If your GP mentions Funding fight your case i did and won..tell him the misery frustration, depression and pain that this has caused you.... please feel free to ask any further questions hope this helps..      Jeannie

Hi Deborah

please private message me if you want to discuss further, or talk about personal things

Jeannie

Hi there, I have a lap bad which was put in in 2007. I inititialy lost 5 stone which was wonderful. Over the years I have needed more & more fils to keep it off. I am now in a position where I have put it all back on as any fluid being in my band gives he constant heartburn & I live on Rennie. 

I have now had it emptied & have an appointment to have a it removed & a full Bypass on 15/4/15.

I agree it doesnt always work for everyone. Hope you have found a solution to keeping your weight off or being happy in your own skin.

Best wishes for the future xxxx

Hi Tubbyone,

Good Luck with the Bypass i would like to hear how you feel after the OP and how things progress, I have kept my weight off so far fingers crossed that things stay the same

Jeannie

Hi tubbyone, would you mind my asking if you are funding this revision yourself or is it nhs? Good luck with your op. Debbie

Morning...3 days post op. First few days were a bit hairy...don't like this injecting myself in the belly much but only for a few more days (Clexane to stop clotting). Pain, wind & swelling subsided. My band was a pig to get out & had deep tissue & fibre build up around it. Surgeon apologised for the bruising but this will go down. Fluids going down fine, not sitting under my boobs like an egg timer which is great. Not feeling hungry, eating soup, yoghurt, protein shakes which seem to give me the energy I need. Light headedness gone. Onwards & upwards

We all have to appreciate that none of us go into surgery blindly to help with our weight, but if anyone needs help, guidance or just a hug I am happy to send xxxx