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Post by pearbear on Oct 23, 2012 11:01:18 GMT -5
I know it's silly, I've already admitted that the lap band wasn't for me, and I'm very ready to make the change, but for some reason, walking into the office for an unfill just really hit me weird. This past week the problems escalated to the point where the thought of food would make me gag. Either the band slipped further or it was severely irritated, but every day it was constant problems. And I've lived for years with band issues so this was nothing new, just so much at once that (if it's possible) I was more miserable. That and since my ins is dragging their feet for approval I don't know how long it would be before the surgery, so it was just easier to make the appointment for an unfill then have to live with this longer. Anyway, just a little disappointed and needed to get it out so I can re-focus on work . eta: yeah, I didn't re-read well, lap, not lab!
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Post by hilary1617 on Oct 23, 2012 12:01:00 GMT -5
To me, it sounds like a success. You took smart, decisive action towards resolution of a problem to the extent possible. No need to be miserable while waiting for extraction! Keep in mind that the band failed you. You did not fail the band. Best not to suffer unnecessarily. Well done in taking charge! I hope the insurance approval comes through soon!
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Post by pearbear on Oct 23, 2012 16:23:23 GMT -5
Thanks for the support Hilary! I know (rationally) I did the right things, it was just some weird conflicting emotions going to have it done. Lol, it would have been so much easier just to go into surgery right away and have it all done at once, then I could just concentrate my worries on surgery ! Now onto the fighting of the insurance!
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Post by larra on Oct 23, 2012 17:26:51 GMT -5
YOU didn't fail! that piece of crap lap band did. the failure rate and reoperation rates for the band is the highest of any wls. You did what you needed to do for now. Just keep pushing for insurance approval.
Larra
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Post by Band to DS on Nov 6, 2012 16:58:59 GMT -5
The band never worked for me either. I only ever lost 30 lbs & gained it back within the first year. I also developed severe heartburn & swallowing problems. I got my band completely unfilled as soon as my DS surgeon documented the problems I was having. Unfortunately, I did gain some weight while I fought for insurance approval, but I lost it quickly after I finally had the DS. I'm 6 months post-op now & I've lost almost 85 pounds. I felt like a failure for a really long time, but now I realize that the band just doesn't work for a lot of people.
Shelli
Public Service Announcement:
Revisions can be tricky, so make sure you have an experienced surgeon. I had a great surgeon & my recovery from the DS hasn't been easy. I have severe reflux & lots of food intolerances due to scar tissue from my lap band. Not everyone has these issues, but you should know that it can happen.
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Post by pearbear on Nov 6, 2012 17:16:27 GMT -5
Thanks Shelli!! I too am worried about scar tissue, but my doctor has already talked to me about that possibility and how he will work with it, so I feel pretty safe with that. I love hearing the success of the DS, especially with former bandsters! You inspire me so much .
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Post by Band to DS on Nov 6, 2012 18:23:00 GMT -5
Honestly, I regretted getting the DS until about a month ago. I can't say that I love it now, but I've come to realize that it was a necessary evil. I'm pretty sure things would've been worse with a RNY & I'd weigh over 300 lbs by now if I hadn't done anything but get my band removed. That's just my experience, though. YMMV
Shelli
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Post by pearbear on Nov 6, 2012 20:09:05 GMT -5
Well, I'm glad you're at a "peace" of sorts with your decision. This is definitely a big jump, and of course it scares me to death, one of the big reasons the band caught me was that "no messing with your insides" crap. So I'm realizing now if I don't make this commitment to myself and my health it will never just magically get better. I am glad this board is so honest, I'd hate to be all sunshine and rainbows about such a major procedure and then have something happen with me and it hit me out of the blue.
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Post by Band to DS on Nov 6, 2012 21:42:14 GMT -5
:-)
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Post by Noodle on Nov 6, 2012 22:45:20 GMT -5
Dorre, I had a crapband in 2008 and all it ever did for me is cause me to puke. I had a revision to a DS 2 weeks ago. My insurance would not pay for it so I self payed. My surgery could not have gone smoother. I also had a hernia repair. I was up and walking within 12 hours. I went back to work today. I am now eating soft foods and taking my vits. So far I have lost 21 lbs. I love my DS. I am eating full fat cheese, cottage cheese, salami and loving it! You are not a failure-the crapband failed you.
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Post by Red Rage on Nov 7, 2012 0:29:07 GMT -5
Shelli, exalt for your honest portrayal of your experience with the DS.
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Post by pearbear on Nov 7, 2012 9:11:02 GMT -5
You all rock, thank you for so much support!! I am so glad I found this board. It just renews my energy to keep going to get what I want. And, I tell you, having this stupid band unfilled has been amazing. Do you know what I did for the first time in 7 years, I ate an apple!! A real apple, it was delicious, previously any uncooked hard fruit or veggie would kill me (and how did that make the band healthier for me, lol). I'm just so glad to move forward
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Post by honeybadger11 on Nov 7, 2012 19:47:22 GMT -5
pearbear all i can say is once you get that crapband outta you, it will be like an awaking. I suffered with the band for 5yrs. Just like Shelli i never lost more than 30lbs. It was a painful and daily struggle to eat and be normal.
The DS was a godsend. For me, its just easy. I get to eat all the delicious fattening foods i want, limit my simple carbs, take my pile of vites, drink tons of water and a few protein shakes and workout some and the weight has just fallen off me. Ive lost 157lbs in the last yr. It completely blows my mind!
I did have a good amount of scar tissue from the band which caused my surgery to be long (6hrs) but my surgeon is a perfectionist and i came thru with no complications. I do have some leftover issues from the band like i get a full feeling in the back of my throat when im full not in my stomach but it is what it is:) I can totally live with it!!!
Try not to be too hard on yourself. Youll see after the DS how much the band failed you. Its hard to understand until then. You are not this problem, the band is trust me!!!
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Post by Girlrocker on Nov 7, 2012 20:11:23 GMT -5
Honestly, I regretted getting the DS until about a month ago. I can't say that I love it now, but I've come to realize that it was a necessary evil. I'm pretty sure things would've been worse with a RNY & I'd weigh over 300 lbs by now if I hadn't done anything but get my band removed. That's just my experience, though. YMMV Shelli Yes, that would be me, I was inching my way back to 300 lbs after my RNY failed me. Pearbear, you took charge of the situation, you did the right thing , who knows WHAT more damage could happen if you didn't! Revisions are difficult and can be tricky; I've been blessed with a smooth recovery, but it was a long one. I do hope you have a vetted surgeon, really there are only a handful in this country really qualified to do either a band or rny to DS revision. It's not easy for our heads either, who in the world does this thinking we'd go through it twice?! Shelli and several others have had a tough time And then people like myself who are doing great. As someone who experienced a bonami of complications after my RNY, that required a second surgery, an infection, open wound, that kept me off work for four months, I can only tell you that knowing all that, I went for my DS revision anyway. I was willing to take my chances, because I knew I couldn't keep living as I was. I just hoped I would be spared the mechanical issues that can happen in any major surgery, and knowing my RNY had to be undone first One of the most liberating things for me was when I met my surgeon, Dr. Keshishian, who helped me understand that I did NOT fail, my procedure failed me. I was still waiting for the insurance approval at that time, and was bracing myself to live with a denial, but this gave me a peace I hadn't had since my RNY. So take yourself off the hook, and make sure you have a vetted surgeon who can handle this revision, it's worth traveling for if needed (and you can manage it).
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Post by Girlrocker on Nov 7, 2012 20:18:03 GMT -5
Shelli, exalt for your honest portrayal of your experience with the DS. And copy that! Shelli, I really hope this is turning around for you!
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