I recently eluded to having some issues with my band. However, I didn't go into detail informing you of what those issues were. The reason is I didn't want to talk about. So many of those in the blogosphere have become "unhappy" with their band. This has resulted in a lot of people blaming the band for their lack of weight loss success on jumping on the revision wagon...I guess some feel that's what to do when you stop losing...
...no...what you do is take a good long hard look at yourself and face the truth. You are eating crap, you aren't moving...you are just not working your band. Ugh...let me get off my soap box.
On May 1, 2012 I went in for a fill. I had not had a fill since November 16th. My 1 year bandiversary. It was either get a fill or start biting people...because I was hungry. It was an extremely small fill .3. It put me at 8 cc. I was excited. Fast forward 3 days later...I could barely swallow my own damn spit. Umm...something was rotten in Denmark. However, this happened on Friday night. So I sucked it up and wait until Monday. I called first thing that morning. I got in. X-rays showed and slipped band with dilation. What the what?!?!? Needless to say I was pissed. I mean seriously...My band was fine a week ago...now it's slipped and dilated. BS!!!
So I had to have an unfill...not a complete unfill...just enough to allow my band to heal and work itself back into place. I did this. I struggled the first 7 days on full liquids. It was REALLY hard for me. I made it to mushies/soft food and I was happier than sissy with a bag full of ding-a-lings.
I made it through the month. I went back in today. My band has worked itself back into place and things are fine. I received a fill. Thank you sweet baby ray...because I was eating anything that wasn't plywood. It was bad. I only gained 2 lbs over the month...I will take it.
Now let me get real. I contacted another bariatric office to prepare myself for a revision. Yup...I don't do well with complications. So let's get prepared just in case this band doesn't work out. Not because I want a revision because that is what the cool kids are doing. My plan was to get the revision if my band decided not to cooperate.
I'm still an advocate of the band...complication and all. I will still recommend the band to those who want WLS. I will continue to work my band. However, I do have other options...and if it boils down to it I will have a revision. Mama still has tons of weight to lose.
16 comments:
Wow -- I didn't realize you were going through that, and I'm so glad your band went back into place. Reading about all the folks having complications freaks me out, but so far so good. Your band may hang in there for you too, but it's great that you have a backup plan, just in case.
Girlie - I'm so glad things looked today. You were a trooper get through liquids and mushies, but maybe it got your head in the game again. Love you!!!
Amen to you and your soap box :)
Good to hear that you have a plan 'B'.
I know my plan b already. No revision, just band removal. I am not comfortable with the idea of a partial stomach amputation (sleeve) or rerouting my insides (RNY). Each their own.
I'm so happy to hear that your band is back in place. Phew! :-)
sorry you had to deal with that!! Glad it got back to where it should be.
Amen to your soap box!
I'm glad it all worked out. I think all of us, at some point or another, look at alternatives in case we lose this little ring around our stomachs. Lots of revisions around here...definitely gives me pause.
I'm glad things are back to normal for you for now and also that you have a plan. That makes things so much able to deal with when you have one.
I was basically I unfilled for most of my second year and it was the best thing for me band wise. I believe only 2 months post band I had the same problem as you. After taking it so easy with refills it is a whole new ball game. I do know that I do not ever eat more than a cup of food. I am scared of stretching that little pouch. One day at a time. Revision would not be in my cards but I am so on board with others doing what they have to do. Mine is because of cost--I would have to pay out of my pocket and that just won't happen. I'm happy with my band but we have to see where it takes us and if it will take us far enough. I think mine has done just that.
Glad to hear things are back to normal and you have a plan B... hopefully it doesn't come to that.
Sorry you were going through this, it is always a good thing to have a plan, mine took me by surprise and I had no plan, never thought I would ever lose my band.
I am fine with it being out, because the pain I was in was unbearable!
I am sure whatever happens in the long run you will prevail, because you are strong!
I do love your soap box! And I'm very happy to hear things are back to normal with your band. :)
Glad to hear that things are back in place - that is no fun! Also, I think it is good to have a back-up plan... you are awesome!
I am all for a backup plan, and a backup plan for the backup plan!
well aaaccccckk! A back up plan is a good idea. Myself, down just over 100 pounds in 11 months, I think I'd choose no band and see how things went. I'd make sure to have a nutritionist by my side, but if I needed a revision, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
I just wanted to say I love you.
And you rock!
Hey, just started following your blog. I am dealing with the slip/dialtion right now. On my 3rd day of liquids after a partial unfill. So glad to hear that yours has resolved itself! Thanks for sharing your story!!
Sorry about the band issues that you are having! Glad it sorted itself out and hopefully you won't have anymore complications!
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