Expert: Cathy Wilson, ACC-ICF, CLC - 12/17/2008

Question
I had the Lap band Dec 2008 almost 1 year ago and I am more disappointed in myself now than before. I've lost about 20 pds mainly during those first weeks when intake was limited to soft foods. The band is not restricting, (correction, my band) after each fill I am hopeful but no change,, the doc say to keep coming till we get the right fill amount, ($$$).I feel like I am being taken for  financial gain. I limit sugar intake and excercise some.  I had luck once when the doc filled it too tight and I could not even drink water, had to return the next day due to constant vomiting (lost 6 pds(???).. I want to have it removed ,, I do not want to get another fill. This was a complete failure ,,I am the weight loss joke of my family. Its embarrassing. I should have had my head treated vs the stomach..bcuz I eat more now out of frustration. Its uncomfortable and not working. Is there a way to have this thing removed..

Answer
Dear Frustrated,

A few things come to mind as I read your question.  I understand your frustration and disappointment in your surgery.  You are not the weight loss joke at all.  I think it is more the case of your fills and the doctor not listening to your frustration.

I know that you don't want to go another round again.  I would like to encourage you to give it a chance.  The band does work as long as you can get fills that work for you.  It sounds as though your doctor didn't give you enough of a fill to cause the restriction you needed to impact your intake of food and cause a sufficient weight loss.  It isn't you.  It isn't anything other than getting what you need to allow you to be successful and work with your band surgery.

I don't know if you live in an area that has options for getting fills.  I would suggest that you use a new doctor for fills.  If that isn't an option, return to the same doctor and INSIST on a more aggressive fill.  They will have in your chart the amount of fills you've received.  Have a discussion with your doctor as far as what your fills have been that have not caused the restriction you need yet are not as much as it was filled when you had to have some emptied.  You need to find your "sweet spot" which is a fill that causes you to feel the restriction yet be able to eat limited quantities that your surgery was created for.  You can be your own advocate for your fills and health care.  You took the effort to have your surgery, give it a chance to work for you because it will.  You just need to either find a doctor that will work with you in fills with restriction or insist your doctor give you want you need.

I understand completely why you're eating out of frustration.  I think it is beneficial for any weight loss surgery patient to talk with someone such as a coach or other behavioral health specialist.  Not just about your frustration but to partner with you to bring about the changes in your life to support your healthy lifestyle that your surgery will bring to you.

You have NOT failed and even your surgery really hasn't failed you either.  You just haven't had the fills that you need.  However, if you prefer to have it reversed, the lap band will allow you to have it reversed.  You will need to find a bariatric surgeon to discuss the removal.  Since the lap band does not involve the surgical intervention of the other procedures, yours can be reversed.

You've already shared that you've made some very important changes and hard ones at that.  You've shared that you limit your sugar intake (which is a huge positive one) and exercising some.  I believe with the right fills, you will lose the weight you want and attain the success you deserve.

All the best,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator