reddy4myturn

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My lap band system has been removed.  I was down 66 lbs when it was removed and found out on Sept 9th I had an abscess under my port.  I actually felt the infection was there earlier but it was confirmed by doctors on the 9th.  On the 10th tests were set up and on the 11th after having upper endoscopy and CT emergency surgery was deemed.  I went into surgery around 4 pm and was out of surgery about 8:30 pm.  The lap band was removed because of erosion into my stomach and ulcers, the port because of the abscess and then a small bowel dissection was completed also but I'm not sure why even now.  I spent 6 days in the hospital and 2 weeks at home resting.  I now sport several incisional scars-the largest being from my breast bone to my belly button.  I had the lap band put in laprascopically but removed by being opened because of the erosion.  I'm down 71 lbs now but Dr. Winterstein told me if I can't lose the weight on my own (continue to lose) that it will be a year before I'm able to have the sleeve done. I will not be a candidate for the band again.  I'm a bit down about all the news and a bit overwhelmed about doing it "on my own" again...

I haven't been online to share my news since I got approved because of tax season.  I got a surgery date of April 20th which gave me 4 days to prepare for my homecoming and clean house.  I got sick with a bad sinus cold and was down 2 of those days but was able to still have surgery on Monday the 20th.  I wasn't able to have the VSG because it was considered by BCBS to be "too experimental" so I had a lap band placed and am on the road to a healthier, happier life!!  I had to lose 10 lbs prior to surgery.  I started at 314 lbs and was sitting at 298 the morning of surgery.  I actually gained a few pounds at the hospital with all my IV fluids but am back at 298.  I've been miserable with my period (started monday as I was changing into my beautiful hospital gown) and along with that a migraine.  My actual surgery only required 4 small cuts and only 2 of the 4 are tender.  Two weeks of clear liquids and then back to see the wonderful Dr. Winterstein.

I got the news on Friday that I am approved for surgery and as soon as I get my labwork done we can set a date...problem:  I'm a tax preparer and have little to no time off right now  so I need to call and visit with the girls at the doctor's office and see how much time off I would need to plan on.  I don't want to wait till April to get this done, I wanted it YESTERDAY!!