RysMmy
Hi - my name is Giovanna. I have battled with my weight all of my adult life. Finally, in 2005, after many years of failed attempts to lose weight and keep it off, I had the Gastric LapBand surgery. I went in the hospital at 289 lbs., wearing a size 22/24. I did really great! In 2007, I reached my lowest weight of 178, wearing a size 10/12. I was ecstatic!!! I felt I was given a 2nd chance at life. In December 2007, I found out my hubby and I were expecting our first child. I went right to my surgeon and he emptied my band to be sure the baby and I would get all food and nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. I had forgotten what it was like to actually eat...and I enjoyed myself...maybe a little to much. During my pregnancy I gained 42 lbs., but I thought once I had the baby, I would get back on track and start getting my regular adjustments again and get the weight off. Unfortunately, it didn't quite happen that way. I suffered severe post-partum depression and needed to be supervised 24/7. My doctor refused to adjust my band until I was better. In the couple of months it took me to recoup, my doctor had left his practice and started a new bariatric center at a hosptial over an hour away from where I live. The commute was to much for me, being a new Mom and working full time. I tried every doctor in the area and none were willing to take me as a patient, as they would not back another surgeon's work for liability reasons. After a very long time of searching, I finally had a co-worker who had the LapBand surgery and convinced her doctor to see me. I went to see him and he agreed to do my adjustments. I was so happy, feeling I was finally on the right road. I went for my first fill and was very uncomfortable, I was made to feel like a complete outsider. The doctor made it clear that I was not his patient...asking me the same questions over and over again (obviously taking no time to read my medical file that was supplied to him), after my adjustment, he said to me "see you in a year, unless you need me sooner". WHAT??? I had 40+ lbs. to get off and was used to my regular fills every 4 to 6 weeks. I wasn't losing any weight, I was constantly throwing up and my depression was resurfacing. Finally, just recently, I started my research on a LapBand to VSG revision. I was 100% against the Gastric Bypass. I did not want anything removed nor did I want anything rerouted. I opted for the LapBand originally because it was considered "reversible". I have a consultation with my original surgeon, October 18th and I hoping he can shed some light on this procedure. However, I would also love to hear from anyone who has had this procedure done and who is willing to share their story with me. I want to know all about the good and bad...risks, complications, successes...all of it.
I hope I haven't gone overboard and bored anyone with my lengthy story. I look forward to connecting with other and making new friends here.
