The following material contains graphic images of an actual surgery that may be disturbing. Parents are advised that these images may not be suitable for young children.
Gastric bands might provide weight loss for many, but according to a new report, there are more surgeries to remove gastric band devices than to implant them. The Doctors meet a woman who removed hers after dealing with a gastric band nightmare.
The Doctors welcome Angela, who struggled with her weight for years. She got a gastric band and in the first year, she lost 99 pounds. But only a year and a half into having her band, problems arose and she began losing an extreme amount of weight. Doctors discovered that the band had twisted and was not allowing anything to pass through her stomach. Her first band was replaced with a smaller version, but after a pregnancy, she developed an infection from the band and it was removed.
Watch: Gastric Bypass vs. Lap-Band Surgery
Angela tells The Doctors she wished that she would have considered other options before getting a gastric band. "Had I known what I know now, that I could control my weight through the diet that works for me, through fitness, through just paying attention to what I am eating and how much that I am eating," she shares, saying that her lap band was "basically helping me be bulimic."
Plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon notes that bariatric surgery is "not a bed of roses" and explains there are serious side effects, and it requires lifestyle changes for it to be effective.
Watch: Lap-Band Surgery Explained
Angela has been able to maintain a healthy weight through nutrition and fitness but is now dealing with excess and loose skin. She explains to The Doctors that her excess skin sometimes affects her ability to exercise and causes her rashes.
In an effort to give Angela a better life, The Doctors arranged for an amazing surprise courtesy of plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Sieveking of Sieveking Plastic Surgery and Ageless Solutions. Find out more in the video below!
