I had my first band fitted by Dr Super in April 2005 and have had nothing but problems.

First I had no restriction what so ever, and after the 12/13 weeks of liquids, then mashed food then introducing normal food again, I had a fill under X-Ray where I had I think 1.5-2ml inserted. Went home and nothing, no difference at all. All of a sudden I was in horrific pain (lower abdomen), and my consultant (not surgeon) kept saying that it was nothing to do with the band. I was also told that I was being impatient as I still had no weight loss or restriction.

Things got so bad for me that I couldn't even walk 100yrds without this pain, to try and sit on a seat or to lay down was horrendous and in the end I went to my Dr for advice. I was then sent for numerous internal tests, x-rays, and lots of fumbling around to see if there wasn't anything more serious wrong with me, everything came back normal, but each test was so painful I was in tears.

Again, I contacted my consultant and was told the same thing but finally they arranged for a top-up in October. Mean while I was still in horrific pain and was having lots of time off work which resulted in a loss of pay. Went along for my top-up and it was then discovered that the tubing couldn't be located. All this time of being in pain and no one listening to me and I was then told this.

Back into hospital on 5th Nov 05 to have an exploratory op, relocate the tube and reconnect it. My parents and I were then told that the tubing was located wrapped around my intestines, hence the horrific pain for the past 4 months and that once connected and

Anyway, due to the tube disconnection I had no liquid in my band at all, and eventually went back for another fill (like a first fill as it was completely empty).

Still nothing, and once again I was told that I was being impatient.

Went along for another fill in Feb 06 (my consultant was also present) and bingo, was then told by the guy doing my fill and my consultant that the reason for me having no restriction etc was due to the band being fitted too high, and that this has been seen before.

Back into hospital again on 3rd March 06 for a complete new band to be fitted, then the usual liquid, mashed and then re-introduction of normal food again for up to 12 weeks, and during this time went on holiday which had been booked 11 months before. So yes, my holiday was ruined as a result of this.

Got back to the UK and went for my first fill with my new 2nd band, and again was told that I couldn't have it done as the port was completely over turned, not on its side as this can happed, but completely flipped over. Again my consultant and surgeon kept saying to me that they didn't know why this had happened, so back of into hospital again to have a new port fitted in May 06.

Since then I have had numerous fills (now have 6.5ml in the band) and still have no restriction at all. I have put all the weight back on that I managed to loose before my first op on the 800 cals a day diet. Feel completely shattered and have no faith in my consultant, his team, or the surgeon

I have now been informed that they can not continue to fill my band as there must be a structural problem with the band, and that it will more than likely have to be removed. What is even more worse is that I have been told that although the surgeon will take it out free of charge I will have to pay hospital costs (about £2000) of which I do not have. I have already had to borrow the £7600 for the original op and on top of that I have paid out about £300 in traveling costs, loss of earning and added stress all due to wanting to loose weight and have a better life.

My consultant has now arranged for me to have tests under x-ray this Thursday in central Birmingham, to see what is wrong (the guy doing this has agreed to do this under the NHS). If it turns out that it is an aneurism then the manufacturers have verbally agreed to pay the full costs of surgery and treatment, with a replacement. Not sure I want a replacement after all of this.

However, if it isn't this and turns out to be and erosion or something else, then I still have to foot the hospital costs. (I have explained that this is not an option for me, so will end up with a foreign object left inside my body that is doing nothing for me, but will more than likely end up more harm).<

I am now at the end of my tether and can not cope with this anymore. I have been told to go for a 2nd opinion as well, but it always ends up with the same old answer – I can’t afford to pay to see another consultant or surgeon

If any of you have experienced the same problems or can give me any advice, please drop me a line.

Karen

Taylor.karen@talk21.com