Sorry for the long letter....This is a great post! I couldn't say it better..I am having my band removed and getting the sleeve May 1st. 3 reasons..1) its leaking 2) my body seems to be rejecting the port and I have a lot of port site pain and 3) believe it or not because I get this second opportunity in the long run it won't be as costly due to the fills. I did very well in the begaining and after my port was fixed in June 2012 because it twisted everything went down hill but my weight! My anger was towards my doctor for not listening to me for seven months that there was something wrong. When you have a fill every month and a week goes by and your fill is no longer working there is a problem. So I say, i am not bashing the band, I am bashing the doctor that wouldn't listen to me. And yes, I am responsible for putting all my weight back on. I will admit I am at fault, but I also am doing something about

it...looking forward to buying some new walking shoes and pants today..my motivation is coming back and it feels so good...again, your post is right on..the only trouble I do see though is when your band is working well your not hungry at all (at least I wasn't), then it stops and it feels like you haven't eaten in weeks. So that is the only bad part of the band failing, it doesn't help matters...thanks for sharing your thoughts and stories. Especially about the bypass and gaining it all back. They really blame the surgery? I didn't know the stomach made the choices of what we put in our mouths!!! Do you think we have more support these days? More things to turn too and docs or nurses are more educated on what works and are more supportive. WEll, accept my last doc that I fired I was thankful I found a different surgeon to help me. Same practice so a bit awkward, but my body and I want someone who will listen to me. When I say something is wrong and I am being true to myself, there is something wrong and your better listen. After my surgery, I am going to sit down with the hospitals patients representatives and talk to them about this matter. I did go thru hell and back with this. Emotionally, Physically and Financially I would like some answers. When a patient calls you up crying because their fill from that day is creating so much pain there is issues...I could go on and on but that doesn't change anything It just made me stronger and assertive in a good way. I deserve the best treatment just like everyone else. We are being proactive in our health and need that support and not made to feel like we are lying and fell off the wagon every time. I hear a lot of stories on this site and it scares me. Would've your doctor doesn't listen to you and you bleed out or something. YIKES. Did you read that one gentlemen s story? Lost 8 pints of blood due the band eroding a hole in his stomach. YIKES..I am sure this is rare, but this is why the nurses and docs have to listen! Ok, I am off my soap box,, I guess I am getting nervous for surgery too. I am so blessed though to get this second chance. I was banded in 2010 and have had a band in me for ten months thats doing nothing but causing me port pain...i will be glad to get it out. Thanks for listening. I JUST LOVE THIS SITE...