Just to give you a bit of background about my journey so far. I was first banded in May 2008 but didn’t achieve any weight loss for over 6 months (in fact I put back on 5 kilos I had lost during the pre-op diet). Basically, the doctor had an incredibly hard time finding my port, not sure why, he would poke around with the 5 inch needle for ages trying to find it (I used to cry). Of course he put a hole in the port during one of my first fills and the band therefore didn’t retain ANY fluid.

Having the largest band available I experience no restriction without any fluid so I was able to eat anything, like normal, as if I had no operation or band. The softest, doughiest bread available wasn’t a challenge for me. Anyway, the doctor continued to attempt to give me fills, I think I had about 4, not once questioning the fact that I was losing no weight, regardless of the concerns I raised with him. Eventually he admitted that the may have put a hole in the port, and yes, he indeed had.

I was incredibly upset that my greatest fear about getting the surgery in the first place was being realised… I would need more surgery.

In November 2008 I went in for the additional surgery to replace the port. The recovery time was less than half that of the first op and I was back in the swing of things within days. During the op the surgeon put 6ml in my band, half of the band’s capacity (so not much). I felt restriction for the FIRST TIME more than 6 months after the original op, but not much.

2 weeks after the second op I went back to the doctor who again, couldn’t find my port and poked around for 5 minutes trying to find it. This time around, sick of the allowed assault, I had the intelligence to not put myself through the experience and I told him to stop. I have not been back since.

4 months on and I have lost about 15kg (since the second op, 26kd in total). And even though the band isn’t doing it’s full job it’s still helping me out and I’m glad I had it done, regardless of the fact that it’s been a difficult experience. I guess anything in life that’s worth it, is worth working for.

I’m starting this blog because I was working really hard to lose the weight (eating very low calories) but I wasn’t losing. So I came across this site while researching my predicament – it seems my body was getting to few calories (about 600 – 800 a day) and I’d slipped into starvation mode. The day I increased to 1400 – I lost 0.5!! I am hoping that if I track my progress publically I will be able to get help when I hit a roadblock and not get disheartened!

Starting weight 132.2kg

Current weight 105.3kg

Goal weight 60kg

I enjoyed reading your story. While reading I almost changed my mind anout getting banded. I know it won't be an easy journey for me but I plan to work hard and meet my goal. I'm so sorry that you had to go though what you went through. Its all a learning experience though. You learned not to let that doctor poke around on you the second time around. God bless you and keep your head up. One question though....... What state are you in?

Hi MsE! Thanks for your comment. I'm actually in Melbourne, Australia.