valvinnek

Congrats to all of your successes. You are all truly an inspriation to other, especially ones that give up and get the courage to face the music and come back. You truly re-motivate other. THANK YOU!!! Ok, I missed my bandaniversary, but I have 2. Let me explain. I was banded (with gall bladder removal) the first time February 25, 2008. It was a great experience I was losing weight, following the rules and lost around 30 pound. At about 6-8 weeks out I had some really bad pain and felt like I had a gall bladder attack, but it was removed. I had to go in for an emergency procedure to check my bile ducts. Come to find out there was a stone that was lingering and it had passed. Since that, I never had restriction in my 14 cc. band, and motivation and hope became less and less. Some how, I still loved my band, eventhough it wasn't working. My band was filled as much as it could and nothing, it was like I didn't have surgery at all. I don't know exactly the reason, maybe the band was too big, maybe it moved when I was throwing up, but I ended up having it replaced December 29, 2008. I haven't lost much weight since this last surgery, but I had a fill 2 days ago, and now I know what all of you were talking about. I finally had my first "stuck" moment, I finally have felt full after a short time, I already feel better about myself since this past fill. Now I know. I look back at my first band as a practice band, eventhough I was ready a year ago. Maybe it just wasn't the right time, I can't really describe it but I really don't look at the past year as "wasted time". I don't really see December 29th as my "surgery date" I am a double V, you guys were there at the begining of this journey for me and I look forward to see where this year takes me. Sorry I've been away for awhile, but now that I can really relate, I 'm sure I'll visit more often.

See I am much more sore this time. My dr. had to make a bigger incision near the port area either to get the new band in or the old one out. He was able to keep my old port in place. I'm not that gassy, just really sore. I am probably moving around too much and I don't like the liquid loritab so I only take it when I need it. I'm not real sure if my replacement would be considered a slip, but it definately wasn't working and thats all I really care about, long as it works now, its all good!

See, I am a lot more sore this time. My dr. had was able to save my original port, but had to make a bigger incision for some reason (either to get the new band in or old one out). I'm not as gassy, but sore!!! Its only been 4 days I know next week will be better. I look like my belly has been sprayed with bullets (I also had my gall bladder removed last time). It looks aweful, but battle scars right????

I was officially banded in February 2008, but after serveral fills and frustration, I needed my band replaced (we think it was to large for me and it actually moved). I made it through bandster hell and all of the post op diet before, so I know I can do it again. I am a lot more sore this time, but my attitude has always been positive so I hope to keep it that way. I wish you all well on this journey and hope to have many chats along the way.

omg, I just saw your post to the other one I did, (that I can't figure out how to delete). Anyways, I won't have to pay for this new surgery, my dr. is working that end out. No, I'm not getting a new doctor, I really like him. He knows how frustrated I am and he is that has done tons of surgeries, I still trust him.

Crystal, you called this a long time ago!!! I see my dr in the am to finalize everything. I'm ok, I really need that "do over" post op phase to get on track anyway and this will force me to do it.

sorry, for the repeat post, i'll try to figure out how to delete the duplicate

Hi,well after months of fills without restriction and frustration, I am being scheduled for surgery at the end of the month to get a smaller band. I am currently filled to the brim in my 14cc band and things are still flowing quite quickly through. I am trying to stay positive. I've been trying to find if this has happened to anyone before on LBT but can't (it can't be that uncommon). Anyways, I wish you all continued success! Alyssa

HI, well after many months of fills and frustration at the end of the month I will be re-banded with a smaller band. I have lost 32 pounds since my surgery date in February,of which I am thankful for, but I still feel jipped. I am trying to be positive, at least there is a solution. Anyways, I just wanted to give an update, and wish everyone more success!! Alyssa PS Crystal you called this one a long time ago!!

well my dr. brought in a band and filled it to 12 and we checked it out, he said that there is still room, plenty of room. He also said that it takes a lot more than 14cc. Hopefully when I go in to see him in 2 weeks another fill will help. My out of pocket for our insurance is maxed out so if I do have another surgery, I would like it to be before the end of the year then I wouldn't have to pay again. Kaieghsmommy- we are at 13 Mile & Schoenherr area. Hope you have a safe visit!

Hi, its been 8 months since my surgery and I've only lost 30 pounds. I do not have restriction. I have 12cc in my 14cc band. At my last visit, my doctor told me that if I don't get restriciton in the next fill, I may need to go in and get a smaller band. I am about at my wits end. Has anyone had to replace their band with a smaller one? I have had most of my fills done under floro, & my dr. has checked levels at each fill. I am extremely frustrated.

Mac you sound just like me yesterday!! I've been away for awhile and I flipped out fortunately I came back to LBT and I got what I needed support and encouragement. I had a fill this morning and hopefully the restriction I have right now will last more than 2 days!!! Just like every pregnancy, every band is different. Eventhough we are as far out as everyone else here, we all react to the bad differently. I am learning that I need a lot in my band to feel anything, while others need hardly anything. Its all in finding what your particular needs are. Trust me I'm right there with you as far as frustration. Chin UP!!!

I went this morning for my fill. The dr checked me out and he said no leak, and not to worry. He said that I will get to my sweet spot and that my band can hold a lot more than 14cc, so I will have more room if need be. I feel ok, I think I'm restricted, but that's what I said last time so only time will tell. Just thought I'd give you an update!