SamiB

Please have a scope done... I have a very similar story (please feel free to read it) I had to have my bans removed due to erosion, I never had the red or swollen port area, not even tender... The only way they'll find it is through endioscope if its your band. I do agree its very similar to gall bladder. Good luck and I wish you the best. (the back pain was horendious and got to where it was hurting none stop, right between the shoulder blades)

Please go get this checked out... Are you having any pain around your shoulder blades? Maybe burping more than usual? Can eat more than your supposed to?.. If the pain does not go away please insist on an endoscope. You are sometimes your only advocate and if something is wrong, push to find the cause!

I had my band done in Mexico in 2007, in May '12 I had to have the band removed due to severe erosion, my insurance covered it according to my plan, even all the tests to find what was wrong, I guess it just depends on your insurance. Just call and ask them, when I called me having it done in Mexico never came up. My insurence would not cover any bariatric surgery though, but covered the removal due to erosion.

I had my band removed about a month ago so far my docter bills have come to about 65,000, that is including the upper GI, endoscopes and complete hospital stay (there 5 days) I have had to take it slow on reintroducing foods which is ok, I followed my Dr. rules and have recovered quite well..... I was feeling more normal than ever within the first week and as time goes on, its even better! Good luck I think the back to normal will depend on if you are having the band removed due to complications or because you just want it out?

Hi Tweety... there is always hope! I completely understand the fear that you feel; in May I had my band removed due to major erosion. 2/3 of stomach had been eroded by the band along with some other severe complication due to the erosion. a couple years ago I felt as though the band wasnt working and started counting my calories and exersing on my own and began to lose weight slowly but surely, then I found out last month the band had to go and the fear of weight gain set in. I had gained 20 the 6mos before removal from being so sick, in pain and swollen. (i stopped counting calories and exercising) so I made a plan.... I refuse to let this band removal control my life 1. keep counting calories on my fitness pal 2. keep my goals of a 5k, or 10k race every 3-4 mos (keeps me moving and training) 3. keep training to do a half marathon (on of my biggest fitness goals) 4. keep control of My life 5.plan for weigt gain after band but dont let it stop me from getting it back off These are a few of the goals I use to keep me on track... I have lost 15 of the 20lbs I gained, (I had a lot of puffiness which I think was a big part of the weight gain) I feel strong and ready to conquor this set back... it has only been a month and am just now released to walk/jog... You can do this, stay possitive and make a plan on what you want your life to look like afterwards

Please keep us posted, I just had my band removed due to erosion. It was scary but everything turned out okay. Good luck and think possitive.