kmarie

Hello - I had my band completely unfilled on Friday. I had surgery in January & have only lost 20 pounds (mostly from the liquid post op diet). I have had 3 fills & have pretty much been miserable since I had the band. I threw up alot, slimed, always felt bloated, my port site is frequently sore, blah, blah, blah (you get the point!) I have had 2 upper GI's & everything looks fine - but the doctor finally agreed to give me a break. The thing is I already feel so much better! I can't imagine getting filled again & going through this. So now what? Do I just leave the band in empty or eventually get it removed? Thanks for your input, Kelly

Thank you!!

Hello - I was banded 3 1/2 weeks ago & I regretted the decision from the moment I woke up from surgery! I have had some esophageal problems and problems with pain at my port site. Now I know that 3 1/2 weeks out is not long at all. But...will a doctor take a band out this soon after surgery & does there need to be a medical necessity? I also don't have a problem waiting 3 - 6 months if I start feeling better...but I was wondering would it be better to have it removed now or wait?

I think the insurance company will only cover a removal if it's considered medically necessary. I see my doctor next week and will talk to him about my options. Good luck to you!

Thank you Kat for being my voice of reason - I think you are exactly right. I am not filled, and the doctor thinks that the swelling from my stomach is causing pressure on the esophagus. I see him again in 2 weeks and will address it unless it gets worse. Thanks for your post!!

My esophagus is still bothering me & the pain by my port is still sore. No, I don't have an infection and I am not filled yet. The doctor thinks maybe my stomach is still swollen from the surgery. I am starting to feel better though.