I was banded in 2005. Lost about 60lbs and was close to my goal weight. As my stomach got smaller, my port was closer to the surface of my skin and an infection stopped me from getting the tummy tuck I had scheduled! So I had the port removed, and spent 3 months with a gaping hole in my belly while that healed. With 0 restriction, I gained about 30 of the 60lbs back. In May I had the port put back in but was getting NO restriction. After a few months, my doc did a test to discover there was a leak - the tubing had been punctured. So here I go again to the hospital. Replaced that port -- 3rd surgery. I have lost about 10lbs in 5 months but am completely 100% STUCK at this point. I don't eat much, but I'm not losing anything. I'm ready to go have it removed, honestly. I've been having some esophagus pain/chest pain today and I wonder if I have a slippage or something!? God knows that's all I need.
Because I'm self-pay, I've spent about an additional $15,000 on the 3 repairs - that's just for the hospital. I figure I've paid about $1000/pound. :biggrin: My insurance originally paid for my port removal but a year later came back and took the money back from the hospital so I owe them another $4000. I hope whoever made that decision has uncontrollable diarrhea for a month. ::grin::