mybabas00

I was banded in May of 2006 and until recently I have had a wonderful experience. I went from 298 down to 187 in about a year and four months, and have been at this weight for some time. I have definitely backed off on the exercise, so I know I could lose more if I got with it again. The last few months I have had a lot of pain at my port site. I never had issues before with laying on my left side, or anything, but all of a sudden I've got daily issues. My surgeon checked everything, including doing a CT scan of my abdomen, and nothing. No reason for the almost constant pain. I know it's not all in my head. It makes me just want to get it out. But what if I gain all of the weight back? Is there anybody on here who got the band removed and kept the weight off?

Well, I'm feeling much better. It turns out that I had actually torn the muscle that my port is sewn to...ouch. But it is all good now, after two weeks of intensive anti-inflammatory drug treatment and alternating ice/hot packs, I'm back to as normal as can be. I must admit, during the whole ordeal, I just wanted it out. I'm so scared of what might happen if I remove it, if I'll gain all the weight back, will my scars be even worse? But hey, no more pain for now. :lovechoc:

I have to agree with all of the above...I've had my share of ups and downs, and I've done my share of throwing up, but it's not like that if I pay attention to what I'm doing. Ice cream goes down easier. So does chocolate. (the cheetos kind of threw me off) But so does applesauce, and mashed potatoes with cheddar mixed in for Protein, and chili, and lots of other things. What do you mean you can eat in restaurants now? You couldn't before? There is the ala carte or kids menu, and you doggie bag it. And your hair loss, how long did you lose hair for? I lost hair between the 3rd and 9th month, which is common. It all grew back, and I am great now. Everybody out there - TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR!!!! Discuss your fears. And any good doctor will make sure you can handle this on an emotional level. Good luck all.