ItsGottaGo!

My band did not work either and I am having it removed in the next 3 weeks. Because of the band I ended up with 2 hernias which I am having repaired at the same time. I had my band unfilled completely in May, while in the ER for a small bowel obstruction. It was so nice to be able to eat without choking and having to run to the bathroom. My port portrudes too along with the hernias which are on the same side. I look like I am 9 months pregnant. I've had the band for 3 years and initially lost weight then because of it being too tight I turned to junk which of course went down without a problem, unlike real food. I love eating real, healthy food again and cannot wait to lose this weight the old fashioned way, excercise. As soon as this surgery is over with, weight training here I come. Live and learn.

Ditto, ditto, ditto! I could have written this myself. I'm not blaming the band, and perhaps I am too tight, I'm not sure, but I too have all of the same issues/problems you are. The band is so fickle, sometimes I'm afraid to eat. What's fine one day, chokes me the next. My weight still goes up and down like a yo yo and now I am probably looking at an umbilical hernia repair. If they have to unfill the band, maybe it's for the best, I can start over again when the surgery is all healed. I am also to blame, I don't excersise. But I am tired of choking on the good stuff and then resorting to something soft to comfort myself and squash the hunger. It's definitely not easy, takes a lot of work, but that's just like anything else in life. I do blame myself though, as I suffer from depressiona and anxiety and that get in the way of my success as well. Anyway, I just thought I would chime in here.

This may seem like a no brainer, but I really don't know and am wondering if I need to get my band unfilled before I can have an umbilical hernia repaired? I go to see the dr. on Monday. I am almost positive I have an umbilical hernia and am really PO'd about it an upset. I don't want to have any more surgery:phanvan:think:omg:

Geez, what else! I hope this isn't directly related to the lap band, maybe my band is too tight causing pressure. I pressed on the lump before and it moved to the left and disappeared. Now it's back again. Comes and goes all day. I guess I should stop pressing on it. I have an appt. with my dr. on June 4th.

I'm bumping this old post up because I think I may have this. I have a lump that moves near my belly button. I have been thinking it was gas, but now I think it may be a hernia. Sometimes when I press on it, it disappears and hurts a little bit. It comes and goes. I have it right now. I'm afraid to press on it for fear of rupturing something.

Thanks. I don't think it's my port. I can feel my port too, it is up higher and to the left more. This lump comes and goes and I believe it is definitely gas, but it sure is strange how I can feel the lump from the outside with my hand. I can also pop it or move it if I press hard enough.

I'm the only one who can feel a gas lump from the outside of my stomach? This concerns me if no one else has experienced this. Anyone?

Kity, where on earth did you find a cleaning lady for $50 a week! I would definitely be in for that, but there is not a maid in town for that price. I have the same size house as you, and the last time I had it cleaned the going rate was $33 per hour!! Any chance you live in Southwest Florida?? I would love the name of your cleaning lady.

Jachut, I'm exactly like you re: both of your posts. Glad to know I'm not alone!

Can anyone else press right above their belly button and actually feel a lump of painful lump of gas. There have been times when I feel it actually move. It's very strange and annoying. Anyone?

My problem is SWEETS! I also do not exercise. Two big problems. I am almost 7 months banded and have gone up and down for the past 3 months. I am FINALLY on board here and the scale is moving downward. Need to stay away from sweets, I started taking my Chromium again and it seems to keep the cravings away. Also, I think it has taken me this long to finally accept and get used to this wonderful tool that I have. I guess I was fighting it a little too.

I could have written you post myself. I have been eating badly since the holidays. I am sure I have gained about 5lbs but am terrified to get on the scale. My mother's stupid friend saw me today (haven't seen her since Christmas) and says "tell me how much weight have you lost total", I said "nothing", meaning none since the last time I saw her. The she says "you know that's not normal". I wanted to haul off and punch her. She continues, "that not normal, your fu**ing up, aren't you?" Then she tries to be supportive, "I know you can do it". I was like, "look, this is a two-year plan" and ended it there. Meanwhile, she's larger than life and struggled her whole life with her weight, so I don't see where she gets the balls to question me. I know she just cares, but shit, I'm so sick of people looking and watching me to see what's happening, it just makes me feel like an even bigger failure. I can't stand it! Anyway, I'm so glad you are back on track. I need to get off my big butt and exercise, but have been feeling very depressed lately and have no desire to do so. I started back on my prozac today, I stopped taking it about 2 months ago, I thought I could do without it, but apparently, I cannot. Hang in there, I am.