2bethin

Hello new friends! I had Lap Band Surgery on 5/15/06 in Chicago at NW Hospital. I have been actively working with their Wellness Program for over 2 years before deciding to take the next step. It has been a long road. All my life, I have always worried about my weight, but did not really have a sigificant weight problem until 7 years ago. While I began the program at 239 lbs (5' 6"), and got as low as 208 lbs, I just could not make progress after several ups and downs. My doctors encouraged to take the next step to free me from this overwhelming burden in my life. On 5/15/06, I went into surgery at 222 lbs...and as of today, I am back down to 208. I had my first fill at the end of June, but have been struggling to lose because of travel & work entertainment. So, as of today, I am still at 208, but thought I should reach out to some potential friends for support and guidance. I have every hope in the world that this is going to work for me, but I think I have to modify a few behaviors to make the progress I need. So, I am signing off to run to gym (a behavior that I need to be consistent with) and hope to have some replies when I return......

Hi everyone! I am in a state of concern and frustration so I thought I would reach out to my fellow banders to see if you can give me some guidance. I was banded on 5/15/06...first fill 6/22/06. I was definitley restricted after my first fill, but went into get a second fill on 9/7/06. Two weeks after my second fill, I noticed that I didn't have much restriction. I went to my doctor to have it checked 2 weeks later and they gave me another fill....again, no immediate restriction. Went back in a week or so later...so they could check under flouro...they were unable to determine if I had a leak, until they realized that my band did not have any saline left from the previous fill...thus, they suspect a slow leak. Filled me up again...no restriction. So...now I am schedule to go in to have my port replaced on Friday (this week). I am concerned about 2 things...first, I am self pay and it seems odd that I would not have any type of warranty with the procedure. Sounds like a defect to me?? My surgeon is of course waiving his fees, but he is trying to see what he can do to help me with the other fees. Does anyone have any experience with this? Second, they really don't know the source of my leak and if I go in to get the port replaced, there is a chance that it may be more than that. I noticed that many people mentioned the port and tubing...is that standard that they would replace both or should I clarify with my surgeon? Also, if I have to go back to get the whole thing done, I am going to have to pay for the whole darn thing again?? Starting to have regrets about making this decision.... Any advice??:help:

Thanks much for your welcome and kind words!

I know what you mean about the 200#'s! Glad to hear from someone in Chicago. From the sounds of it, we both are starting at the same place and have similar BMI's! I believe I was down about 10lbs at your time as well. Isn't is such a great feeling? Good luck to you! And I got on the scale this morning and it appears that my hard work at the gym is paying off...down 3 lbs. Yeah! Only a couple more until I am out of the 200's!!

Thanks for the replies! Donna B, can you give any advice regarding your bumps in the road?