Daisy Duke

Hello all! I am currently 5 years post op and 23 weeks pregnant. Up until recently, I haven't had much to complain about regarding the band. In the last month or so I've noticed an increase in port pain to the point I am hurled over and almost in tears. The pain basically feels like my port is literally being torn from my abdomen. The other day after an increase in both pain and occurrence,, I was finally able to see my Doctor who decided the best option at this point would be to remove my port and once the baby is born, go back and re-attach a new port. Now I'm not worried about not having and fluid in my band as I've had zero fluid in my band for close to a year now. My major concern is the actual port removal while pregnant... Has ANYONE had a port removal done and what was it like post op? I work as a CNA so I'm hoping recovery isn't too bad. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

Can I ask how they went about doing a port removal? I'm having mine removed soon due to complications with the port due to pregnancy and I'm terrified!

I am not new to the lapband world, but I figured I would post a topic that many woman on here can relate to.... and that is CLOTHING and SHOPPING! From the time I was young, I absolutely loved shopping only I always found one thing in the way... my weight! Now, 4 years after my like changing surgery I have dropped around 110lbs and cant finally buy the clothes I want. But, there is a few downsides to this..For one, I buy clothing and I find it a waste of money because I drop weight so often and then... I find myself buying clothing that will hide my body. I guess what I am saying is, I am more uncomfortable with my skinnier body that I was in my thick body. I don't know if I just haven't adjusted to it, or what... but it drives me insane! I see the scale saying 156, but in the mirror I feel like I still weight 270... which is Ironic, because when I weighed 270 I never thought I looked big. Can anyone else relate to this?

Head cases, too funny!! I love being able to buy a medium and know its going to fit and even sometimes a small, but it's still difficult to accept the fact I am smaller than I have ever been. Still don't see it in the mirror either!!

Hello! I have on and off again restriction issues... I find one of the best cures is to start and end my days with a hot cup of tea or coffee... the heat helps with loosening up my band and I find my eating habits more consistent throughout the day.

My port sits under my bra line, but if you're concerned I would check with your Dr. That is your best bet, it could be scar tissue or muscle as well. My incision where they inserted the actual band still is uncomfortable 4 years later.

As far as gas pain goes, I don't recall any post-op. The worse time after the banding was immediately afterwards and persisted up until the following day. Now, 4 years later I have only experienced one bit of gas problems and that was a few years back. I wouldn't worry about the minor cheating, I'm sure you will be fine... congratulations and good luck on your new journey!

Youre very welcome

I have seen many blog posts on here regarding tightness of the band. My personal experience with the band over the past 4 years has been constantly refilling and unfilling. Well I shouldn't say constantly, because for the first 2 years I stayed at 2cc (in a 10cc band) and then all of the sudden needed to add more saline. For the past 2 years, I have had issues with tightness and have had numerous fills and unfills. I like to drink a cup of hot tea or coffee every morning to help loosen my band up. There are still some times where I find my band unbearably tight which is usually after sitting for long periods of time (road trips, I travel a lot). My suggestion is that if you are not able to keep any liquids down then you should immediately contact your Dr. and do not hesitate. Also, I have seen posts regarding "throwing up"... If you are throwing up at least 1 a day (routinely) you are probably too tight... CONTACT YOUR DOC!

I have had to fill and unfill my band and I've had it for 4 years as of this summer. You can be at 4cc for a year, and then all of the sudden it becomes too tight. I would suggest going and getting some fluid taken out, but try starting your days out with a hot Tea or 2.. it usually helps loosen me up.

Hello! If you band had slipped then more than likely you would be in some serious pain! I have had to play a lot with my fills (Take 1cc out, add 1cc etc.) as of lately and it's just something that comes with the band. In the morning, you should try drinking a warm/hot beverage like green tea. It helps to relax the smooth muscle (your esophagus) and open you up a bit. I usually have about 2 in the morning and I find that it helps me. As far as the alcohol and carbonated beverages go, I already have Acid Reflux problems and both aggravate it. My suggestion would be to cut down on both. If that doesn't help, you band may just be too tight and you might have to have 1cc or 1/2cc taken out to fix the problem... hope this helped!

Congrats girl! It's always an amazing feeling when your hard work goes noticed. How long have you been banded for?

That is great that you are back in the gym, but keep in mind muscle weighs more than fat!! It can be sooo frustrating not seeing any weight loss on the scale, but it's not going to come off the same for everyone. Just keep up your faith and continue to work hard, and remember every little bit counts!!

Good job on staying on track with your Pre-Surgery diet! It's definitely a difficult fete, but congrats on the weight lost already!! Good luck with your surgery. (:

The pre-surgery diet can be a nightmare, but think of it as your first real step in the next chapter of your life. After surgery, you're going to be stuck on almost the same strict diet, but all the hard work and emotional anxiety will be worth the outcome. I'm not sure if your Dr. allows it, but I would drink a large glass of iced water and suck on an organic lolli-pop to help cravings. It's a nice sweet treat and for it me it got the job done.

Hello everyone! My name is Danyal and I am a fellow "Bandster". I was banded about 4 years ago in the summer of 2008 at the ripe young age of 18... which currently makes me 22. At my heaviest I was 270lbs, and have lost about 110lbs of that weight... which in my calculations is a whole person (tiny person). May I just say, none of that 110lbs came off easily! These past 4 years have been absolutely heartbreaking, overwhelmingly exciting and everywhere in between. It has been an emotional roller coaster, and life has changed so much. There were times where I felt like giving up, and regretting having ever gotten the surgery in the first place... but at this point in time I know it was the right decision. I have lived by the idea that every little bit makes a difference, and that couldn't be more true! I haven't really decided the style of writing I plan to pursue with this Blog, but I am thinking a more "free-writing" style will suit me well. I am here to answer any inquiries you might have about the surgery, and feel free to ask it all!! From relationship changes, to physical changes,and emotional challenges ... Believe me I have been through it all, and I hope that I can help a few of you out along your Journey!