only1ruben

Hello Fellow Banders, My LAP-BAND® surgery took place about 5 years ago, in Monterrey, Mexico. The surgery went well, the doctor highly experienced... it was a positive experience. I noticed some immediate results, then came time for my first fill. Living in Virginia Beach with no "experienced" fill doctors at that time, I went to DC for my first fill with a doctor I found online. I was filled, then on my drive back down home, I noticed I couldn't really swallow. I was practically choking on my own saliva. I called the doctor about an hour into my drive, and he instructed me to turn around immediately. When I got to the hospital, they tried to remove saline from the portal, but it wouldn't work. Placed on gurney, wheeling into an emergency operating room, the doctor noticed on an scanner/monitor that the tube connecting the portal and the band was kinked. With only local anesthesia, the doctor cut me open and corrected the kink. This was painful, uncomfortable, and I could see and feel practically everything. The next day I left for Spain on a church mission trip for about a month. I lost another 25+ pounds, due to all the walking and heat probably. Following that experience, it took me about another year before I went in for another fill (with another doctor in Alexandria, VA). During that appointment, they could not place the needle directly over the portal. They poked me about 15 times... I felt like a lab rat. Apparently, my portal had shifted sideways and they couldn't access it. They suggested if I lost more weight, they might be able to do it. Uhhh... that's why I got the Lab Band right? Otherwise I would have lost the weight on my own!! Long story short: Its been 5 years since my surgery, $13,000 out of pocket. I'm back to being 100+ lbs overweight. My wife, in a genuinely loving and caring way, sent me packing just last night. We are now separated. My obesity has challenged my marriage, intimacy, my business, my self-esteem, my health, and my life expectancy. My dear wife has been so concerned over my health deterioration over the last 2 years, that she's truly afraid of what the near future looks like for me. I haven't had a physical in about 4 years, but I would imagine doctors will find things I didn't wrestle with before (high blood pressure, diabetes, overworked heart, degenerative joints, etc.). I MUST get my health back!! For life's sake!! And I want to live a healthy life for myself, my wife, and my three young children. I'm only 45 years old. If anyone in this group has some encouragement, suggestions, doctor recommendations, I'll take anything!! Thanks for reading my post.

Leigha, I'm all about straight forwardness, so thanks for your candid remarks. You did call it! I'm in Virginia Beach, Virginia, so Dallas is out, but I am currently looking for a local surgeon & fill doctor; just in case they need to go in again and modify the band or portal. I love what you said about spending the $1000; its true. I spent $13000 out of pocket, I don't care if I need to do it again for my life's sake!! Thanks for the swift kick; its truly what I need. You and my wife must be in running in the same social circles. Keep up the great work yourself as you make it to your goal!!!

Crystal, Thank you so much for your encouragement! I'm off to a good start with only wonderful things in store for the future. I so appreciate your response!!