taylor.karen

Hi Mrs D, Please can you tell me if there are any support groups in either Buckinghamshire or Berkshire? Many thanks Karen

Can anyone give me some advise quick......I was given a third band (5 ops as all incorrect) on 20th Dec and was told to have the usual 4 weeks liquid, 4 weeks mashed food and then re-introduce normal food. By 28th Dec I felt so ill from not eating even though I was taking my protein shakes and soup etc that I decided that enough was enough. I had already spent 3 weeks on my liquid pre op diet and couldn't take a sip more! Anyway, I started to eat some very soft fish pieces and managed 4 and felt fine. Over the next few days I continued to eat soft food but mainly stuck to the liquids. I did try some toast and did initially feel a little restriction and to the point that I knew if I had another tiny piece that it would get stuck. Great, I finally have a band that is working! After almost three weeks I was told that as I was so hungry that I could go onto the mashed stage (didn't tell my consultant that I had already done this). I have now started to experience this weird pain across my stomach, almost like the pain you get when have a stomach bug. I'm still really hungry and am now worried that I have either made the slip or have a pouch dilation as I shouldn't have eaten food when I did. Can anyone give me some reassurance? Thanks Kaz

I was banded in the UK. I have spoken to my consultants office on a few occasions reagarding this pain, but I am not able to call my surgeon direct, this is not permitted. Any problems anybody may have if they have been banded via this group, must go through them and not direct to the surgeon. If however, I was banded by the surgeon through the NHS here in the UK, then this would be a different matter, as my consultation would have been with the surgeon at the beginning. The pain is not as bad today, and this morning it was more of a prodding sensation in the centre, and towards the left below the ribs. Lets hope that it's just scar tissue/healing. I have been informed that I should have a fill in about 2 weeks time, looking forward to this as it will finally put my mind at rest and hopefully be able to feel what a band is actually like when working!!! Will keep you all updated.

Hi Julie, Thanks for your message. I am not able to talk to my surgeon unfortunately as this is not permitted. I have to go back through the group I went to for the operation, and I have spoken & emailed them a few times regarding this pain I have been experiencing lately. I still have not heard back from them since my last message a couple of days ago, but will wait and see. Can I ask......what sort of solid food did you consume, and at what point post op? Thanks

Hi ReneBean, Thanks for your message. I did get in contact with my consultants office and also emailed one of the health educators there twice. When I mentioned this pain to her I did not get much of a response other than that it could be caused by all the extra weight my body is carrying. Not sure what she means by this as I have lost almost 2 stone since my first op! Anyway, my 2nd email she said that it could be due to the port, but again I responded that the pain is not in the port area, but lower. I have asked if this is the area of the upper pouch and what the possible cause could be, but I have not had a response. I did not mention the bread situation, but did explain that I continue to have only a small size bowl and portion size of a 3 year old which I have stuck to. Just hope that I am worrying over nothing as she doesn't seem to worried.

Hi CareBare, Where were you banded? Have you spoken to your Dr about the post op eating plan? As I said previously, I was informed on all my past 5 operations that I was not to eat any solid foods until the 8th week. First 4 weeks liquids, then mashed foods for a further 4 weeks, and then by week 8 to re-introduce normal food. I am still worried that I have done some damage to my band, and continue to read up that if you eat too early, then you increase the chance of slippage by quite alot. Just hope that everything is OK! I still continue to suffer a mild discomfort around the top part of my stomach, below the port area. Not sure if this is a sign of anything. I have no other symptoms of reflux, vomiting, food geting stuck etc. Good luck, and keep me posted on your progress and what your Dr says.

Hi guys, Thanks for your info, but after 5 ops (all previous were incorrect) I just feel that as I may have now done something to the band after everything I have been through, I can't tell them. You see, it was a fight to get them to do the corrective surgery at no cost to me even though they owned up to the problems, and I know what I should and shouldn't have done, thats why I am so upset with myself. Yeah, i know.....why bread? I love bread, so thought I would a have some toast to see if this final band is working, and yes I found that it was. I'm now regretting it and worried as I no longer feel restriction. I have also started with this dull ach across my stomach. I feel so ashamed with myself and can't believe after everything I have been through that I'd do a stupid thing like this. Kaz

I had my first band fitted by Dr Super in April 2005 and have had nothing but problems. First I had no restriction what so ever, and after the 12/13 weeks of liquids, then mashed food then introducing normal food again, I had a fill under X-Ray where I had I think 1.5-2ml inserted. Went home and nothing, no difference at all. All of a sudden I was in horrific pain (lower abdomen), and my consultant (not surgeon) kept saying that it was nothing to do with the band. I was also told that I was being impatient as I still had no weight loss or restriction.<O > Things got so bad for me that I couldn't even walk 100yrds without this pain, to try and sit on a seat or to lay down was horrendous and in the end I went to my Dr for advice. I was then sent for numerous internal tests, x-rays, and lots of fumbling around to see if there wasn't anything more serious wrong with me, everything came back normal, but each test was so painful I was in tears. <O > Again, I contacted my consultant and was told the same thing but finally they arranged for a top-up in October. Mean while I was still in horrific pain and was having lots of time off work which resulted in a loss of pay. Went along for my top-up and it was then discovered that the tubing couldn't be located. All this time of being in pain and no one listening to me and I was then told this.<O > Back into hospital on 5th Nov 05 to have an exploratory op, relocate the tube and reconnect it. My parents and I were then told that the tubing was located wrapped around my intestines, hence the horrific pain for the past 4 months and that once connected and <O > Anyway, due to the tube disconnection I had no liquid in my band at all, and eventually went back for another fill (like a first fill as it was completely empty). Still nothing, and once again I was told that I was being impatient. Went along for another fill in Feb 06 (my consultant was also present) and bingo, was then told by the guy doing my fill and my consultant that the reason for me having no restriction etc was due to the band being fitted too high, and that this has been seen before. <O ></O > Back into hospital again on 3rd March 06 for a complete new band to be fitted, then the usual liquid, mashed and then re-introduction of normal food again for up to 12 weeks, and during this time went on holiday which had been booked 11 months before. So yes, my holiday was ruined as a result of this. Got back to the UK and went for my first fill with my new 2nd band, and again was told that I couldn't have it done as the port was completely over turned, not on its side as this can happed, but completely flipped over. Again my consultant and surgeon kept saying to me that they didn't know why this had happened, so back of into hospital again to have a new port fitted in May 06. Since then I have had numerous fills (now have 6.5ml in the band) and still have no restriction at all. I have put all the weight back on that I managed to loose before my first op on the 800 cals a day diet. Feel completely shattered and have no faith in my consultant, his team, or the surgeon I have now been informed that they can not continue to fill my band as there must be a structural problem with the band, and that it will more than likely have to be removed. What is even more worse is that I have been told that although the surgeon will take it out free of charge I will have to pay hospital costs (about £2000) of which I do not have. I have already had to borrow the £7600 for the original op and on top of that I have paid out about £300 in traveling costs, loss of earning and added stress all due to wanting to loose weight and have a better life. My consultant has now arranged for me to have tests under x-ray this Thursday in central Birmingham, to see what is wrong (the guy doing this has agreed to do this under the NHS). If it turns out that it is an aneurism then the manufacturers have verbally agreed to pay the full costs of surgery and treatment, with a replacement. Not sure I want a replacement after all of this. <O > However, if it isn't this and turns out to be and erosion or something else, then I still have to foot the hospital costs. (I have explained that this is not an option for me, so will end up with a foreign object left inside my body that is doing nothing for me, but will more than likely end up more harm).< I am now at the end of my tether and can not cope with this anymore. I have been told to go for a 2nd opinion as well, but it always ends up with the same old answer – I can’t afford to pay to see another consultant or surgeon If any of you have experienced the same problems or can give me any advice, please drop me a line. Karen Taylor.karen@talk21.com

Things are going from bad to worse this afternoon. My consultant still hasn't called me back with regards to further operation dates, so I called his office and was told he was out until later today (if in at all). Was then informed that 1 surgeon is only available after Jan 20th 2007 and the other only operates every Friday and his last date being 8th Dec 06. Have explained that neither of these dates are any good for me, and can only have just before xmas to have this done so that I can recover over the Christmas period. I can not afford to have the op Fri 8th Dec, be back at work on Monday and then if I am still sore or unwell take sick leave as I do not get paid if off ill. My local PCT have informed me that they do not fund any gastric weight loss surgery, so this is a no go. :help: Speak soon. Karen

Well, went along for my tests yesterday, and what a nightmare it turned out to be. :help: First of all the radiologist thought that there was a leak and after I confirmed that I have 6.5 in my band he proceeded to withdraw the fluid, and yep, it was all there. So a little stumped he refilled up to 6.5 again and I then had to continue to swallow the barium. At first he wasn't happy with what he was looking at and conferred with another guy present. Had to do another two bariums and then suddenly, 'Oh dear'. I was then given the terrible blow that my abnd is completely open and across the outer part of my stomach. :omg: Completely upset and in tears with this news I was informed to get changed and wait in the waiting area while he called my consultant and surgeon. He eventually reappeared and said that my consultant would call me later in the eveing. Asked twice for a copy of my x-rays and was told that I couldn't have them as they were being sent to my consultant. Left feeling very upset, mad and extremely exhuasted. :angry Eventually had a call from my conusltant who said that he had not yet seen a copy of my x-rays but that it wasn't open, but in fact in the wrong place. (AGAIN). Explained that I was confused as this is not what the radiologist had said and asked what the next step would be. I now have to wait for a call back from him today as I do not want my previous surgeon who performed my past 4 operations to operate on me EVER AGAIN. Was told that there were only 2 other surgeons who would operate, and that he would have to speak to them to see when they could fit me in, and the payment issue. I expalined that I was not going to pay a penny more and left it at that. Still waiting to hear from him. (Managed to get the hospital to send me a copy of my x-rays on disc too). Update again soon. Karen

Hi White Rabbit, Thanks for your help regarding my situation. I have again asked about legal aid, and I seem to be getting the same reply each time which is that I am not entitled to it as I am earning over £14000.00 a year (although not a huge deal more)! I know very little about this new telemetric band which my consultant showed a few of us at a meeting back in October, but again this would not be available to me unless I pay to have my 2nd band removed and replaced, if this is what THEY agree to do. My only option at the moment is to have these tests today to see if they can find out why the band is not working, and if it is an aneurism then the manufacturer has verbally agreed to pay for the operation. If I then have an option to have a replacement fitted I will asked about this new one. I know that my surgeon already works with the Hospital Group & BUPA so would feel very stongly about NOT having him again. I am seeking other surgeons as we speak. Yes......definatley thought about going down the route of the negative press, and once this is sorted out (hopefully), then I will be in contact. At the moment I don't want to make things anymore difficult for me. I have also spoken at length to my solicitor who I have to get back in contact with later today with my results. Thanks Karen

Hi Suzanne, Thanks for your message. Firstly, I had my band fitted here at the Priory Hospital, Birmingham in April 2005 for £7600 and now on my 2nd band that is still not working. I too am fighting that fact that I shouldn't have to pay for surgical problems with this 2nd band, but my consultant and his team are sticking to this unless it turns out that it is an aneurism which the manufacturers will then pay for the operation and treatment. However, it is no consolation to me if it is something else and I have to pay out another £2000+ for hosptial costs. Just feel like I am being pushed into a tight corner at the moment, which is proving difficult to get out of. Unfortunately I am not entitledd to legal aid as I have already looked into this. Will update you with what happens later today in Birmingham with my tests. Karen

Thank you so much for your message which I have just received. It was so nice to read first thing this morning, and know that you will be thinking of me. I was telling my parents last night about your unfortunate experience too, and they were shocked to say the least at the level of care you have received. I hope today brings some answers to my problem and that this will be sorted out once and for all. Think now its time to have this thing removed and to live with the fact that I will always be big! I really do hope you are feeling a little better today, and know that every day is an uphill struggle for us, especially you at this incredible hard time. I will update you later with what happens later. Kind regards Karen

Thanks you all so much for your kind words. I will keep you informed as to what is found tomorrow when I go for my tests. I know the band works for some, but I seem to have had many, many emails from people that have had no restriction, no weight loss and have also suffered with complications. These are things that were never mentioned to me by my consultant, and now feel completely ripped off. Karen

Hi Elisabeth, Thanks for your reply. I have a 10ml VG Inamed Band fitted and I am now up to 6.5 in my band. Still no restriction at all, very hungry and can eat big adult size meals and still not feel overly full. I have been informed by my consultant that he will not continue to fill the band as there must be a structural problem. Anyway, I just feel extremely cheated and robbed of my money, and now can't see a way out of this deadful mess. Karen

Hi Jo Ann, Thanks for your kind words, its nice to know that there is someone out there listening! Will keep you updated, think I will write a book about all my experiences with these bands once I am sorted! Karen

I had my first band fitted by Dr Super in April 2005 and have had nothing but problems. First I had no restriction what so ever, and after the 12/13 weeks of liquids, then mashed food then introducing normal food again, I had a fill under X-Ray where I had I think 1.5-2ml inserted. Went home and nothing, no difference at all. All of a sudden I was in horrific pain (lower abdomen), and my consultant (not surgeon) kept saying that it was nothing to do with the band. I was also told that I was being impatient as I still had no weight loss or restriction. Things got so bad for me that I couldn't even walk 100yrds without this pain, to try and sit on a seat or to lay down was horrendous and in the end I went to my Dr for advice. I was then sent for numerous internal tests, x-rays, and lots of fumbling around to see if there wasn't anything more serious wrong with me, everything came back normal, but each test was so painful I was in tears. Again, I contacted my consultant and was told the same thing but finally they arranged for a top-up in October. Mean while I was still in horrific pain and was having lots of time off work which resulted in a loss of pay. Went along for my top-up and it was then discovered that the tubing couldn't be located. All this time of being in pain and no one listening to me and I was then told this. Back into hospital on 5th Nov 05 to have an exploratory op, relocate the tube and reconnect it. My parents and I were then told that the tubing was located wrapped around my intestines, hence the horrific pain for the past 4 months and that once connected and Anyway, due to the tube disconnection I had no liquid in my band at all, and eventually went back for another fill (like a first fill as it was completely empty). Still nothing, and once again I was told that I was being impatient. Went along for another fill in Feb 06 (my consultant was also present) and bingo, was then told by the guy doing my fill and my consultant that the reason for me having no restriction etc was due to the band being fitted too high, and that this has been seen before. Back into hospital again on 3rd March 06 for a complete new band to be fitted, then the usual liquid, mashed and then re-introduction of normal food again for up to 12 weeks, and during this time went on holiday which had been booked 11 months before. So yes, my holiday was ruined as a result of this. Got back to the UK and went for my first fill with my new 2nd band, and again was told that I couldn't have it done as the port was completely over turned, not on its side as this can happed, but completely flipped over. Again my consultant and surgeon kept saying to me that they didn't know why this had happened, so back of into hospital again to have a new port fitted in May 06. Since then I have had numerous fills (now have 6.5ml in the band) and still have no restriction at all. I have put all the weight back on that I managed to loose before my first op on the 800 cals a day diet. Feel completely shattered and have no faith in my consultant, his team, or the surgeon I have now been informed that they can not continue to fill my band as there must be a structural problem with the band, and that it will more than likely have to be removed. What is even more worse is that I have been told that although the surgeon will take it out free of charge I will have to pay hospital costs (about £2000) of which I do not have. I have already had to borrow the £7600 for the original op and on top of that I have paid out about £300 in traveling costs, loss of earning and added stress all due to wanting to loose weight and have a better life. My consultant has now arranged for me to have tests under x-ray this Thursday in central Birmingham, to see what is wrong (the guy doing this has agreed to do this under the NHS). If it turns out that it is an aneurism then the manufacturers have verbally agreed to pay the full costs of surgery and treatment, with a replacement. Not sure I want a replacement after all of this. However, if it isn't this and turns out to be and erosion or something else, then I still have to foot the hospital costs. (I have explained that this is not an option for me, so will end up with a foreign object left inside my body that is doing nothing for me, but will more than likely end up more harm).< I am now at the end of my tether and can not cope with this anymore. I have been told to go for a 2nd opinion as well, but it always ends up with the same old answer – I can’t afford to pay to see another consultant or surgeon If any of you have experienced the same problems or can give me any advice, please drop me a line. Karen Taylor.karen@talk21.com

I had my first band fitted by Dr Super in April 2005 and have had nothing but problems. First I had no restriction what so ever, and after the 12/13 weeks of liquids, then mashed food then introducing normal food again, I had a fill under X-Ray where I had I think 1.5-2ml inserted. Went home and nothing, no difference at all. All of a sudden I was in horrific pain (lower abdomen), and my consultant (not surgeon) kept saying that it was nothing to do with the band. I was also told that I was being impatient as I still had no weight loss or restriction. Things got so bad for me that I couldn't even walk 100yrds without this pain, to try and sit on a seat or to lay down was horrendous and in the end I went to my Dr for advice. I was then sent for numerous internal tests, x-rays, and lots of fumbling around to see if there wasn't anything more serious wrong with me, everything came back normal, but each test was so painful I was in tears. Again, I contacted my consultant and was told the same thing but finally they arranged for a top-up in October. Mean while I was still in horrific pain and was having lots of time off work which resulted in a loss of pay. Went along for my top-up and it was then discovered that the tubing couldn't be located. All this time of being in pain and no one listening to me and I was then told this. Back into hospital on 5th Nov 05 to have an exploratory op, relocate the tube and reconnect it. My parents and I were then told that the tubing was located wrapped around my intestines, hence the horrific pain for the past 4 months and that once connected and Anyway, due to the tube disconnection I had no liquid in my band at all, and eventually went back for another fill (like a first fill as it was completely empty). Still nothing, and once again I was told that I was being impatient. Went along for another fill in Feb 06 (my consultant was also present) and bingo, was then told by the guy doing my fill and my consultant that the reason for me having no restriction etc was due to the band being fitted too high, and that this has been seen before. Back into hospital again on 3rd March 06 for a complete new band to be fitted, then the usual liquid, mashed and then re-introduction of normal food again for up to 12 weeks, and during this time went on holiday which had been booked 11 months before. So yes, my holiday was ruined as a result of this. Got back to the UK and went for my first fill with my new 2nd band, and again was told that I couldn't have it done as the port was completely over turned, not on its side as this can happed, but completely flipped over. Again my consultant and surgeon kept saying to me that they didn't know why this had happened, so back of into hospital again to have a new port fitted in May 06. Since then I have had numerous fills (now have 6.5ml in the band) and still have no restriction at all. I have put all the weight back on that I managed to loose before my first op on the 800 cals a day diet. Feel completely shattered and have no faith in my consultant, his team, or the surgeon I have now been informed that they can not continue to fill my band as there must be a structural problem with the band, and that it will more than likely have to be removed. What is even more worse is that I have been told that although the surgeon will take it out free of charge I will have to pay hospital costs (about £2000) of which I do not have. I have already had to borrow the £7600 for the original op and on top of that I have paid out about £300 in traveling costs, loss of earning and added stress all due to wanting to loose weight and have a better life. My consultant has now arranged for me to have tests under x-ray this Thursday in central Birmingham, to see what is wrong (the guy doing this has agreed to do this under the NHS). If it turns out that it is an aneurism then the manufacturers have verbally agreed to pay the full costs of surgery and treatment, with a replacement. Not sure I want a replacement after all of this. However, if it isn't this and turns out to be and erosion or something else, then I still have to foot the hospital costs. (I have explained that this is not an option for me, so will end up with a foreign object left inside my body that is doing nothing for me, but will more than likely end up more harm).< I am now at the end of my tether and can not cope with this anymore. I have been told to go for a 2nd opinion as well, but it always ends up with the same old answer – I can’t afford to pay to see another consultant or surgeon If any of you have experienced the same problems or can give me any advice, please drop me a line. Karen Taylor.karen@talk21.com

I know exactly how you are feeling right now, and although this may be little consolation to you, I had my first band fitted by Dr Super in April 2005 and have had nothing but problems too.<?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><v:shapetype class=inlineimg id=_x0000_t75 title="" smilieid="59" stroked="f" filled="f" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" alt="" src="images/smilies/silly.gif" border="0" o<img></v:shapetype>referrelative="t" o:spt="75" coordsize="21600,21600"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><V:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></V:path>ffice:office" /><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com</o:lock><v:shape id=_x0000_i1025 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" alt="0" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:href="http://www.lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/depressed.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1JACKIE~1LOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape><O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> First I had no restriction what so ever, and after the 12/13 weeks of liquids, then mashed food then introducing normal food again, I had a fill under X-Ray where I had I think 1.5-2ml inserted. Went home and nothing, no difference at all. All of a sudden I was in horrific pain (lower abdomen), and my consultant (not surgeon) kept saying that it was nothing to do with the band. I was also told that I was being impatient as I still had no weight loss or restriction.<O:p></O:p> Things got so bad for me that I couldn't even walk 100yrds without this pain, to try and sit on a seat or to lay down was horrendous and in the end I went to my Dr for advice. I was then sent for numerous internal tests, x-rays, and lots of fumbling around to see if there wasn't anything more serious wrong with me, everything came back normal, but each test was so painful I was in tears.<v:shape id=_x0000_i1026 style="WIDTH: 16.5pt; HEIGHT: 16.5pt" alt="0" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:href="http://www.lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/cry.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1JACKIE~1LOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image002.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape><O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> Again, I contacted my consultant and was told the same thing but finally they arranged for a top-up in October. Mean while I was still in horrific pain and was having lots of time off work which resulted in a loss of pay. Went along for my top-up and it was then discovered that the tubing couldn't be located. All this time of being in pain and no one listening to me and I was then told this.<O:p></O:p> <O:p> </O:p> Back into hospital on 5th Nov 05 to have an exploratory op, relocate the tube and reconnect it. My parents and I were then told that the tubing was located wrapped around my intestines, hence the horrific pain for the past 4 months and that once connected and <O:p></O:p> Anyway, due to the tube disconnection I had no liquid in my band at all, and eventually went back for another fill (like a first fill as it was completely empty).<O:p></O:p> Still nothing, and once again I was told that I was being impatient. <O:p></O:p> <O:p> </O:p> Went along for another fill in Feb 06 (my consultant was also present) and bingo, was then told by the guy doing my fill and my consultant that the reason for me having no restriction etc was due to the band being fitted too high, and that this has been seen before. <O:p></O:p> <O:p> </O:p> Back into hospital again on 3rd March 06 for a complete new band to be fitted, then the usual liquid, mashed and then re-introduction of normal food again for up to 12 weeks, and during this time went on holiday which had been booked 11 months before. So yes, my holiday was ruined as a result of this. <O:p></O:p> Got back to the ffice:smarttags" /><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<ST1:place w:st="on">UK</ST1:place></st1:country-region> and went for my first fill with my new 2nd band, and again was told that I couldn't have it done as the port was completely over turned, not on its side as this can happed, but completely flipped over. Again my consultant and surgeon kept saying to me that they didn't know why this had happened, so back of into hospital again to have a new port fitted in May 06. <O:p></O:p> <O:p> </O:p> Since then I have had numerous fills (now have 6.5ml in the band) and still have no restriction at all. I have put all the weight back on that I managed to loose before my first op on the 800 cals a day diet. Feel completely shattered and have no faith in my consultant, his team, or the surgeon.<O:p></O:p> <O:p> </O:p> I have now been informed that they can not continue to fill my band as there must be a structural problem with the band, and that it will more than likely have to be removed. What is even more worse is that I have been told that although the surgeon will take it out free of charge I will have to pay hospital costs (about £2000) of which I do not have. I have already had to borrow the £7600 for the original op and on top of that I have paid out about £300 in traveling costs, loss of earning and added stress all due to wanting to loose weight and have a better life. <O:p></O:p> <O:p> </O:p> My consultant has now arranged for me to have tests under x-ray this Thursday in central <st1:City w:st="on"><ST1:place w:st="on">Birmingham</ST1:place></st1:City>, to see what is wrong (the guy doing this has agreed to do this under the NHS). If it turns out that it is an aneurism then the manufacturers have verbally agreed to pay the full costs of surgery and treatment, with a replacement. Not sure I want a replacement after all of this. <O:p></O:p> However, if it isn't this and turns out to be and erosion or something else, then I still have to foot the hospital costs. (I have explained that this is not an option for me, so will end up with a foreign object left inside my body that is doing nothing for me, but will more than likely end up more harm).<O:p></O:p> <O:p> </O:p> I am now at the end of my tether and completely understand how you feel. I have been told to go for a 2<SUP>nd</SUP> opinion as well, but it always ends up with the same old obstruction – I can’t afford to pay to see another consultant or surgeon.<O:p></O:p> <O:p> </O:p> I really do hope you manage to get this sorted out soon, but if you feel like letting of steam, send me an email, anytime.<O:p></O:p> <O:p> </O:p> Regards<O:p></O:p> <O:p> </O:p> Karen <O:p></O:p> Taylor.karen@talk21.com <O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p>