Disappointed

[Choney 0]

Hi Guys, new to the forum idea but banded in Nov 06 ( I think)... Went to an information session, joined a private medical fund waited my 12 months, and then started the process. Had the op did really well on my liquid and mush diet for the 6 weeks following, including Christmas.

During this time I lost approx 15kg then when normal eating time resumed I began to struggle... Never felt the effect of the band, it does not limit my portion size, sometimes makes it difficult to eat drier food and unable to vomit. these are my only affects.

I have had several band fills... they could never find the port so had it done under ultrasound, fluroscope etc etc at incredible expense. Apparently had a larger band put on can not remember the name but on my last refill 2+years ago there should of been 3.5ml in it, he took it all out to check and found .4ml. Found the Dr very rude, sent me to psych dr said I was making excuses etc. Did not believe that I was following correct steps, cheating somehow.

My last appt, I was in ICU at another hospital from a malfunction with my diabetes and incorrect insulin. I had a nurse contact the hosp in Adelaide to cancel my appt and let them know why I could not make it. they said they would rebook with me later that week. I have never heard from them since, and frankly have just ignored the whole thing since.

I was curious, every now and then when I tie my shoelaces or something similar I get a really bad stitch sensation in the same general area that my port is supposedly been put.It requires me to lean very far back until it literally unlocks itself... from the outside the unlocking actually feels similar to a baby kicking and is really strange.

What to do next.... do I chase up mu old Dr (don't want to go there) or find another in Adelaide and check to see if it has slipped or if the band has a hole in it and therefore can not be tightened.... or if I am just a complete failure. I have hospital cover only and can not afford to be stuffed around, I have a family to support and money is fairly tight.

I began my journey at 175kg got down to about 154kg and now am about 165kg, I am almost 6foot tall and would be ecstatic if I could get to 100kg.... would just like to be able to buy clothes in a shop and not online.

Any suggestions would be great Thanks. If you know a good Dr in the Adelaide region let me know. thanks:smile2:

[greytz 4]

Since you asked I will give my humble opinion. I don't probably feel as expert as some who have been through it for a lot longer but here goes. Find a doctor to help you. They are out there. I had heart issues and kept passing out. Had every test known to man and they could find nothing. After many tears and tirades and being sent everywhere, I didn't give up and found someone who knew what the he-- was going on with me. It was so gratifying to finally find someone who could help me and has helped me. When I decided to have the band, he was the first doctor I went to and he has worked in concert with my band surgeon to help my experience be as positive as it can be. I spent a long time chosing my band surgeon. She and her entire staff have been wonderful and I am sure has made all the difference for me. Please, Please I urge you to keep hunting until you find someone who can help you. It sounds as though something dangerous could be going on inside you and you need to find out what it is. Keep hunting until you find someone you are comfortable with that can help you. Even search outside your city limits and be willing to drive a little bit to find someone. Good Luck.

[thebandedgirl 0]

I am so sorry you've had such a rough time!

I agree with greytz on all points--find someone who will work with you and listen to you. I know cost can be intimidating, but this is your health! Perhaps you could make a post in the regional board for Australia: Australia Local Lap-Band Support - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum See if anyone can recommend a surgeon in your area who is reasonable.

Please don't ignore it any more!