kizzie

Hi.. YOu have lots of replies but I thought I would tell you my port repositioning op experience. Surgery 18th June 1 week post op: pain in port site.. extreme pain 2 weeks post op: hospitalised-infection around band site (haematoma) 3 weeks post op: port pain 4 weeks post op: unsuccessful fill.. port repositioning surgery. So my doctor had me go back to the hospital that evening at 8.30 he had me dress in scrubs and wheeled me to surgery. he said he was going to try and fill using the fluro. He knew it had flipped as the operating room was buzzing with people already. He tried many times with local anesthesia and couldn't access it.. So at 9pm I had my entire port repositioning surgery under LOCAL anesthesia. They put up a curtain in front of my face so I couldn't see.. I felt some pulling and pressure but no pain. They kept giving me locals.. all in all it took an hour to reposition and finished by 10pm. I was home by 10.30 pm at school and teaching at 8am the next morning. for me PIECE OF CAKE!!. I actually ENJOYED hearing what was going on. The nurses were telling me what was happening and holding my hand.. it was quite an experience actually!. The only pain was similar to first surgery.. the being 'pulled' feeling. but that subsided after a few days.. hope this helps

Hi Allana, I am a June 18th bandster. I also have hypothyroidism which after 10 years still isn't stable. You have probably been suffering from it for a while.. think back to how long you have had the symptoms.. poor you.. and it slows the metabolism so much that we gain weight a lot faster than people without it. So it must be slower to lose.. Having said that your 25 pounds and my 29 pounds is a LOT of weight in two months!!!.. so GO US!! lol Anyway, I am in a similar situation to you in the fact that i haven't lost any weight since the end of July. I lost 29 pounds..and have actually fluctuated up and down to 30 pounds off. 25 pounds off.. 20 pounds... off.. back to 28 pounds off. I am putting it down to my body adjusting. If you look at my signature you will see I have had a lot of post op complications and even went into starvation mode when I couldn't keep anything down at all.. so I suppose that slowed my metabolic rate to a full stop.. YOu are right to allow yourself time to heal. I am trying to get into a good eating right routine and then see what happens. I had a fill two weeks ago of 2mls, it didn't do much so my doctor put 4 in this past Friday. Much better but I still feel as though I am taking in more than I am burning. Very hard to get the energy to go out and exercise.. especially when you feel so exhausted with this thyroid problem.. but we can both do it.. Keep going and let me know how you get on!.. take care Kizzie PS ... Don't forget to measure yourself. you may not be losing pounds but your shape may be changing.. !

Cathychatt.. have emailed my surgeon today. He wants to see me tomorrow. Thank you for your support I hope you get sorted out soon too.. horrible being out of control of our emotions!.. so unlike me Long2bthin: THANKS!!... I had no idea that was at the bottom of the screen.. just shows I never go further than this little quick reply box..thank you for taking the time to point that out...

I had an unfill after my port reposition became infected and my stomach closed up.. I haven't had a single solid meal yet without that pain!.. even chewing really well.. I give up most meals and go for a shake.. I am hoping it is because I am still slightly swollen,.. the back pain is agony isn't it!.. I usually throw up when that happens.. (daily!).. it has been nearly three weeks since my unfill. My infection has gone.. but still can't get most solids down.. didn't even think about gallbladder!!!!!!!!.. heck..don't need that now! I hope you feel better soon.

Really?? I am kind of relieved that there is a reason for it.. but now what!? My symptoms are slowly increasing!.. best get to the doctor again! Can you remember where on the board you read about this before? Maybe reading other accounts will make for a clearer picture.. thank you so much for replying!!.... does insomnia have anything to do with this too?? and aching hips??... thanks again Kizzie

Is it just me or has my band surgery (and subsequent complications) caused my hormones to go into whack??>.. I have slowly become an emotional wreck.. It isn't my usual pms attack.. (although that is due an I can get a little teary a few days before)..but this is ten times worse. I am angry, having mood swings.. (although not so many nice moods) and just so tearful.. ... can it be because of the band??.. and not eating properly?.. I am not at all miserable with my band. I love my band.. I just can't seem to get on with my day without snapping at people and feeling really down and crying so much.... I have ordered st johns wort and evening primrose oil today to see if that will help.... gosh I hope this doesn't last long> I could get fired!!!... THanks Kizzie

We could go round in circles here but I teach a few 10 year olds that have a lot more maturity and wisdom than many 50 years olds I have come across!!!...

I have found that going against all dieticians rules about weighing once a week. if I weigh every morning at the same time .(naked after going to the loo).. I can monitor my plateaus... My parents are doing this too (not banded just dieting)..my Dad has a 10 day period before he loses 1kg..my Mum has a 12 day period... I am still trying to figure mine out as I have had so many post op problems.. It looks like I am on the 12 or 13 day cycle though.. I think when I used to go to weigh in at clubs etc I was always weighin in on my heavy day!... anyway.. a little tool that may help others... you need to chart your weight though to see the pattern emerge... and hey ANY weight loss is great no!???.. we don't want it going in the other direction!!!... I have lost 30 pounds since 18th June surg ery but nothing in the past 3 weeks (due to extra surgery and infection complications along with dehydration!).. no one said it was going to be easy this band thing!! lol good luck everyone!!. we are doing great!

With all due respect I think the original poster was saying that in her 26 years she has lived through as many if not more experiences as that of 'many' 50 year olds. I don't think she was referring to anyone being an invalid or unhealthy... I didn't read it as offensive. My Mum is nearing 60 and one of the healthiest people I know... I think it is time to stop the negativity and get back to 'supporting' people...Firm but fair but not firm and harsh. I am sure that the majority of the people on this site have been victim to the firm and harsh comments of loved ones and strangers... it is here on this site that we can come together and share those experiences... through support, rather than attack. Maybe those who have a wealth of knowledge and experience with the band remember how tough it was in the first stages of being banded.. all the questions..all the trials and errors and finding what works and what doesn't..adjusting to a whole new life... it is hard for everyone and I am sure just as hard for those who have been banded a while ., which is why I am sure they still visit this site. I could do with some positive postings to read through instead of these terrible 'she said, you said' school girl bickerings.. Obesity/exercise and eating is an issue that is very raw with everyone (stating the obvious) and the smallest of comments will set the nerves on fire... I for one, love to see how incredible this band works. The lady in the bikini is aw inspiring!!!.. One day I hope to post mine... the people who are just starting an exercise routine.. give out your secrets! I have heard the hardest part is putting your sneakers on!... (I can't exercise right now I have a torn ligament.. but I am trying to do arm raises and leg raises with my good leg).. I also suffer from undiagnosed sleep apnea.. (it is the only reason I can come up with for falling into a coma like sleep during the day!!.. once I am awake from that ..THEN I put the sneakers on and pop on my ipod and go out for a walk..some days it is 20 mins others it can be an hour and a half.. depending on how tired I am )... For those who have found a great exercise routine.. please share it with us. I would love to see a weekly diary of exercise that I can be inspired by... I am a bit confused as to what I should be doing... I was swimming and walking but when I lose some more weight I would like to cycle. anyway, I have rambled enough on here.. I am grateful to everyone who posts, be it positive or negative.. it is just a reminder of how hard a struggle this band really is..and how 'we' as a group are battling to do our best everyday... we have enough comments from the 'outside non banded' world than to have them within our world too!... sorry if I went off on one.. I am still happy to be banded and read the posts as often as I can. thanks

After 6 weeks of no swimming (due to op and port op) I was given the go ahead to swim. I had planned to use my daily 1 hour walk as a warmer before my 1 hour swim... great plan!... I swam that first day and enjoyed every minute of it.. ... the next day I slipped and tore a ligamennt in my ankle.. I won't be swimming or walking for sometime... so the answer to the question is.. NO I AM NOT EXERCISING.. and not happy about it.... ( I have been lying on my bed doing leg raises with my good leg though and putting my arms out straight circling them though... if that counts??)

Hey there Maybe some of you remember me and my journey so far... not an easy one. a BRIEF reminder and then maybe some of you can offer some 'advice' (seeing my surgeon next week). 2 weeks post op: infection around stomach,fever 102 hospitalised 3 weeks post op: NORMAL! had a great week but very hungry 4 weeks post op: port flipped, sugery to reposition and small fill 6 weeks post op: infection in port area and stomach closed up completely(total unfill) liquids for 1 week and then soft foods for week 7 8 Weeks post op STILL can't eat solids without throwing up or getting stuck. I still don't have any fill in my band.. just as well with all of this!! I am chewing really well, and after just a few fork fulls I get that golfball and need to throw up. I usually only manage about 4 or 5 small bites of anything solid before throwing up most of it. I wait between bites a minute or so. I am only eating small soft foods right now but I wanted to ask if anyone else struggles with solids? I usually stick to minced meat or chicken or fish.. with soft vegetables (non fibrous kinds ie carrots spinach etc)... I have even vomited Soup and yoghurt this week! My doctor did a barium check on me last week and said I was still slightly swollen but my band is in a perfect position as is my port and that the liquid was going through well.. He said to take it slowly with solids but HOW SLOW!??? How many times do you chew? How big a bite do you take? (I take about half a fork full and smaller) How long do you wait between bites? ( I am sick of cold food now!!) I get so fed up of the golf ball and the pain in the back of my throat (tightening and tingling) that i usually give up and have a shake (if anything at all!) ... although saying that I was at a kids birthday party this week and so hungry I ate a cup of 'cheetos' (how easily did THEY go down??) and a mini magnum bar... (all no no's. but as I had consumed little to zero calories I didn't think it would hurt much.. it didn't.. no pain at all!. go figure) Am I destined for a life of shakes!?????.... I am seeing my doctor next week.. but could do with some support. Have lost roughly 30 pounds since my op ... but haven't really lost anything in the past 2 - 3 weeks... Not exercising either as I tore a ligament in my ankle last week... ouch!! OH and then a bee stung my big toe (the one in the cast!!!)..not doing too great eh!!? Am happy to have my band still..you won't find miseries here!!! THanks guys!!!

I know how frustrated you are Emily. It is really hard in the first stages of being banded especially when you read on here how fast the weight falls off of some people. First off you should be congratulated for your 10 pounds pre and 10 pounds post op.. maybe you need to remind yourself just how heavy that is and go and pick up a few bags of sugar!!..(you won't feel so down about it then).. I was BMI 41 when I was banded on June 18th. After one month I lost 18 pounds. I was very pleased BUT I had many complications along the way. I have lost 30 pounds to date but haven't lost anthing for the past three weeks. I think because I had infections and my eating was just way out of whack. I also haven't been getting enough Protein. I do think that maybe you should call your dietician, give them a weekly journal of your eating and exercise.. maybe you need to increase your calories a bit more!??.. I read on here earlier that one woman could get out of her plateau by upping her calories (we are talking a couple hundred not a big mac style increase!!)..and changing her exercise routine..that would trick her body into moving the weight again... I used to do this when I was on weight watchers and would see a good weight loss afterwards. I am going to try again once I ge my ankle out of its plaster cast and can start exercising again!. Good luck to you and KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.. you are doing an amazing job!!!... keep in touch it will be good to hear how you are getting on. kind regards Kizzie

I am happy to say I have lost 30 pounds. I have had a very hard 8 weeks and most of my loss was in the first 4 and a half. I have hovered around 213 pounds for 3 weeks now. Quite frustrating, I have had terrible infections, port problem, a torn ankle ligament (so exercise is really hard right now) and at one point my stomach actually closed completely... my surgeon said that considering all of this I am doing very well with my weight loss and as soon as I am fit and healthy again and can get on with my band life my weight will start to come off again. I hope so!!!.. Looking for advice on what to eat!?? I am struggling with solids. after a few bites I get that golf ball feeling in my back (yes I chew chew chew and take small bites) so revert back to a protein shake!... Even yoghurt got stuck today and I was sick.. so hopefully things will start to get better soon. Still love my band!!!

I wish I had known just what 'restriction' felt like! I thought I would just feel 'full' after eating the right amount. I didn't realise that I would get these golf ball feelings in my shoulders after eating anything solid. I am 8 weeks post op and have had trouble with solids since beginning them. I have no fill right now *as I was completely closed up due to infection and fill) It has been two weeks since they took out my fill, I can drink with no problem and even gulp but as soon as I touch solids I get the golf ball.. I have to eat like a finger nail size of food at a time for this not to happen, I am getting used to cold meals and getting so fed up of taking so long to eat that I end up leaving most of it on my plate and taking a Protein shake instead!!.. BUT with all the complications I STILL LOVE MY BAND.. I have managed to lose 30pounds in the first 5 weeks (the last 3 have been very slow!!), I couldn't have done it otherwise!...

Thanks Kiz Good to hear from you again!! It has been rough but I have had a good support team at the hospital thankfully. how are you doing?

Well it certainly seemed like that the first week or so. Before it flipped it was feeling a lot better. I know they prefer to put it on the ribcage area so it is easier to access. I guess it is different practices. It is still under my left boob but half an inch lower. He does actually have a incredible success rate and very well respected in his field here in Spain. I guess it just comes down to individual body types and rejection. I have always had some kind of complication post op with ALL of my previous surgeries for anything so I shouldn't be surprised that I did with this too.

Thanks Susie. I am beginning to feel better just knowing that everything is right with my band. I so desperately want to keep it that I will do everything in my power. I have no understanding of people who go against doctors orders. I didn't go against mine at all and still had complications.. It has been a worrying six weeks but you know what?? I would do it all again in a flash!... I still think this band is the answer I have been looking for and as of today I am 27 pounds down since surgery. Couldn't be happier really!!

I am just back from the hospital and so relieved. Thanks for your post Pam. Luckily for me, my surgeon knows me better than my GP!!.. that is because I don't have a GP. I travel with my work and see many different doctors for prescription fills and check ups etc. The hospital I had my band done in have known me for about 3 years now. I had some serious ortho problems and I got to know most of the ortho surgical team very quickly. The Gastro team became involved as I was told to lose 20kg before the Orthos would operate on my knees. My surgeon has been wonderful throughout all of my problems and has been available to me whenever I walk into the hospital door. Almost like VIP treatment I guess. So I am very lucky he knows my history and my work situation (which is not the norm!)... He had me in for an upper GI as soon as I got there this morning. he took about 20-25 mins to access my port. Gosh the pain!!.. Thank the lord for the anesthesia shots.. anyway, he finally removed all of my fill and left the band empty. I have a severe infection around my port from where it was repositioned two weeks ago and there is a lot of inflammation and liquid. It was very hard for him to access the port through all of that c**p!... We got there though. My stomach was completely closed. Nothing was going through at all. But then I knew that already! I swallowed something clear and very bitter tasting. I don't think it was barium as I hear that is like milkshake and chalky. It was another gastro contrasting agent anyway. I watched it fill the pouch very slowly.. and DRIP into my stomach. GOSH even with the complete unfill I have a LOT of restriction from the swelling. He checked the port hadn't flipped and the band hadn't slipped. So I am good to go!. Such a relief!! I sat in the cafeteria for 45 mins sipping a sports drink. HEAVENLY. I still feel restricted but not the pain or the severe urge to vomit. So back on clears for me for a few days then puree for 10. I have antibiotics for the infection. I am so sorry to hear about your infection Pam. I hope they have put you on some good antibiotics. The band is so wonderful and I hope that you can keep yours. It is SO hard to sip tiny drops only to have it all come back up again. It is so painful. My surgeon today said it is a vicious cycle. Vomiting increases inflammation, inflammation increases vomiting... I really hope your pain soon eases up. Thank so much for posting your message.

Hi Charlie Farley, (great name!) I could so have done with your post last night! I was up all night vomiting my saliva, in agony and so thirsty. I went to the hospital this morning and my very good friend there (in charge of patient care) called my surgeon down immediately. He had me in for an upper GI within 10 mins and after another 20 mins of locating my port he accessed it and removed all of my fill. He said I have so much inflammation, liquid and infection around the port that his needle wasn't long enough to get through it all so he had to physically manipulate the port to access it to drain the fill. I had a couple of shots of anesthesia. He was so wonderful and I felt immediate relief. I vomited on the table twice and the staff and my surgeon had such lovely bed side care. I am so grateful to them. I didn't have barium but something else I forget the name now. It was clear and bitter tasting. With a mint taste. Totally disgusting however. I did watch it slowly pass through my stomach. Even without the fill it took a long time to go through in drops. I have severe inflammation around my stoma and the bottom of my esophagus.. so am on Clear liquids for a few days and then puree for a week. I can handle that. I was so desperate for a drink when we had finished. It took me half an hour to drink a small can of sports drink (without carbonation). It was the most wonderful drink I have had in years!!!! .. it still hurts a lot to drink and I feel as though I will throw up but know with tiny sips it will go through. I have no slippage of the band and the port hasn't flipped again so I am VERY VERY happy right now. Exhausted but happy!... thank you so much for your post. I truly appreciate and so pleased to hear you are on the mend!! I am off for some well deserved broth now!! GOSH the relief of knowing I am ok is incredible!!

Hey there. I know I had terrible pain in my shoulder area around the back of the port (my port was situated right under my left boob so imagine behind that).. and was told by many it was GAS. I had no pain for the first two weeks. I ended up with liquid around my stomach/spleen/diaphragm area. I needed IV antibiotics. I did have a raging fever though due to the infection. Get it checked. The people on here are wonderful supports but only your doctor can you tell you what is going on. Bug them until they see you. good luck to you Kizzie

Gosh. Thank you guys so much for answering so quickly. The hours are going so slowly when I am waiting for 8.30am to come. I just tried some warm tea. Nope. no good. I am in such pain. It is so good to know that you guys really care. I am pretty much alone in all of this. The people I work for have had it up to their eyeballs.. My 'simple' procedure hasn't been so simple after all. I live with them as a private tutor so I have to recover in my place of work. Not the best of situations. I guess we shall see just how caring they are after 6 weeks of problems. Roll on 8.30am. I wish to get some fluids in me. I am desperate to just 'down' the apple juice carton I have opened to sip. I know I can't. The two tiny sips came right back up. Here's to better and brighter things. I need this band and I want to make it work. This is from someone who followed all the rules exactly as doctor ordered. Even my Dr is flummoxed to the reasons why. He has such a high success rate in this field. I am his first port flip..and could also be his second!! poor guy will regret the day I walked into his surgery!. Thank you all so much for your kindness and the time it takes to write. I greatly appreciate it. Kizzie.. "things can only get better'..

Cutting the extremely long last six weeks into a shorter version. THIS IS SHORT!! I wonder when I will be able to 'just get on and live with my band!:?" I had my surgery on 18th June. No problems. Week 1. I had extreme port pain.. which didn't go away. I was told it was ok. Although situated under left boob. Week 2. I was admitted to hospital with temp 102 and liquid situated around my surgery area-internal. Week 3... adjusting to antibiotic hell and accompanying yeast infection. NICE.. no real problems with the band. Quite hungry though. Normal. Week 4. First fill. Dr couldn't access port after three attempts. Then under local anesthesia in op room he opened me up and took an hour repositioning the port, slightly lower. It was a bugger to locate and a bugger to stitch back in. Small fill. Week 5. Extreme restriction building day to day. Loads of port pain Begin throwing up solids and mushies. Hacking cough starts and flu like symptoms without fever over the weekend. Week 6 (Monday 28th July) Dr office. Try for unfill. Can't locate port access area AGAIN!. Have inflamation and another infection. From that evening on I cannot keep much more than a teaspoon of liquid at a time. So painful. I throw up foam! I guess I am just unlucky. He said some people just reject this kind of surgery. I have been so careful as has my Dr. He has been brilliant and very caring. I am sitting up in my bed having had three full days now of not eating at all.. and in the last 24 hours have not been able to hold down liquid. I am even vomiting my own saliva and cannot lie down otherwise I feel I am choking. I am afraid to fall asleep. I am off to the ER in a few hours for an IV to get rid of this dehydration and accommodating headache and shakes. I will see my doctor tomorrow instead of Thursday. I can't go on like this anymore. I am soo thirsty. I hope beyond all hope that I haven't slipped my band. The more I think about it I fear I have. I am hoping it is just the swelling and liquid around the port area with my hacking dry cough that is putting pressure on a too full band. I just want to get on with it!.. and it won't let me I have lost 25 pounds post op though. So can't complain in that area! I wonder how much is Water weight this week though !!.. I REALLY WANT TO KEEP MY BAND. I am completely self pay and can't lose it now. thanks for letting me vent. __________________

Cutting the extremely long last six weeks into a shorter version. I wonder when I will be able to 'just get on and live with my band!:?" I had my surgery on 18th June. No problems. One week later(week 1) I had extreme port pain.. which didn't go away. I was told it was ok. Although situated under left boob. Week 2. I was admitted to hospital with temp 102 and liquid situated around my surgery area. Week 3... adjusting to antibiotic hell and accompanying yeast infection. NICE.. no real problems with the band. Quite hungry though. Normal. Week 4. First fill. Dr couldn't access port after three attempts. Then under local anesthesia in op room he opened me up and took an hour repositioning the port, slightly lower. It was a bugger to locate and a bugger to stitch back in. Small fill. Week 5. Extreme restriction building day to day. Loads of port pain Begin throwing up solids and mushies. Hacking cough starts and flu like symptoms without fever. Week 6 (Monday 28th July) Dr office. Try for unfill. Can't locate port access area AGAIN!. Have inflamation and another infection. From that evening on I cannot keep much more than a teaspoon of liquid at a time. So painful. I throw up foam! I guess I am just unlucky. He said some people just reject this kind of surgery. I have been so careful as has my Dr. He has been brilliant and very caring. I am sitting up in my bed having had three full days now of not eating at all.. and in the last 24 hours have not been able to hold down liquid. I am even vomiting my own saliva and cannot lie down otherwise I feel I am choking. I am afraid to fall asleep. I am off to the ER in a few hours for an IV to get rid of this dehydration and accommodating headache and shakes. I will see my doctor tomorrow instead of Thursday. I can't go on like this anymore. I am soo thirsty. I hope beyond all hope that I haven't slipped my band. The more I think about it I fear I have. I am hoping it is just the swelling and liquid around the port area with my hacking dry cough that is putting pressure on a too full band. I just want to get on with it!.. and it won't let me I have lost 25 pounds post op though. So can't complain in that area! I wonder how much is Water weight this week though !!.. thanks for letting me vent.

Hey there Sorry you are having pain. It sounds like your anesthesia wore off after the two days and what you are feeling now is your port pain. It can be mighty uncomfortable. If you are at all unsure you should contact your doctor or nurse for peace of mind. The cushion holding does help during the day when getting up from a chair, sneezing/coughing and at night when you lie on your other side.. it is good to put a cushion in your back to stop you rolling back too quickly and hurting yourself. take care and it will get better..

Good question. This is my first day and I am quite heavy. I am usually normal to heavy on day one. I am extremely heavy by day two until day four or five. Will let you know how it goes tomorrow. As for now. Same old, same old. Would be great if it lightened up!!.. Same pains though unfortunately. Good old stomach and back cramps along with thigh/boob tenderness.