blackonynx

I'm in the same boat as you.....A huge decision

I had my appointment today. Surgery maybe in 3 weeks.

I have pain in that area now with the band. I can hardly breath when my port is really flared up. I'm still in the process of having the band removed, but this is one of my fears. I'm hoping I don't go from bad to worse.

My husband is the same way too. However, I'll continue to let him know that I'm the one who is living with diabetes and pain. The band never relieved my co morbidness, but did leave me with port pain along with them. I haven't given up yet but I need to really do this very soon. I must face the fact that diabetes waits for no one

I also have pain on my left side when laying down at night. I have to keep adjusting myself in order to breath correctly. I've had 3 swallows, x-ray, and a CT scan. Nothing is found out of the ordinary. I've been here this long trying to hold onto my band 4.5 years now b/c I know it's helping to keep me from gaining. even though I've gained back 10 of the 45lbs that was lost 3 years ago. I just fear that something is not right and I worry about it. Let me know when you find out what the problem could be. Good Luck!

I was banded nearly 5 yrs ago and my upper belly has been extending high ever since. I believe that I have developed two stomachs now. The weight that I've gained back is all on my upper body, stomach, and waist. Anyone else have/had this problem with the band? Even before being banded it was not this bad. I look 7 months pregnant.

I was told 2 years ago that the band was positioned in the right place. It was looked at under flouro..But one and a half years ago, I asked my original surgeon when I first noticed it rising( why is my belly getting so big?) he said "I don't know" and walked out of the room in a hurry. I was going to get more into it with him at my next visit, but he had relocated.

Same here. I am so afraid, nervous, scared or whatever it is. Most of all, I embarrassed. I've been approved also, I've been pondering over this for a very long time now. Everyone here has been great to me about giving me the advice that I want and need. It's been a year and a half and I'm still goofing around. I'm 59 and cant't afford to keep waiting around. If not for my husband not wanting me to do this, I would have done it long ago. meanwhile, my diabetes has gotten out of control and my HBP medicine has been increased. Even though I'm nervous too, I'm ready to do this. we're in this together so let's just do it. Keep me posted.

Thanks so much!

I weighted 223 and had band last yr. Lost 40, had same issues as you, had band removed in Dec, was at 180#, had to gain 5# to get to 35 BMI for gastric. . Had gastric Jan 9, was at 190, now I'm 158 losing is slow when you are our size.. you will be happy once you get it done Thank you so much for that. I believe that I will. I have a high sitting stomach and look pregnant at my age. My insurance will pay. but my program fees are expensive to get the ball rolling.

Well losing 25 lbs in 8 days I wouldn't expect. But all together I think you've done very well. All I want to lose is 60-65 lbs so I just might achieve that. I just know that I need to lose more, and I'm tired of the pain between my port and band. The Dr. said it's constipation but when it flares up, it's really painful. Thank all of you for letting me know that I'm not the only one. I still want to know if others are having this at a low weight.

I know your sorrow. I had reflux so bad that It kept me up half the night with burning in my throat, coughing, and sometimes it would come out of my nose. Nothing worked for me except to have fluid removed. I've gained back 15 of the 50 lbs that I had lost. I'm sure that if I get a fill, that horrible acid reflux will return. I hope you fin relief soon.

Yes, I'm right there with you. filled and unfilled so many times. too tight, coughing, and acid reflux so bad it came out my nose a couple of times burning waking me up. TERRIBLE". My diabetes have gotten worse and so has my B/P. I've been approved for bypass but I am now down to 215 and afraid of losing too much. I was down to 202 before having all of these issues. I have gained back 13 lbs and now my blood work is out of control. I need to try over also.

I also wanted the one step procedure and is approved for it. I'm thinking after the 30 day pre-op diet, I will be right under 200#. Now I'm wondering maybe to do it in 2 steps b/c I could probably gain another 15# before having the RNY.( I know that sounds crazy ) My Dr. explained that it would be much more costly for me to do it in 2 steps. Therfore, I need to decide before I have to reapply again to my Insurance Co. However, I do want to take a stab at getting rid of my diabetes and HBP. I just want to make the right decision this time and NOT like I did by having the lap band.

Oh! Okay, did you have to do the pre-op diet too? I'm around 215 before pre-op and the nut said that I shouldn't have to do the full 30 days of liquids, but Dr. says yes I will have to and must stay compliant and lose a certain amount of weight while on it. I'm assuming around 195 by surgery time as well. I've been approved, but now don't know whether to do it or not. I'm afraid of what people would say if I became too thin.

were any of you under 220?

Hello! I've posted hear several times before and I have also had 3 barium swallows, a CT scan, and x-rays of my stomach. They can't find anything. But my chief complaint is PAIN around the port area, ribs, and upper belly. It's just really painful between the port and band.(swollen). This flare up occurs every 2-4 months and then goes away just as it came. My Dr. said that it was a muscle that the port is stitched too. I believed that for 2 1/2 years but not any more. I now feel that something else is going on b/c the flare ups are getting worse. I have another appt. tomorrow with another Dr.for labs and to find out the next step. I've really tried to work with the band, but I can't tolerate the pain that worsens upon deep breathing. Has anyone else have the pain and shortness of breath that I've described? If so, do you know what it was/is?

Hello! I have since had another CT scan this week and again, the Dr. said it's negative. I still have pain around the port area. It had eased up a little but today I'm feeling it when inhaling. This Dr. seems to feel that I need more fiber in my diet but I will call them back in a another few days if the pain is still there and ask to have the band removed with or without any other procedure. I'm afraid of these unknown pains that come and go. Something must be causing it, and I believe it's in/around the port. MRSJLH, I'm also thinking infection as well. I can feel the port and the wide area of thickness that's around it. I'm thinking scar tissue.

I got my CT scan results back today, and My Dr. was right. She wants me to increase my fiber intake and thats good news for me. They can find nothing bad going on.

every 5-6 weeks I have a terrible pain on the upper left of my stomach. I had a CT scan today and I'm waiting for the test results. But according to my Dr., She believes that I'm just full of SH*T. I'm hoping she's right!

HELLO! I WAS WONDERING THE SAME. I STOPPED POSTING BECSAUSE IT SEEMED THAT I WAS THE OLNY ONE HERE TALKING TO MYSELF IM HAPPY FOR ALL OF U. IT'S BEEN 1 1/2 YRS FOR ME NOW. I REALLY COULD HAVE USED ALL OF UR ENCOURAGEMENT ABOUT 6 MOS AGO. IM DOWN 47 LBS BUT HAVE JUST STARTED TO GET BACK ON TRACK. i NEED THE SUPPORT FROM U GUYS, AND I GUESS A LITTLE MOTIVATION. I WILL CHECK IN DAILY FROM THIS POINT ON. LETS KEEP IN TOUCH MORE OFTEN, ITS A GOOD THING. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK EVERYONE!!

Hi Tracy, Yes I was banded by him as well and Im doing o.k. I also was going with Bour at first, but I know that he really doesn't want to do lap bands. those fees were piling up too much also. I like Dr. Rowitz too. chat with me sometime. Later