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Thanks for sharing your story. I rarely post, but read these a lot. I was banded in Jan 2009. I too paid 100% out of pocket and don't know how I could afford another surgery. In October I was told my pouch was dilated. I was told to do 2 weeks of full liquids and come back a month later. I followed all their instructions to the letter. I went back as instructed, same story, so they removed some of the fill. I had the same fill for quite awhile since it was working for me and I was losing weight. I was told to do liquids again for 2 weeks, I did - again following ALL the rules, even through the holidays! I was actually able to talk to my surgeon about it and he was calling it a little slip and did not seemed concerned at all about it. I went back in January for another fluoro follow up and my pouch was huge - I had been following all the rules. I cried and cried and I don't know what to do. I asked and asked, but was told this would "only be fixed if you can't keep off the weight" I am scared that this is dangerous and how can I afford a fix? I moved out of state from TX to WA, so have been trying to find a surgeon and also someone to do and upper GI - almost there, March 30th is my appointment with a new surgeon, but I do have to pay aroun $400 out of pocket just to see him. I am working with my GP to get my EGD scheduled for early April when my new insurance kicks in. I cry a lot over this because I have done everything by the book and yet the surgeon's office staff acts like I caused this or am overeating despite the fact I've continued to lose weight throughout the entire time I've been banded. I'm at my wits end. I don't know what to do or anything. On a good note - I registered for my first 1/2 marathon that is on June 26th. I pray all the time for healing, comfort, peace and guidance. I hope I can get some soon, for my emotional state. Sorry for the long post, this has been building since October.

Hi Everyone, I have not posted in forever, sorry. I hope everyone is doing well. I have lost 54 lbs so far. I have had 2 fills and one unfill. The unfill was very helpful as I was having a really hard time getting enough protein and water down and horrible choking at night. I never expected to have to have an unfill after just the second fill, but whatever works I suppose. I have not lost any weight since the unfill about 3 weeks ago, so am kind of worried about that, but am trying to be patient. I am definitely not over eating and still have good restriction, so not sure if my body is just trying to recover from the month of too tight or what, guess we will see. It is always great to hear from people that started at the same time, keep the posts coming and good luck

Hi and thanks so much for your response. I have had one fill and I'm not convinced that they actually did anything. The surgeon wasn't there, I have no idea who the person was that did the fill, they did do it under fluroscopy though. She only poked once and didn't feel around at all and the site of the injection seemed a lot lower than where my port is, but that's just my opinion, surely they did do something. I have lost a total of 25lbs since starting on this journey, hopefully I am on track, but we'll see. started going to the gym seriously this week, but trying to not over do it just yet, will try to wean back into working out hard. I hope you are doing well.

thanks for your response. yes, according to my scale I have lost a total of 25lbs since starting the entire process. I hope I am on target, I don't really know where I am at in this process. I travel for my work for 13 - 20 weeks at a time, so going to a support group affliated with my surgeon is impossible and they don't really help a lot when I have called, so this is the next best thing, or so I think. Thanks again

I just found this thread, but I wanted to say hi and join, if that's ok. I was banded on 1-15-09. Am at a point of utter confusion and wondering if I'm on track? Is this normal, etc. I have had no problems whatsoever, none at all, sometimes I wonder if that band is really there, anyway, would love to hear from others on how they are doing at this point.

I had my lap band surgery on Jan 15 2009. I had my first fill on 2/25/09. I cannot tell a bit of difference since my fill. I have followed all directions for post op diet exactly as given with one minor misunderstanding, but have never felt nauseated, never vomited, never had heartburn no nothing, no problems whatsoever. Is this normal? Should I just be thankful instead of questioning whether or not this is normal? I self paid, so am thinking why did I do this if I am still hungry more often than not? Am trying hard, but definitely have had some days where I probably ate too much, but yet never felt full or had any problems? I am sure the answers are here somewhere and I have been utilizing this site since before the surgery, but finally took the time to post something. I worry about my pouch stretching, although I have never experienced any pain. The dietician has no specific info on measuring food, am I supposed to do that too? So confused, so many questions, sorry for long posting. Thanks in advance