KarenWB

Tell your doctor and ask for a fluroscopy... or barium swallow to see what might be wrong in there. They did one on me. All was fine but it is good to know that nothing is wrong!

Why have it removed? It has worked well for you and could continue to work well for you. If you want to eat "normally," just have the saline removed. Then if you need to lose again, have saline put back in. Isn't that one of the reasons we had lap banding done? To have control?

I think your surgeon is right. I had my surgery in February of this year and have only lost about 45 lbs. Lap band is SLOW. My doctor warned me. I wish I had listened and had the sleeve instead. Good Luck, tho!

I didn't even feel my first fill. I was so nervous about it but didn't even feel it. The second time, tho, I did but only because my port had "tilted" according to the nurse practitioner. I doubt it will be anything to worry about!! Karen Richmond, VA

In what ways do you feel overwhelmed, V?

I think I've had that pain you mentioned. For me it is the port. It was the most pain I had from the surgery. It hurts back when I reach for something, cough, sneeze, blow my nose, etc. I had to wear an abdominal splint for months. Got it at the pharmacy. It really saved me. I'm 8 months post op and still have pain there. My doctor told me he doesn't know why but he could inject anesthetic and some steroid to settle the inflammation. I haven't had that done yet. I find that each week the pain lessens. I hope one day it will be gone!! If I get sick and have to cough, I will definitely go for the anesthetic!

Hi Elizabeth. I had my surgery last February. Have lost almost 50 lbs. The only pain I had was at the port site. Still have it. Doctor is perplexed as to why. So am I. For months I had to wear an abdominal splint that I bought at a pharmacy. It helped a lot. At first I worker it day and night. Then just days and finally I stopped wearing it. I only have pain now when I cough, sneeze, blow my nose... It really hurts. Doctor said he could inject anesthetic into it. I will wait for that until I need it... if I get a virus or something like that. Otherwise, he said he could also inject some steroid to hopefully cut down on any possible inflamation. I could relate to what you wrote so I thought I would share my own experience. I hope your port pain lessens. I couldn't find anyone who had the same problem I've had. That made my experience frustrating!

You don't just have to rely on food for protein... you can add it in the form of whey protein powder and mix it into anything. Also Tropical Smoothie has smoothies where they can add the whey and use Splenda. A great way to enjoy a good drink and get your protein without too many calories! Just sayin'

It's demoralizing to hear such stories about the lap band. I have high hopes and am now feeling discouraged. However, I wonder how many who aren't making progress NOT following the plan? I mean... eating two steaks (even if small) isn't supposed to happen unless it is one half cup's worth. Plus we are supposed to be doing a lot of exercise. I can't imagine if we follow the plan and increase our activity levels we won't lose. It can't be all about the band. It also has to be about US, too. Our willingness to follow directions and cut back and start getting active, right? I don't know... maybe in a few months I'll be groaning and moaning, too, even after following the plan! LOL Just my two cents worth.

I got my lap band on the 17th of February, 2014. I've lost almost 50 lbs but 25 of that was pre op on the liver shrinking diet. I, too, am a bit discouraged. Expected to lose at least 10-20 more by now.

I'm hypothyroid, too, Carmen. Had one side removed and two biopsies on the other side but no surgery... and thankfully no cancer. I've lost almost 50 lbs. since February 2014 but have stayed away from breads, Pasta and potatoes. Eat mostly salads. I do walk a lot, tho... with the dogs. Almost a mile a day when I can. I think that exercise is crucial. I lose more when I do. When I don't, I don't. Karen Richmond, VA

I still had pain five days post op. But mostly soreness except where they put the port. I STILL have a lot of pain there, especially when I sneeze, cough or blow my nose!! They don't know why. I had my surgery last February. Just splint your abdominal area if you sneeze or have pain there. it helps. Put a pillow there and press hard. That helps.

So sorry to hear your disappointment... and I admit a little scared that this might happen to me. I hope not!! I think this might be why I've heard that the sleeve is the "industry standard." I guess they mean that it works the best with the least trauma? I just couldn't face the finality of it, tho. Karen Richmond, VA

You seriously need to call your surgeon NOW. That is not normal nor is it healthy!!!

If you have a Tropical smoothie place near you, maybe you could drink some of theirs? You can have them put in Splenda instead of sugar and add whey Protein. I found them really delicious and filling!! Good Luck to you!