1shauna1

I've read in very few cases about the tubing being visible...i think the port is much more common. Mine you can definitely feel and for now it's only a slight bump on my left side....probably it will be more visible as the weight comes off. I would listen to what they say about fixing it but probably it would involve another surgery.

As Honk, mentioned, maybe it's a nerve? I've read on here about some banders have the band (I think) placement and it pinches a nerve (can't remember which one at this point but maybe you could do a search to see who on here has had that problem?). Hope you find some relief soon!

Sounds scary! I'm sorry I can't really offer help, as I was self pay and the total was $16,000 (seems so small compared!). Can you call your insurance company tomorrow and see if they can help? If they've said it was covered, then they should be covering this!

Sounds awful. I know many lapband docs will remove all fluid when you're pregnant, probably to prevent this exact thing. Make an appointment with him to have your fluid removed (baby is more important now). As to loosening the band, drink warm liquids and try not to stress. For me, stress makes me tight so I'm sure it's not helping you.

You could maybe wait a couple of days but if you're constantly getting stuck then you're too tight. Keep an eye on it.

All the time! In fact I'm just waiting for the wine to chill...

Yes, I get tight when I'm stressed, upset, sad, etc. Also when I worry about having to eat (when I go to visit my parents my dad always tries to cook for me, and I usually can't eat because I worry about upsetting him by not eating; it's very sad but stressful), I usually get tight too. Sadly, the best eating times for me is when I'm alone and just relaxing! I find then I get the least stressed out about eating and don't get tight as much.

To the OP, don't get discouraged. Dating is hard, especially when you're in your 30s and up. I know you said you don't get much response to your online dating and you don't post pics of yourself online....this is probably why. It's sad, I know but online dating, men want to see a picture. And the online dating sites always say the most responses have a few pictures. Try one of the secure sites (that you have to pay for like Match or EHarmony) because people on there are generally more serious about finding a relationship because it costs more to be on that site. They want to meet people.

I would think one small bite will probably be okay. Chew it very well.

As mentioned, we can no longer eat away our worries and stresses. Now we have to face the feelings head on and it can be hard. Does your program have any psychologists you can talk to? That might be helpful. Also, we are here . Try to relax and just focus on your healing at this time!

This has been me, over the ENTIRE life of my band! It drives me crazy! Evenings are when I want to snack, etc. so I would love more restriction then. However, I've learned from experience that making it too tight is no fun either (where I can't even keep liquids down in the mornings). You're definitely not alone in this!

I sure have, a couple of times. I believe I've had 3 defills. You probably need a little fluid out; call and get an appointment ASAP. It's no fun having to go through this for any extended period of time!

I hope this doesn't sound mean, but now you know what happens when you eat the old way! And believe me, I also learned the hard way. Take it easy on liquids for a few days. And the diarrhea, etc. is probably because you haven't eaten these types of foods for a long time, so try not to worry. Keep yourself hydrated and get back on your eating plan!

Welcome! There are so many wonderful people here to support us in our journeys!

I guess different doctors have different feelings about where the port should be placed. All probably have their pros and cons but I guess it's not for us to know! I doubt it's dangerous by the belly button. Mine is on my left side, just below my rib cage. If it's near the BB, my fear would be the waist of my pants possibly rubbing on it, but I'm sure your doc has a reason for placing it there! I think many ports are sewn into the muscle tissue, hence they do not move. I also have read of many people as they've lost weight, their ports become more visible (less fat padding over top of it). Nothing you can really do for that except wear it as a badge of honour, I guess!

Wow, you're doing great! I was never told I couldn't eat anything; in fact I was told I COULD eat everything, just smaller portions (however, I can't, lol). So, don't worry about it. Sounds like you'll be able to eat almost anything you want and you've really learned how to keep your portions in check.

Don't rely on something else, count on yourself and know that you can do this! Of course we all mourn our old lifestyles a bit (and yes sometimes I miss going to the Chinese buffet and just chowing down, but I know now it's not worth it, nor even possible!). As well, if you're currently on a fairly restrictive pre-op diet, you're probably not feeling yourself nor getting all the nutrients you need. So it may throw you out of whack for a bit. Just hang in there and know that you can do this! We've all been where you are!

It can be done...I admit I have sat for an hour eating something (it's not always a huge portion though). This is still challenging for me....often my head thinks I should have more than I know my stomach can take anymore.

Some docs put it on the right, so it's not necessarily on the left side....different doctors put them different places. I would suggest looking for your largest incision (unless you had the single incision surgery). It should be around there. I had a big bruise where my port is, so you might have that also. If you can't find it, be happy! I can feel mine under the skin and can only assume it will be fairly visible when I'm thinner, which kind of sucks.

You haven't had a fill yet, so that's why. I think it might be a bit soon for you to be eating solids though? Just be careful. Don't keep any drinks with you while you're eating (this helps to stop drinking while eating). Right now you're going to have to rely on your willpower only until you get that fill! Many of us have been there!

Wow....I don't know how you lasted!! Did they put in some fluid during your surgery? If so, you should request a defill! Otherwise, I don't know what to say; by this time you should definitely be eating solids....

I'll vote for you! Gotta help out a fellow bandster!! Good luck; let us know if you win!

I hear ya about that....I've been on so many diets over the past 15 years, and up and down in weight. I would say, get rid of the things that are really big (maybe keep one pair of pants so you can see how far you've come!). This band is the last time for losing! Don't be afraid to give them away!

23 since February is still great! As you can see by my ticker, I've lost 37 since August 2010!! So, talk about slow losing (lol; I have issues! ). Don't beat yourself up; if the scale is constantly going down (even slowly), you're doing great; way better than going up!

Regarding the liquor - I think they meant hard alcohol like vodka, but sometimes a couple of sips of wine helps. Small sips though; as mentioned from the "exploder", too much liquid just comes back up (and UG that doesn't sound fun what you did!!). You can get the papaya enzyme at health stores like GNC and I've also found them at Bulk Barn (in Canada). Swiss Formula makes one.