Rubyjade

awwwwwwwww thank you, Flabuless I am actually relieved now I know that it is easily fixed and I am that little bit closer to recovering. I still have dilation in my esophagus but once my port is flipped back in the right position and they totally empty my band, that will sort itself out also. They also discovered yesterday that my band was far from empty - due to it being partially flipped probably when they tried to empty it originally. Thanks for your kind words, I will keep you posted on my progress Suzie

I went to the doctor today for a fill. I had to go under xray because he had ALOT of trouble previously trying to find my port and it was extremely painful. Sure enough, after taking a good look under xray - it was plain as day that my port has done a 180 flip and is now facing towards my back rather than the front. So I know that it is easily fixed - minor surgery and very quickly. My issue is cost. Because I had my lap band fitted in Australia, and now live in the US, it is not covered under my insurance. I am totally self pay for any issues relating to my lap band and now I am worried about how much this will cost me. Does anyone else have any similar experiences with this surgery? Either financially or otherwise? He said he can do it under conscious sedation in his rooms and the procedure should take about an hour or so and will be very simple. I would love to hear your experiences. Thanks!!!:nervous

Yes yes yes!! I have this also. It is caused by the fact that when I had my band fitted, it altered the angle of my stomach slightly. When I get full or drink anything carbonated, my stomach touches a nerve in my diaphragm giving me a dreaded sharp stitch-like pain in the tip of my left shoulder. Sorry to say it is still with me and has been since I had my op almost 3 years ago. It ain't no picnic but hey, it tells me to stop stuffing my face. I get it when I chew gum too much as well. I hope that solves part of the mystery for you!!!

My port clicks also. It didn't hurt and even though it was kind of annoying, it wasn't a huge deal. I thought every thing was ok. I just got back from the doctor an hour ago where I went to get filled. My port has flipped. It is now facing the wrong way. They don't really know what causes this and why it would happen when I am so far out. So though it isn't great news, it has answered a few issues I was having. I am waiting on an appointment time for them to reposition it. Apparently minor surgery which only takes an hour or so and is very simple. I am by no means saying the clicking is indicative of a problem with the port. I am not a doctor and such statements would be careless. In my case it seemed to be indicative of a problem because only recently it has started doing this. My point is that if it bothers you and feels odd, then get it checked out for peace of mind if nothing else.

Hey Bobby Congrats on making the decision to have your surgery. I am almost 3 years post op. I had lost 150 pounds in that time and due to recent complications, gained 20 of those back. Today I get my band re-tightened so hopefully should see an end to the problems I was having and continue my journey to a healthy weight. I do not regret being banded for one single minute. Having said that, it is not always smooth sailing. You have to be careful and be aware of what you are doing all the time. My complications arose from me pushing it and pushing it and thinking nothing bad was going to happen to me. I didn't change my old habits and I paid th price. Thankfully, my complications were able to be fixed without further surgery but it certainly has been a wake up call. I now take it very seriously and realize I can't mess with it. The hardest thing by far post op was dealing with the mental issues. I didn't realize how much my life revolved around food. The day after my surgery, I felt like I had lost my best friend. I am still working on the head issues and it is getting better but it is still an issue. I still try to eat everything I see at times and still think about food all the time. Having the physical restriction does not change the way I think. I would recommend seeing a therapist to deal with this side of things. I wish you the best of luck with your journey, Bobby. My lap band has changed my life for the better. I hope it does the same for you. Suzie

I totally agree with you, Babs. I was too scared to take the bypass route and chose lap band because of it's reversability. I too am now a size 16/18 down from a 32 and considered a success but I have to work at it EVERY SINGLE DAY!! I have had my share of complications too. Anyone who tells me I took the easy way out does not even know the half of it. Congrats on your weight loss. :eek:

Thanks everyone for your responses, I feel welcome already!!!! Yes, unfortunately even with the band you still have to work at it. I am feeling much better about losing that 20 pounds I have gained since my ED diagnosis. Thanks everyone for your positive outlook for me. Will keep you posted on losing that 20!!!!

Hi All!!! Just been surfing your forum and it truly looks like a place I need. I am 2 1/2 years post op. I had lost 150 pounds but then experienced some problems because I had become lazy and cheated a little and didn't go for regular check ups. This was my biggest mistake. So I then experienced a lot of reflux and major problems with keeping food down. After a series of tests, I was diagnosed with Esophagal Dilation. Not really really serious, but serious enough for me to change my ways. My band was emtpied totally and has been that way for 4 months. Unfortunately, I have gained almost 20 pounds in that time. It goes to show that old habits die hard in my case. The good news is, I am all healed now and am going in for a fill tomorrow and will continue my journey again. I hope to get to know people on here and to be able to gain knowledge and support and give the same in return. Thanks for having me!!! :-)