Hi! I am scheduled for surgery on Jan 15, 2010. I am competitive in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and I am so affraid that I wont be able to compete after surgery b/c of the port (if you arent firmiliar w/ BJJ it is a submission based Martial Art). I know that I have to wait to get back into training, that I'm fine with. Does anyone else had/have the same fear? Im at the point that I will cancel my surgery instead of giving up my passion. My surgeon is great but I am leery about answers he will give me. I think they may be biased. Any help would be WONDERFUL!

I have spoke to a friend who is banded and does MMA. He said the only real problem is if takes a direct shot to port. Otherwise, no problems after a normal recovery time.

I box and practice judo, I was banded 2.5 years ago and havn't had a problem. the first few times I was punched on my port I was really scared that I would have a problem, but I figured that I didn't want to change my lifestyle over it. you shouldn't have a problem.

if you have any specific questions, let me know.

i've trained for a year before my surgey, today is my 8 week anniversary from surgery and i want to get back in the gym but just afraid of the consequences with my port. have you had any complications that have arisen from pressure or kicks, knees, punches to the port?

What a great thread, would you mind updating it? Now that you guys have had the band for a while, what do you think about BJJ, Judo, or MMA. Have you seen any limitations or issues training these kinds of high-impact, competitive & aggressive martial arts?