I had my Band placed on March 31, 2010. Since then I've lost nearly 100lbs. About two months ago, the place were my port is located started burning like the worst sunburn I've ever had. After that it started to change colors and swell. I went to my doctor May 18 for a regular appointment and mentioned my concern to him about the port. He looked and was "very concerned". Needless to say, he didn't adjust my band that day. He mentioned having me in surgery that Friday, but then he decided to try a round of antibiotic and see me a week later. I took the antibiotics, the swelling went down, the color looked more normal, and I saw him a week later. He was pleased with the progress, but put me on another week of antibiotics hoping that would finish off the infection and we could get back to normal. I'm a teacher, and he was trying to get me through the school year. He asked when school was out, and I said June 8. He said, "I'll see you June 9." On June 9th, the port looked bad again... He told me I'd be spending the next day in the hospital. On June 10, I arrived at the hospital at 6am, I had a scope at 7am and thank goodness, there was NO EROSION! He didn't think there would be, but we had to check to be safe. At noon he was going to do a diagnostic laperoscopy. There he discovered a serious infection - pus and fluid. The port was removed and I have an open wound that has to be treated twice a day, a STRONG dose of Augmentin, and pain meds every 4 hours. They said it would be about 2 months before I can have a new port inserted... on the other side of my belly button this time. I have to say, I think this surgery was worse than having the band placed. I know the after care is much worse. He wants me to continue following the Lap Band "rules" while I'm without the port, and he said I wouldn't have much restriction, but actually it still feels pretty restricted to me. I'm not upset and I believe it'll all work out. I'll just be happy to be out of pain. How many others have dealt with this type of thing. The hospital staff kept telling me they hadn't encountered this very often.

Well... things didn't go as I planned and I'm an now without the LapBand. I went in Friday to have my port replaced. I was scheduled to have a scope, but really didn't think it would show erosion because I was sure my abdominal pain was gynecological. I thought I would go in, have the scope, have my port replaced, and be home that afternoon... I was wrong. They found a fairly substantial erosion and I immediately was prepped for Band removal. I had it removed Friday afternoon. Ended up with pretty serious pneumonia, nearly sent to ICU, and was in the hospital 5 days on constant oxygen and IV antibiotics (they also found a small abscess at the erosion site) . It's been a LONG road, a lot of pain, but I don't regret doing it. Doctor said we can talk about replacing it, but I'm pretty sure I don't want to travel down that road again. I have quite a while to think about it.

Hi Jenn - it's been a while since I've been on these boards, but I wondered how you were doing and if you decided to have the band reinstalled. It's such a tough call, I know.

Thanks for your response! And I'm a firm believer that these bands are definitely "quirky" to say the least.

I was banded September 2010, I've lost 130lbs!!! Unfortunately, had my infected port removed a week ago :'( now being treated with high dose antibiotics, and have this awesome "gun shot" wound next to my belly bottom. Any how, I'm curious if anyone else is experiencing the pains that I am post port removal? I've been sore up under my ribs with sharp pains into my left shoulder (with deep inhalation) for a week! My doctor says its because they have to yank on the tubing quite hard to detach the port, and it may have adhered to some tissues, nerves etc that are now mad as hell at reckon havoc on me! Anyone else? Or am I a baby?

Wondering if you recovered completely?? Dont think you8 were a baby - I got mkine removed and sometimes cry like one....lol - also have the pain in left shoulder - it is gas...but not sure when it will be gone?? awould like to hear from you...