Yesterday i went for a check up with my Doctor - coming up to the second anniversary of being banded on 11 Nov

After an endoscopy it was found the band had eroded into my stomach

Result - today a permanent removal of the band will happen

The sad thing is that I am only half way to my goal

I have been a success story for the Gading Pluit hospital here in Jakarta and for chief surgeon and lap band pioneer Dr Barlian Sutedja - a pin up boy for banding in Indonesia

Dr Barlian was almost as upset as I was yesterday. He will be providing the removal free of charge and in February next year will do the gastric sleeving for me - also free of charge

What can I say about this wonderful man and his extraordinary team that has saved my life?

I love them all!!

3 hours until surgery - wish me "bon chance"

Bon chance! ! Good luck! Best wishes!

Thoughts & prayers!

Keep us posted.

wow! good luck!!!! your surgeon sounds like a great person!!

Good luck, you and I were banded at the same time. Cyber thoughts and prayers and much success with your removal and gastric sleeve.

Keep in touch! and ALl will work out!! Take care and good luck hun!!

I'm in mourning for you! I was banded just a few weeks ago and I can't imagine having to say goodbye to it. I'm glad your Dr is so wonderful to you and helping you.

What sent up the white flag? Why did your Dr decide to do an endoscopy?

love your attitude!

stuff happens. amazing doc, hang in there. keep in touch, don't fall back.

It's out!!

7 hours in surgery and recovery room due to complications

Nose drain, catheter, stomach drain just removed. intraveinous drips still in place. Lots of pain - but Im alive to tell the story

Now to recover before Sleeving in February - if I feel up to it

Im not sure if I can go thru this again - only time will tell

Thanx to all for your kind thoughts & messages

It's out!!

7 hours in surgery and recovery room due to complications

Nose drain' date=' catheter, stomach drain just removed. intraveinous drips still in place. Lots of pain - but Im alive to tell the story

Now to recover before Sleeving in February - if I feel up to it

Im not sure if I can go thru this again - only time will tell

Thanx to all for your kind thoughts & messages[/quote']

It's just like giving birth...in a month, you'll feel up to doing it again in February. Thanks for keeping us updated.

Prayers for a speedy recovery.

My wife and sons just arrive at the hospital after an 800 km drive from yogyakarta to jakarta

they both looked at me and said enuf - no more surgery - and im inclined to agree

at my age -57 - the strain will kill me

after 2 years with the band i know how to eat properly and exercise properly - i can do it myself with proper support from those that love me

it was a life saving operation but the next one will kill me for sure

wish me luck on my journey as i wish all of you the same on yours

i will let u know how i get on from time to time

all the best from indonesia

warren, didin, dira and aryani

(im crying as i write this and not ashamed to say so)

Bon chance! Best wishes, you CAN do it! You have familial support and a great attitude. Visit us a give us your life updates, we care! Karen