Hi all,

I was banded in 2004 with the 4cc "older" version. I lost 100 lbs and then had two leaks (one port, one tube) over the years that has caused yoyo weight loss/gain. I had them corrected through surgery.

Well I got pregnant last year and in month 4 my band failed for the third time. Completely drained again.

I gained a lot more weight with my pregnancy than I wanted - pregnancy hunger is no freaking joke, and with zero restriction I shudder to know how many calories I ate.

Long story short, I met with my surgeon again and we're rebanding me with a newer model (I think the Realize band) in January.

I haven't read about too many other people with leak issues so I guess I get the prize for "being the exception." Is there anyone out there with band malfunction? I was following the program, my surgeon doesn't know why I kept having issues either. Unless it's a placement issue or just bad hardware. It happens, I guess.

Anyway, I'm starting all over in 2013. This time I have 70 lbs to lose instead of 150, so at least I don't feel like I'm back at square 1!

Personally have not had issues but I have two friends at work who have went through similar circumstances and one ended up with the sleeve and the other one was at healthy BMI and insurance will not reband until she gains weight so she is on her own for a while and trying to maintain. This is my greatest fear, band failure. I am 2 years post op and at goal. I know it happens more than we realize and I work so hard to protect it but it does not sound like you did anything wrong and neither did my friends. Hope you do well and glad you have managed to keep majority of your weight off, if you did this once you know you can do it again. Good luck to you,

Wow... you have had a tough trip! I hope the new band will behave for you. I had had not problems with mine (knock on wood) for 13 months. My very best to you on you new baby and new band!

I'm proud that you're not giving up, despite the band setbacks

The newer bands have been greatly improved so I really think you'll have much less issues!

Thanks all. Lapbandster - yes I took the leaks as an opportunity to keep eating well. I still gained weight, but yo-yoed with the same 20-30 lbs. At least it wasn't worse...but for me, hunger is my trigger for both portion problems and poor decisions. No hunger, smart decisions! And has anyone else noticed the "food chatter" in your brain stops once you get to the magic fill? I miss forgetting about food!