Hi

I'm new here. Looking at the posts I think maybe this is more USA geared than UK. I had a gastric balloon fitted Oct 05 for 6 months. I managed to lose about 18 kilos [was 82 kilos to start] I had the balloon removed March 06 and although I have tried really hard to stay to smaller portions I am now starting to regain the weight. Back up to about 74 kilos. I am terrified of putting it all back and some so am seriously considering the lapband.

I know I am not grossly overwieight but I'm only small and really need to lose the weight is because I have high blood pressure, my cholesterol levels are also high, I suffer with arthritis in knees and hips and my mum was diabetic which I am really worried about becoming.

I just felt I was doing so well with the balloon and would have loved to have kept it in forever so think the band is the next best step.

I have two choices at the moment whether to go for the lap band with the port or a new procedure - same lap band but it is adjusted electronically so no need for needles. What I would like to know is where the port actually sits - is it above or below your breasts and can you see or feel it.

I can't see and I can only feel my port if I lay down and search for it. Its an incision right at the waist line on my left hand side. You will love the band. I like the sound of that electronic filler. I hate getting fills and they are expensive. I have spent $1k so far. Good luck.

Thanks for answering my question - I had visions of having this big lump somewhere just below the breast line.

Didn't know you had to pay for fills. I am in the UK and have been told by one clinic that the price [just below 8 thousand pounds] includes unlimited fills, all your pre-op and post-op foods.

I know a lot of doctors include fills in their price. I wish my doctor had done that. I wish I knew before my surgery my insurance wouldn't cover it.

I have now booked my consultation and also pre-booked my bed for surgery. I have opted to go for the new telemetric band - it has no port and therefore no fills - it is adjusted electronically so no needles. It is going to be a thousand pounds more but I figured it will be worth it long term - also was told that they are actually working on being able to adjust this via the telephone so won't even have to travel to the clinic for adjustments. Will know more on the 17th Feb when I have my consultation with the surgeon. But bed is pre-booked with a huge cash deposit for the 11th March