I edited the original version of this post cause things changed during the day; I originally posted that my wound had finally closed for 2 days, but it opened up again this afternoon. It was a thrilling 2 days while it lasted! So I'm shortening this long post.

For newbies, my port site became badly infected so they removed my port in June, and the wound remains open. It's not infected but it leaks every day so I have to keep it clean and bandaged.

My second update had me in tears this morning after hubby gave me my one-month-weigh-in-smooch. In November, I gained 6 pounds on vacation. It took me 2 weeks to lose it, but then I went to California and gained it back. Add Thanksgiving, indulging in countless no-nos (food wise) and the fact I work with the Erin, the world's biggest diet saboteur, PLUS, My period will be here in a day or two so I'm probably bloated, PLUS I DON'T EVEN HAVE A PORT, and I managed to lose an additional 2 pounds (crying again) bringing my total loss in 7 months to sniff, 66 pounds. SIXTY-SIX. It's unreal, unbelievable, insane, baffling, cunning, powerful, righteous and indescribably miraculous. And I didn't diet - not one single day. I'm going to copy this part in the weigh-in thread also, cuz I'm on top of the world so duplicity is okay.

About my port: I've shared with a few people because I didn't want everyone to know; but now I realize how unfair it is to hold information back since this board is integral to our safety, success, and general band health. We need all the info we can get, right? Here goes: In the past months I've been to Urgent Care 3 times, the veterinarian, my primary doc, my secondary doc, my gastroenterologist, a local surgeon, an official band doctor, two radiologists, and I've shown my open incision to over 25 people including several nurses. Everybody says it looks great (even though it leaks.) 45 days ago, both surgeons agreed it would heal. But I was still lost since none of these doctors are capable of giving me a new port. So I called Inamed last week and gave them an earful and cried and complained and vented my anger. Larry got Lopez to call me. Inamed & Lopez refused to let me bring up the past, and I felt at their mercy, so I talked to Lopez and gave him my history since being banded. His first statement was that he needed to open the wound and let it heal from the inside out. That pleased me greatly since he was in sync with the local surgeon - at least they both had the same opinion. But I told Lopez that the surgeon already did that over a month ago, and it never healed (remember the pics I posted of the hole the surgeon made in my wound?) So Lopez was glad I had it cleaned out, but he said the only other reason it wouldn't heal was infection. I told him all the folks that looked at the goop ensured me it's not infectious fluid, and based on all the information, Lopez was 99% sure the tube is rejecting. He said since the tube and band are made of the same material, that my band would eventually reject as well, and that he needs to remove my band. We went over a lot of details, but he wants me in Mexico ASAP to do an endoscopy to confirm his beliefs. I asked if rejected bands erode, and he said, "most likely." He said a small percentage of people reject the material, and I'm one of them. I told him, "no, you can't have my band" so we started making deals. He said if there's no erosion, we could "milk" my band a little longer. He was extremely impressed with my weight loss - pleasantly shocked. Based on my loss, he agreed to put a new temporary port in to see if I can lose more. But he said that I'd have to come to TJ prepared to have the band removed, cuz they'd do the endoscopy when I was under the anesthesia, which means I'd go to sleep but won't know if I either have a new port or no band at all till I wake up in some Mexico hospital. He said if I'm 100% no erosion, he'd put the port on the opposite side. He said it will most likely react the same way my first did, which is to leak and never heal, but based on my experience dealing with an open wound, if I keep it clean every day, I may be able to get the same mileage out of a 2nd port before needing to have the entire contraption removed,

I'm taking everything with a grain of salt till I get the endoscopy results, but I'm not headed to Mexico yet because I don't have the money. Lopez won't charge me surgical fees, but I'd have to pay the hospital and endoscopy, but he said he'd get me discounted rates. I don't have the money now so thank God he said my situation is not an emergency. Meanwhile, I've got my wheels spinning in many different directions checking out other options, other doctors, other prices. I'm extremely grateful this isn't an emergency so I have time to kick it around and get other opinions.

I'm preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. I'm handling it super well. And I STILL HAVE RESTRICTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So no hurry.

Blessed. Truly blessed. There's something to that "one day at a time" that keeps my spirits rejuvenated. Just for today I have a band. Just for today I can eat one taco and a couple bites of burrito. Just for today I can be free from compulsive binge eating. Just for today I am alive and well and damn it, crying again.

I wish I could bottle this feeling and share it with the world. Thank you, every one of you, for being my backbone. Please pass me a tissue – rolling alligator tears – the good ones. Thanks for reading. I love you.

Congratulations on 66 pounds lost! That is awesome. You really are fighting a noble battle.

I was out freezing my butt off on our annual motorcycle toy run and missed your port closing. I hope it closes up again and you get everything buttoned down -- new port and all. I am hoping and praying for the best for you.

Why did Lopez and Larry refuse "to let you bring up the past"? That's a darn good question and one I addressed adamantly. Larry put me through to Nora on a 3 way call and the first thing I asked is "why have you guys ignored me." But Larry cut me off and told me not to bring up the past, so I tried again. He then disconnected me from Nora, which made flames shoot out of my nose. He told me that he's here to help me get my problem fixed and bringing up the past won't help. I told him bringing up the past is the only way to resolving the issues that will get my problems corrected in the future. When Lopez called, he only wanted to talk about resolving my medical problem. I'm at their mercy, so I let it go because I can't afford to step on any toes with people that are helping me. I'm exhausted, and I just need to be fixed up. Damn leaky port is just a flowin' away. I always think of the positive, so I imagine the liquid is melted fat just flowing out of my body. Maybe visual imagery helped me lose all the weight!

Becky, today was my regular bike group in addition to the toy run. We drove the truck to our meeting place, and it broke my heart to stay behind. I decided to stay off my motorcycle in fear it might open my closed wound. I could've went, considering the wound opened anyway. It's icy and raining here so my Angels temporarily closed the wound to trick me so I wouldn't ride... they're always watching out for me.

Lisa, your spirit is amazing and your strength truly inspirational. What you've had to deal with would have done in many a lesser soul, myself included. And to lose weight amid all of it!! You're the bomb, lady. I can't wait for the day when I come here to read that you have a new port and a cleanly healed incision. PARTY TIME!!!

(Note to worried newbies reading this: It is VERY UNCOMMON to have a wound not heal for months and months. And the band is made of inert materials, so it's almost unheard-of for it to be "rejected" in people with normal immune systems. Infection is always possible with surgery, of course, but these things usually clear up quickly. Lisa's case is VERY unusual.)

Lisa awesome job on your weight loss (melting fat) and on keeping a positive outlook. You are a inspiration to all of us. One day at a time is all you can do and you have done it well. Port or no port, look what you have accomplished, I believe with all that you have been through nothing can stop you.

I was so glad to read that Lopez is going to step up to the plate. Now maybe you can get to the bottom of all of this. What ever it may be, we are all here for you and I know that you will be fine.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care,

Oh, Lisa, it sounds like if there is a difficult path you will find it. And walk it. It's not enough to be strong, it's not enough to have good intentions, it's not enough to call folks and complain. But it is enough to be tough. And you're certainly tough enough.

Time passes. Things heal. The tough survive. You will survive, and your story will inspire others. You will overcome the port and band problems, and you will beat food. Look at all you've been through and still survived, and iced the cookie of that survival with the sweet frosting of success. Down 66lbs. You are triumphant.

What a tale you have to tell! I, who have never met you other than here on this board, am proud of you. Proud to know you. Priviledged to call you friend. When you need comfort a part of me will be there in spirit. That's my hand on your shoulder, and that's me whispering "You Can Do It".

"Lisa's case is VERY unusual." Yes, it is. Many will tell you LISA is very unsual, but that's me! Even Lopez said rejection only happens to a small percentage. Larry at Inamed told me there's a 13 year-old girl that rejected her port. She had her port removed and is doing pretty well with just the band. If this wound was closed, I wouldn't be concerned with a new port yet. I still have restriction. The only reason I want a new port now is because I want to resolve this open wound. If they move the tube, maybe it can heal. And since I'll have to go under anesthesia for the endoscopy, it's better to have everything taken care of at once. Now I just have to figure out the who, what, when, where and how$.

Thanks, Whip. I honestly would not have handled this alone. I wasn't handling it very well for awhile, but I'm good now. There are people out there with bands unaware of this boards. All I have to do is post an SOS and people crawl out of the woodwork with suggestions, help, support, phone calls. I have peace of mind knowing I'm not alone. I hope one day my experience can help someone else. Then it will worth it.

(Note to worried newbies reading this: It is VERY UNCOMMON to have a wound not heal for months and months. And the band is made of inert materials, so it's almost unheard-of for it to be "rejected" in people with normal immune systems. Infection is always possible with surgery, of course, but these things usually clear up quickly. Lisa's case is VERY unusual.)

Thanks for adding this, Alexandra. Very helpful to hear this. I have been following this thread and since I am still in the research phase, was kinda getting nervous.

Sonia

First, Lisa, congratulations on your weight loss. I think you're very pretty and I hope you're not offended but your picture reminds me of Lindsey Lohan.

Second, and this is just something to think on and not anything of which I have any evidence whatsoever...but I was talking to my husband about this Dr. Lopez and the problems that people have been reporting. I also talked about how he's in Mexico and people get the banding done there because it's less expensive.

One of the things my husband asked right away was "Is he using the same band?" His thought was that there could be a possibility that he's using a cheaper one that he's having made elsewhere which perhaps doesn't have the "purity" of materials, which is why (1) his surgeries are far less expensive; (2) he doesn't report his problems to Inamed; (3) he has more erosions; (4) your port is being rejected; and (5) your port has been "lost" before it could reach Inamed--unless that last one was a joke on your part.

He would obviously have to order some ports from Inamed because they would know if he hadn't but my husband said he could drive down his costs by also using a cheaper non-Inamed band on some patients.

Now Lopez wants to remove yours. If your body rejects the band eventually, you're going to have to have it removed. If Lopez doesn't remove it and some other doctor does, the band will find its way back to Inamed, who would then know if it's theirs or not.

Of course it's all complete speculation but as my husband pointed out, all someone has to do is send one of these things to China or something and someone would come up with a way to make one. They don't look particularly complex.

I apologize if this makes me come across as some sort of conspiracy nut. But everyone kept pointing out the high incidence of erosions and now Lisa's problem...and it just made me wonder what was going on and why this particular doctor was having so much trouble.

hey lisa,

your loss and attitude are phenominal! :banana!!!! you impress the hell out of me!

you have the best attitude about this whole thing to research all your options then make an educated decision.

you'll be in the 230's SOON!!!!!

(((((hugs)))))

michelle

WTG on the weight loss Lisa. You are such an inspiration to all of us. You are amazing.

Shoot, today I have a tiny red patch below the incision and just a little itchy as if I'm allergic to the tube. Me and my friends are keeping eagle-eyes on it. If it gets any redder or warm, I have an emergency round of antibiotics at home (thanks, Donali!) I know my own body better than any doctor, and it feels exactly like an allergy. I'm taking two Benedryl tablets right now, and my friend is going to track the time and incision to see if the redness goes away. But why have I gone 6 months with no redness or irritaton? And isn't it strange/odd/coincidental that the wound closed up for 2 days with no leaking, and during that time it got red? As if the liquid needs to come out or the tube gets pissed?

Sonia, none of my posts are meant to scare anyone. I live on this board for answers. These people have saved my life. I'm actually glad to go through all these problems if it means someone else won't have to suffer one day. I don't mind being an experiment! We're all glad you're researching beforehand. It's important to know that there are risks involved. But please know that even after all I've been through, I'd be banded again in a heartbeat.

As far as my problem being unusual, yes, that's true. But even so, you have to add my possible "rejection" into the list of potential problems. Maybe erosion is only 1% nationwide, but if you add up all the infections, slippages, port revisions, rejections, etc., that risk goes up. But lots of stuff can be corrected without removing the band.

I didn't know who Lindsey Lohan was, so I checked her out. That's a total compliment! She's hot! I better post a new pic of me soon, cuz my avatar is that one special pic that is really cute but doesn't look like me. That's why I keep it there!

And NO, I'm not kidding about my port being missing. I need to call Dr. Kuri's office and see if they know what happened to it. Maybe Inamed received it but here's why I say it's lost: Craig Arthur at Inamed needed the serial number, so he called Lopez's office since the serial number should be in my medical file. Inamed was unable to get the information from Lopez (scary, huh?) I didn't chase it any further though. Then when Kuri took out my port, I was under the impression he had to send it to Inamed. But if Kuri sent it to Inamed, then why is Craig Arthur having trouble getting the serial number? Hmmm....

I've heard "rumors" that Mexican doctors use cheaper ports, and that issue was addressed to Inamed just recently. They stand firm by Lopez. As far as I'm aware, I have an Inamed band. Even if China or Japan made a new band, how would one tell the difference between the the fake and the real one?

All valid concerns.

Shelly, I always get so excited when you jump in. Thanks for showing up!

Hmmmm....ShrinkingViolet brings up some very interesting speculations. Sure would answer a few questions!

I wonder what the J & J band is made of...

One more thought. Open wounds aren't as unusual as we think. Remember, any surgery can result in a problematic wound. Patients can have the same open wound for years (which is why we have a new local "open wound" center.) And they're not all related to implants. In addition, the body can reject any kind of implant, not just the band. Women reject breast implants, and anyone can reject surgically implanted foreign objects. I know a woman that had surgical pins implanted in her ankle after a fracture, and she rejected the pins. My friend had a breast reduction and had open wounds for months. So maybe I'm not too unusual.

You are very unusual.......but that is why we all love you soooo much!!! Lisa, with all sincerity I hope that this eventually comes to an end for you. This has taken sooo much of your time from you. I am glad that somehow Lopez got off his lazy *ss and is going to help you. I hope that there is no erosion or anything else that keeps you from keeping your band. I don't know what I would do if they had to take mine. I truly wish you all the luck in the world!!!

Hurry and get better soon--there is still much joy ahead of you!!!

You are in my thoughts!!!!!

Sonia, none of my posts are meant to scare anyone. I live on this board for answers. These people have saved my life. I'm actually glad to go through all these problems if it means someone else won't have to suffer one day. I don't mind being an experiment! We're all glad you're researching beforehand. It's important to know that there are risks involved. But please know that even after all I've been through, I'd be banded again in a heartbeat.

Thanks. I know they aren't meant to scare. I am worrywart by nature, so I obsess about every little thing. I don't mind if there are problems that can be fixed. I can handle that. I just don't want to die trying to get healtheir. I read the WLS memorial page on obesityhelp.com, and read every single person to make sure that none of them died from the Lap Band. I am constantly on the Internet searching for any mortalities and if found, reading the circumstances behind it. That is just the way I am. THis is probably something I will discuss with the psychiatrist before the surgery. I can't really discuss it with my husband. He is not against it, but really doesn't want me to do it. He is scared something will happen. How do I handle this fear in me? Hey, I will take any suggestions?

Your attituide in dealing with what is going on is a great inspiration to me and others also. I love reading your posts. Thanks for sharing, truly.

Sonia