I just need to vent folks! I was banded on December 9th and had a typical week one, a terrific week 2 but since then it's been simply put -- HORRIBLE! I got so sick from some food that got stuck (my fault, I know) and then got dehydrated and diverticulitis because of not eating for 2 weeks and went back to see my surgeon who did a ton of blood work -- treated me also for a kidney infection. Went back 4 days later still unable to eat or keep food down and he removed all the fluid from my band -- I can eat now about 1/3 of what I used to - which is fine - but I have constant back pain and port pain and this egg shaped thing has moved down now under my port incision and it hurts so bad I feel like ripping it out of my side! When does the pain go away? I was NEVER sick at all before I had this thing put in and had a fairly pain-free life -- but the constant pain, gas and reflux and all these awful symptoms are making me wonder if I made a HUGE mistake and if I should get this thing removed and just resign myself to being fat the rest of my life. I'm usually such a happy, healthy person and I don't like the person I've become -- PLEASE somebody -- give me some good news -- Tell me that things get better and that one day I'll feel good again -- I HATE this! Is it really worth it to lose weight this way -- I'm seriously doubting it at this point. Help!

I was banded on 10/27/08 and I know what you are going thriugh. It got to the point where I told the Doc. to remove the band. I was covered by insurance for the band and just found out they will pay for the removal due to all the problems. Hope things get better for you.

Just want to say that I've seen many here who had to work through the initial problems (I know many say their port site hurt for more than a month) and eventually ended up loving their band. I'm so sorry you're going through this. I also wonder about the doc "taking everything out"...did you have your first fill sometime during this? I'm wondering how much was in your band initially/with the fill as normally you shouldn't have any restriction at this point even with a small first fill? Hang in there, it's got to get better soon!

Hi Ya'll -- thanks for your kind replies. Gator27, I'm so glad to know that your insurance covered the removal -- have you had it out yet? If so, I'd love to know how you are feeling now and also if you've been able to keep the weight off -- also your recovery time from the removal.

Band_Groupie - to answer some of your questions, my band is one of those that had 3cc's of Fluid in it from the beginning. I have never had a fill at all -- the removal of all the fluid was the only thing I've had done since surgery to the band at all. As of now, I have no fluid in my band at all and there's still restriction. It feels like where the band is placed there is a pinched nerve somewhere that makes my back hurt terribly. I sleep with a heating pad every night and have since surgery. The port site is painful all the time, especially if I have to bend over or lean sideways and that egg-shaped bulge has moved down right under it. Because of the dehydration, my Iron and Protein are down some so my energy level is horrible. Doc said eat spinach and red meat -- I'm trying but the red meat is so heavy that I can't eat much of that at all. I went back on the prilosec today with the hope that maybe some of this pain will subside. I have a very high acid level in my body that makes me ache all over if I don't keep it in check -- stress aggravates it and the pain and the economy have driven my stress level up very very high right now -- so no doubt that's a big part of the problem. It will take a couple of weeks to get that back under control but I'm really hopeful that it will be better soon. I am truly worn out. I know a lot of people who have had the band put in and they've all done fine -- I really thought I would too -- I guess I'm one of those who just hit the bad part of this lottery. If it's not better soon, I'll be having this thing removed. I don't want to be thin bad enough to live in pain the rest of my life. I just wanted to get healthy -- and this isn't healthy. Even my surgeon said that of all the patients he's seen over the years, only about 5 of them have had to have all the fluid removed from their bands -- and he thinks I may be one of those people who just may not need much restriction -- I know this -- I sure don't want that huge needle stuck in me ever again if I don't have to. That removal was awful -- it hurt for days -- and I have a HIGH pain threshold.....so much so that I don't get novacaine when I have dental work done -- if that tells you anything -- so if I'm in pain -- you know it's BAD!

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll give it a few more weeks and we'll see what happens. Amy

Amy-You poor thing! 2 months of pain is no way to live, and you're right isn't healthy at all. I hope the unfill works after things settle down a bit. Keep us posted and keep your chin up! -BG

Thanks BG -- you are a great encourager. I appreciate your understanding so much. Pray things get better soon....I really am not a complainer either -- but boy -- I've been a big baby with this thing -- I don't even like that part of me at all -- I'm usually the one encouraging everyone else....so Thanks! Amy

I hear you Amy! I've got a pretty high threshold of pain also (3 natural childbirths without any cursing or screaming...I'm just sayin'), and I'm the caregiver also, but I've had a few pain things (ie. back out) that have lasted weeks or more, and I always say that's so much worse...it just wears you down after awhile. It makes anyone complain when you can't function for a long time and you just feel like you're in a fog of pain. I don't know how people who live constantly in pain do it. One day at a time...hopefully you'll be one of those LBT'er whose posting soon "it was all worth it". Prayers for you... -BG

Thanks, BG -- you are the WOMAN -- 3 babies w/no meds -- I'm impressed -- you do have a high pain threshold -- It looks like you've not been banded yet - is that correct? Maybe I'll be so much better when you are and I can encourage you! I SURE hope you don't have any of the problems I've had -- I wouldn't wish that on anyone! Thanks so much for your prayers.....Amy