I am very frustrated with my band right now. I was banded the beginning of May this year and I am only down 25 lbs. I have been gaining and losing the same 5 lbs for the last 3 months. I had 8cc in a 14cc band until my most recent fill this week. This fill was the most horrible experience ever! My port is facing up towards my head so it's not easy for them to access. It took the PA, RN and surgeon almost 2 hours to access it. I got stuck with a needle 15 times. My stomach looks like someone hit me with a sledge hammer. And to make it worse, instead of me going from 8 to 9cc in my band, they were only able to put 7 cc in because my stomach was having spasms. Now don't get me wrong, I am happy to have maintained my weight over these last couple of months instead of gaining. And I have lost a total of 65lbs this year so far. I just wish I could get to my sweet spot so I would start losing again and stop having to go through the torturous fills. Part of me is really wishing I had gotten the bypass.

Danielle

if the fills are getting that bad, can't they go in and fix the position of the port? I'm sorry u are going through all that when a fill should really be a simple one stick.

Dani, I'm really sorry to hear what you are going through. I can't imagine how difficult and frustrating this has been for you. I know this isn't much help, but look at the fact that you've managed to keep off 67 pounds this year, which is a huge deal. Have you talked to your surgeon about your frustrations? I know that I haven't reached my restriction yet after 5 months and I'm frustrated about that as well. All I can do is know that soon something will work out and I'll be happy. Just try holding out hope and talk to your doctor. We're all here for you!

I agree with hummingbird, you need to see if they can reposition your port. You would think that would be obvious to the Doc. Maybe even get a second opinion on the matter. I can't even imagine how horrible that had to have been for you. I had a fill from an inexperienced doc and it was miserable. I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time and I hope it gets resolved fast so that you can start losing weight again... not just bouncing. Let us know how things are going for you.

The sweetspot to me is a myth, honestly. It's all up to you and where your comfortable. I thought I had my sweetspot until I got violently ill from it, and was too tight.

It's very frustrating, and I think everyone is right, it's second opinion time. And you need to speak to someone about repositioning your port. My 2nd fill was a HORRIBLE experience. I had fat deposits around my port and they kept poking those thinking they hit the spot only to pull the needle out and try again.

You've lost 65lbs so far which is FABULOUS! and I hate to be a downer by saying this, but start really looking at what it is your eating and your activity levels. I'm the laziest person on the planet, but I walk for an hour every day and I do yoga, and first and foremost I watch every single peice of food that goes in my mouth. at this point I know what I can and can not eat. It takes time and patience, and a positive attitude. I'm really sorry you feel like you want to have the band removed, but think of the positive things that have happend so far.... and talk to someone. Your hospital or doctor should have support groups, try one of those out.

I had a port that faced upward and had it restitched to my muscle with mesh so it wouldn't come undone again.

I really agree with everyone who said you need to seek additional help. I can't imagine going through more fills for the rest of your weight loss journey the way you had to the last time. If your port is positioned correctly, it is so easy and only takes a couple of minutes which is what you should be experiencing. I can understand your frustration at the plateaus. I have had the same experience. I will trade the same 3 lbs our so back and forth for awhile sometimes. It can get very frustrating. But you have done very well and 65 lbs is an accomplishment worth celebrating. (just not with food LOL).