5 replies to this topic

[elsa]

I've posted a few time since I was banded back in July last year because I was frustrated i couldn't seem to get the same level of restriction of many of you here. I have an 8 ml band and when I got to 5.5ml I felt it for about 2 weeks and then it seemed to slide away. My doctor checked my levels then and said they were at the level expected but I just couldn't reach the green zone so when 7.5mls of fill still wasn't working for me she tested the band again and could only find 5mls. She now thinks I do have a slow leak. She topped me up another 1.5mls and told me to make an appointment with the surgeon.The earliest appointment I can make due to work commitemtns is not til March 15th and even with the top up there is nothing there at all - I wouldn't know I had a band at all except for the scars....

I'm very depressed I've not lost any weight since the operation (on positive days I say I haven't really put on weight either) but now I'm worried I might have to face another operation??? Not actually quite sure what happens when you have a leak from what I've seen through searching online it depends on whethr the leak is in the port, tube or band itself. I've lost all faith in the band and I don't want the risk of another operation....I don't know where to go from here.

[Shorty]

Hi Elsa

There is another bandit on here Rosmay I think who also has a leak...from memory it to a while for them to find it too.

I'm guessing you have taken the nicely nicely approach to your clinic /surgeon so far. Perhaps you need to phone them and perhaps demand you see some one sooner than your appointment.

Have you seen a psychologist about your band? If he/she is the right person perhaps an appointment or two with them might make a difference. There was a post recently about getting these through Medicare via your GP??

Let us know how you go. I'm sure reading stories of other successes is tough for you at the moment. There are probably a few others who aren't posting much at the moment as they are like you and down about their band and weight loss so far. Keep your chin up (hard I know). Once you get the problem sorted I'm sure things will start moving along for you again.

S

[Babs64]

Hi Elsa, I can sympathies with you. I was banded in 2009 and my progress has been very small. I have had a lot of fills and am oly about .5ml away from maximum. I have a minimiser band which only holds 4mls and I have 3.5mls and don't have full restriction. I am seeing the physician soon and am going to ask for a gastric swallow to see exactly what is going on. I may need re-banding which isn't what I want but I am still desperate to lose the weight so will do anything. Don't give up Elsa, this site is my best friend now, wish I had all this support 3 years ago. Anne

[rosmay]

Hi Elsa- i absolutly understand- checkout my old posts iv had my band 20mths and 25 fills- im the fill Queen and
my stupid surgeon only just twigged nov last year. was menta have op last week and surgery unit closed due to earthquakes
The re-op isnt as hard going as the 1st- the port and tubing are replaced- takes 30mins and usually just day-surgery and home same day. im getting mine done next 2 or 3 weeks- so my doc reckons.
you dont do pre-op diet etc.
iv not lost anything- most of my friends think im incredibly resilient- but what other choice is their?
leaks happen and were the unlucky ones.

[rosmay]

just thot id add- dont blame yourself- its a bu##ar but its fixable and then get on with life and make sure you get re-supported by your weightloss team- the way i see it my fill nurse put the leak their, now they fix it and support me again.
i also eat anything and have gained 5k, I start over after my op- so can you
Goodluck,

[elsa]

Thanks for your comments - it's good to know I'm not alone hence the reason I post on here! I've rejoined WW in the meantime while this gets sorted. I know from experience that my weightloss with WW tends to be small to zero but at least it might help me not put weight on. despite the top-up last Friday I now have no restriction whatsoever and the full appetite is back.....

Good luck to you both - oh and Rosmay hope those earthquakes settle down.