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TrishS
09-08-2006, 03:47 PM
Please remember as you read this, these are not common problems, but are problems that should be pointed out.

I will try to make this short and to the point, I would hate for anyone to fall asleep while reading it LOL.

I was originally banded on April 28, 2005. I did everything to a "T" I followed all the bandster rules and got as much support as I could. I had 3 fills and on my 3rd fill my Dr. figured I had a leak in my port. What he was putting in wasn't the same amount that was coming out. For example: he would put 2cc's and pull out 1cc. So I set the date for Dec. 22, 2005 to have my port replaced. On that day while I was under, my Dr. added 2cc's to my band through my new port. It seems as if I had a little bit of restriction but now I'm not that sure. I went back on March 10, 2006 for another fill, he put in 2cc's I felt nothing, he put in 2 more nothing, he ended up adding the whole bottle of saline... still nothing. He came up with the fact I have a leak in my band.

After that fill I started to get a little sore when he poked my with the needle. I went on antibiotics for 3 weeks and that did not clear it up. I went back to my band Dr. on April 21, 2006 he then removed my port. He left me with a 2 inch wide and 6 inch deep hole that I had to pack. He wanted to see me a week later to stitch up the wound. Instead of me traveling back to see him the day before I got a really bad infection in the wound that was full of puss and I had a fever of 101.4. I ended up in ER instead of traveling to his office. Once that cleared up I ended up packing the wound everyday for 4 months. Yes 4 months!!!! The wound completely close 2 weeks before my new band surgery.

I was set to go in for surgery on Aug. 31, 2006. I was very very nervous at this time. And actually had it in my head that I would wake up without a band. in stead I woke up with a new band, a 9 inch incision and 4 small incisions. My Dr. started my surgery with the small incisions, while he was cutting my old band away from my stomach, he cut a hole in my stomach. He then had to open me up and finish the surgery that way. I was in surgery 6 1/2 hours and it took them over an hour just to wake me up.

I am glad I have my new band, I am sad though having to go through all this to get it. I guess it was my luck of the draw. Well I tried to make my story short and sweet. but if you have any questions or want more detail let me know.

Thanks for letting me share this with you all.

Jeannine
09-08-2006, 06:55 PM
WOW! Thanks for sharing and being so positive. You are an inspiration.

jeannione

paula
09-09-2006, 10:57 PM
...while he was cutting my old band away from my stomach, he cut a hole in my stomach

So that was the problem.
Trish, you poor soul..:hug:
I sure hope this surgeon gave you a really BIG discount coupon on his services.

Hugs Girlfriend... and thank your hubby for me for a job well-done in relaying the info to us.

foodstampchamp
09-09-2006, 11:07 PM
Thanks for sharing Trish. I don't know you, but I read your husband's updates on you. My thoughts are with you for a safe and speedy recovery.

TrishS
09-10-2006, 11:46 AM
Yup Paula... while he was cutting my old band out he cut a hole in my stomach! thats what made my surgery go from normal to major complications. I look at my tummy now, and I cant get over all the cuts on it. I dont think I will ever get over it.



...while he was cutting my old band away from my stomach, he cut a hole in my stomach

So that was the problem.
Trish, you poor soul..:hug:
I sure hope this surgeon gave you a really BIG discount coupon on his services.

Hugs Girlfriend... and thank your hubby for me for a job well-done in relaying the info to us.

Lovemylpband
09-10-2006, 02:34 PM
Trish when your a size 14 or 12 you'll say that really stunk but it was worth it.

I have been so concerned about you!! I felt guilty that I encouraged you to move ahead with the second band....(I'm Sunsett) But as you can tell from my new name, lol, I'm very happy I took care of my band leak.

I can't imagine how you feel physically and emotionally, but I must tell you I feel great, and if I had to do it again for a 3rd band, I'd do it in a heart beat!

Feel better...BIG HUGS

Dianne

tattooedsuess
09-10-2006, 05:14 PM
OMG sweetie! I had no idea that all of this had happened. I knew I hadn't heard from you in a while, but I never drempt it was because of all of that!

I'm so happy to hear that you are doing better now, and I pray that everything will be ok for you now - and that this new band will be everything you hope for it to be.

Mega hugs to you!!!!!!

TrishS
09-14-2006, 08:32 PM
Here is what the Dr. left me looking like... I am still very bloated remember I am only 2 weeks out!
I look at this in the mirror and I just want to cry..... I never thought my tummy could look so ugly!

Diva
09-14-2006, 08:46 PM
Trish,
You are a brave and wonderful woman! Who is your hubby?
Once you start losing your tummy will look much better. I am currently trying out different scar removers. I will let you know which work better.
The most important thing is that you are still with us. I find the scariest thing you wrote was that it took them an hour to wake you up!!!
Keep up your spirits, it will get better.

tattooedsuess
09-15-2006, 04:07 PM
You poor thing. I feel so badly for all you've been through. You have so much courage to continue on the lap band journey.

I agree that your scars will shrink once you start losing more weight. They also make some really good scar lighteners now too. I got some for Dylan when he had his eyebrow scar. You can't even tell now. I can't remember the name of it, but they make it for adults too, and you can purchase it over the counter. I'll have to look for it and tell you what I find out.

I will keep you in my prayers. You've been through an aweful lot.

HeatherGurl
09-18-2006, 07:15 PM
WOW Trish!!! That is quite a picture! You poor thing. I am amazed at how positive your post was with all the complications. You are a trooper and you will be a great asset to B2G!
Best of luck to you!