Leaderboard

I want to say first & foremost, there are so many people the Lapband has failed. You, like me, blamed myself. If it was such a success rate, there would not be so many complaints about it. It has been successful for some but STOP blaming yourself. I had mine removed last week and got Sleeved same surgery. I was excited about my Band at the time and being a transparent person, I shared what I was going to do.....then later felt like a public failure. This time, I did not do that. I told 5 friends and my family. I told my friends to NOT share it with anyone and eventually I will in my own time. My point, I set my parameters. So if you tell no one but your husband & your bff, it is your right. People are used to me being transparent and I'm used to being transparent but I told myself, I will share when I am ready. I need to see success and plus not feel the self inflicted great expectations of others. Good luck.

How scary for you. First of all, I would like to say that at your age, you shouldn't make a dnr decision while you are depressed. I can completely empathize with you and hate this for you. It sounds like a terrible ordeal to endure. But, please consider that aside from how hard this is, making a death decision while depressed is not ideal. I feel confident to tell you that I have faith that you will somehow overcome this. I know that there may seem like not even a flicker of light to look forward to, but that is usually the case when we are facing extremely horrible and depressing things...but, they almost always improve and I'm praying now that this will for you. It is unfortunate that some people have such horrific side effects, but we all go through with this decision anyways in hope of a better quality of life. I know it makes it worse to look forward to only to end up in misery. Please call your doctor's office every day that this is not improving in order to make them fully aware of the seriousness. Don't wait for things to change, call them everytime you have a problem so they can assist you before you become so dehydrated, etc. again. I feel so bad and wish there was more I could do or say. As for food, have you tried nibbling on mashed potatoes? I know they are carbs, which is not ideal after surgery, but this seems to be more about survival at this point and getting over this hump. When I have been sick at my stomach in the past and struggling to eat, these are a few things I have tried: Gatorade, mixed with water in order to dilute. It is full of electrolytes which can help plus you will be mixing with water which can aid in fighting the dehydration, but you don't want to get too much sugar. I'd probably try G2 mixed with water now that it is an option and there are several flavors so maybe you can find one that is tolerable. Mashed potatoes. I was able to nibble on these a little easier than almost anything else when I was severely sick. Another thing you may try is a light yogurt (this may be hard bc it is thicker, but it is full of protein so it's worth a shot.) There are some meal replacement drinks I use bc I can't drink anything thick (as it grosses me out). It is called Advocare meal replacement shake. It mixes with water and doesn't have the after taste or smell of most meal replacements and it's loaded with protein. What I love most is that you can mix it with less water than required so that it isn't so much to drink and it's still relatively thin. It may be worth a shot. It is a little pricey so I had to sign up as a distributor bc I need the discount as I am drinkinig this every day for my protein, but it is well worth it for me. Here's the site: www.AdvoCare.com/120531202 You can just go to shop and type in meal replacement shake in the search bar. I always use the chocolate bc I like that flavor in general, but I have heard the other flavors are good as well. I am so sorry for what you are going through and I am happy to lend an ear to help get you through this. I just have a strong feeling that you can and will get through this. Hang in there sweet girl. Rach

I am so sorry for what you're going through, it sounds awful. =( (((((HUGS)))) I'm glad that you have sought medical attention - what your going through really makes it sound like something is very wrong. Did they do a leak test? If you're still having problems is it possible for them to switch your antibiotic to liquid form? Many antibiotics are available in liquids It's not going to help if you can't even take the medicine, and I know some antibiotics can be like horse pills, very difficult to take. If you still cannot get them down, you should definitely let the doctors know that you are not getting them down, you may have to be readmitted to be given the medications IV. I know that sounds awful, but it will be worth it when your symptoms can finally clear up. I wish I could help with the depression. I know right now is a very stressful time, and I can't even imagine how hard it is, but you are strong and worth getting through this. Have you ever considered seeing a therapist? Do you have any family living with you or that are close by that might be able to spend a few days with you right now? You need some support right now to help get through this tough time. There is nothing wrong with needing someone to talk to. Are you able to sip on meal replacement shakes? I know that boost has quite a bit of sugar, but you might want to ask your NUT if it would be okay to drink for a few days while you recuperate. It's thin and maybe will be easier to get down than protein shakes. I'm really sorry that you're going through this, and if you need to vent or need a shoulder to lean on, we're here for you.

Thanks! That is true, I just have to keep that frame of mind! I am not a fan of crazy mean family and coworkers. Thanks for the pep talk.

I also have never heard of any insurance not doing the eval but my doctor never said anything to me either until I started the classes so I am sure they will inform you when you meet up with your doctor again..Good luck. It's a long journey before and after the surgery but it will fly by and you will be getting ready for your surgery in no time.

hey ive also ready a ton of requirements that i didnt have to go through but...every insurance plan is totally different and has special specific requirements. also my nurse at my surgeons office wrote out an entire 'work up' for me to make sure i dont miss anything. between the surgeons nurses and your insurance you should be able to get a clear answer

Well Hell there Beautiful !! Are you kidding ?? you're a knock out !! Things may seem bad now hun but you have made the first step towards the rest of your life.. You have finally acknowledged that you have a weight issue and are taking steps to rectify it. You are owning your weight and now it's time to say "No more !!" I'm 32 years young and I want to LIVE !! I hope you had a wonderful birthday and that your best friends mom is hanging in there until her family is ready to say goodbye. Hope your having a great day. Lisa

I am 53 and had my RNY surgery on April 9th. It was the best thing I ever did !!! I was very fortunate that my insurance paid for everything and I did not have to be on any diet. I had about 80 lbs. to loose, my BMI was 37 and I had high blood pressure. My general physician wrote a letter to the insurance which was required by my surgeon which helped as well. If you tried supervised diets in the past does your ins. accept that ? I know mine did but I did not have to go that route. My weight has been up and down for years and getting older I cannot work out like I use to when I would run 5-6 miles a day. I just can't do that anymore.... So I chose the RNY and am so happy I did MsCook had some really great motivators above. My little motivator was that I bought a really nice, expensive top and my 1st goal is to fit into it by the end of September. I have other goals set along the way... I'm taking baby steps and each goal I make for my self puts me that much closer to fit into my skinny clothes again. Good Luck

You're never too old to do this, KristiKay. In the very first informational meeting that I went to, there was an 80-something woman who was one of my surgeon's patients and she had it done about 10 years prior. So, don't rush into something that you are not sure of. That said, you could enjoy many, many more years of svelt, active life and do a LOT of things you probably can't or don't now because of weight. That's the way I looked at it. Not to mention, it's a good way to head off those sure-to-come health problems that result from the obesity. If you need a recharge of motivation, I suggest 2 things: 1. Go onto YouTube and search for Gastric Bypass Success Stories. There are many there and seeing their stories is motivational. 2. Go to www.obesityhelp.com and look at all of the before/after photos on their home page. They change them regularly and there are LOTS to look at. Every one of them is impressive and many are truly inspiring. Hang in there!

Gurgling and burping...all good things as it's my indicator that the restriction is there. I couldn't burp to save my life before, now...I burp like a teenage boy (I have two of them). Air has to come up for the food/drink to go down...think of it like a funnel. You'll get used to it. I love feeling the gurgling with my morning coffee, reassures me that the Band is helping me today! -BG