valvinnek

Congrats to all of your successes. You are all truly an inspriation to other, especially ones that give up and get the courage to face the music and come back. You truly re-motivate other. THANK YOU!!! Ok, I missed my bandaniversary, but I have 2. Let me explain. I was banded (with gall bladder removal) the first time February 25, 2008. It was a great experience I was losing weight, following the rules and lost around 30 pound. At about 6-8 weeks out I had some really bad pain and felt like I had a gall bladder attack, but it was removed. I had to go in for an emergency procedure to check my bile ducts. Come to find out there was a stone that was lingering and it had passed. Since that, I never had restriction in my 14 cc. band, and motivation and hope became less and less. Some how, I still loved my band, eventhough it wasn't working. My band was filled as much as it could and nothing, it was like I didn't have surgery at all. I don't know exactly the reason, maybe the band was too big, maybe it moved when I was throwing up, but I ended up having it replaced December 29, 2008. I haven't lost much weight since this last surgery, but I had a fill 2 days ago, and now I know what all of you were talking about. I finally had my first "stuck" moment, I finally have felt full after a short time, I already feel better about myself since this past fill. Now I know. I look back at my first band as a practice band, eventhough I was ready a year ago. Maybe it just wasn't the right time, I can't really describe it but I really don't look at the past year as "wasted time". I don't really see December 29th as my "surgery date" I am a double V, you guys were there at the begining of this journey for me and I look forward to see where this year takes me. Sorry I've been away for awhile, but now that I can really relate, I 'm sure I'll visit more often.

Hi,well after months of fills without restriction and frustration, I am being scheduled for surgery at the end of the month to get a smaller band. I am currently filled to the brim in my 14cc band and things are still flowing quite quickly through. I am trying to stay positive. I've been trying to find if this has happened to anyone before on LBT but can't (it can't be that uncommon). Anyways, I wish you all continued success! Alyssa

See I am much more sore this time. My dr. had to make a bigger incision near the port area either to get the new band in or the old one out. He was able to keep my old port in place. I'm not that gassy, just really sore. I am probably moving around too much and I don't like the liquid loritab so I only take it when I need it. I'm not real sure if my replacement would be considered a slip, but it definately wasn't working and thats all I really care about, long as it works now, its all good!

See, I am a lot more sore this time. My dr. had was able to save my original port, but had to make a bigger incision for some reason (either to get the new band in or old one out). I'm not as gassy, but sore!!! Its only been 4 days I know next week will be better. I look like my belly has been sprayed with bullets (I also had my gall bladder removed last time). It looks aweful, but battle scars right????

I was officially banded in February 2008, but after serveral fills and frustration, I needed my band replaced (we think it was to large for me and it actually moved). I made it through bandster hell and all of the post op diet before, so I know I can do it again. I am a lot more sore this time, but my attitude has always been positive so I hope to keep it that way. I wish you all well on this journey and hope to have many chats along the way.

omg, I just saw your post to the other one I did, (that I can't figure out how to delete). Anyways, I won't have to pay for this new surgery, my dr. is working that end out. No, I'm not getting a new doctor, I really like him. He knows how frustrated I am and he is that has done tons of surgeries, I still trust him.

Crystal, you called this a long time ago!!! I see my dr in the am to finalize everything. I'm ok, I really need that "do over" post op phase to get on track anyway and this will force me to do it.

HI, well after many months of fills and frustration at the end of the month I will be re-banded with a smaller band. I have lost 32 pounds since my surgery date in February,of which I am thankful for, but I still feel jipped. I am trying to be positive, at least there is a solution. Anyways, I just wanted to give an update, and wish everyone more success!! Alyssa PS Crystal you called this one a long time ago!!

sorry, for the repeat post, i'll try to figure out how to delete the duplicate

well my dr. brought in a band and filled it to 12 and we checked it out, he said that there is still room, plenty of room. He also said that it takes a lot more than 14cc. Hopefully when I go in to see him in 2 weeks another fill will help. My out of pocket for our insurance is maxed out so if I do have another surgery, I would like it to be before the end of the year then I wouldn't have to pay again. Kaieghsmommy- we are at 13 Mile & Schoenherr area. Hope you have a safe visit!

Hi, its been 8 months since my surgery and I've only lost 30 pounds. I do not have restriction. I have 12cc in my 14cc band. At my last visit, my doctor told me that if I don't get restriciton in the next fill, I may need to go in and get a smaller band. I am about at my wits end. Has anyone had to replace their band with a smaller one? I have had most of my fills done under floro, & my dr. has checked levels at each fill. I am extremely frustrated.

Hi, I've been seeing my nutritionist to meet my insurance requirements. I have found it to be benificial, but I am 6 month in and I have been playing with the same 5 pounds, I am making lifestyle changes but I am still as frustrated as before. I my BMI is at 40, I'm borderline insulin resistant, so I can't loose too much weight before surgery or insurance won't cover it. It took me so long to decide on banding, and it just seems like such a long depressing road until its finally time for surgery. I am just so tired of being this way. BTW, back in high school I was voted runner up for best body -----what a joke now!! Thanks for any uplifting support! Alyssa

Ok, I really thought I had restriction at my last fill. That lasted 2 days!!!!! I have 12.5 in my 14cc band!!!! WHAT THE F$$$!!!!!!! I am so frustrated with myself and really jealous of alll the success of others. I've been playing with the same 5-7 pound for 2 1/2 months. I can only dream to feel full. Its just not happening. I'm sorry for sounding psychotic, but I just want some restriction. My dr. does my fills under floro and watches everything go down. I just remember that feeling before the band that I was going to be the one it doesn't work for, and I now think that it may be coming true. I have just about given up ( well not completely, I did find my way back here didn't I). I have another fill scheduled for next Thursday. I have no idea how I should get my head back into thinking positively. This SUCKS!!!!

Mac you sound just like me yesterday!! I've been away for awhile and I flipped out fortunately I came back to LBT and I got what I needed support and encouragement. I had a fill this morning and hopefully the restriction I have right now will last more than 2 days!!! Just like every pregnancy, every band is different. Eventhough we are as far out as everyone else here, we all react to the bad differently. I am learning that I need a lot in my band to feel anything, while others need hardly anything. Its all in finding what your particular needs are. Trust me I'm right there with you as far as frustration. Chin UP!!!

I went this morning for my fill. The dr checked me out and he said no leak, and not to worry. He said that I will get to my sweet spot and that my band can hold a lot more than 14cc, so I will have more room if need be. I feel ok, I think I'm restricted, but that's what I said last time so only time will tell. Just thought I'd give you an update!

I had a fill today too and am having the same problem. I am was afriad to eat just because I thought I might be too tight, but I have been burping ALL day long. I just had something to eat and I feel great and have restriction!!

Crystal, I've been wondering that too, if my band is maybe just to big. I screwed up, I don't go next Thursday, I go this week. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere, I 've worked pretty hard to get this far, I'm not giving up. Jamie, I didn't even think of a leak. I am for sure going to ask my dr. about that. See I am so glad I flipped out, I wouldn't have known to ask about checking my Fluid or a leak!!! Thanks Again!!!

In answer to all of your questions: I can eat quite a lot, so I am getting plenty of calories. I do get in my protien first. Occasionally I will sip just a little of something with my meals. No carbonation at all, I drink a lot of crystal light and I also like the nectar Lemonade or Iced Tea protien powder (just for added protien as like a snack or breakfast). As far as excercise goes, I am no on my eliptical as much as I should, but in the same sense I have four children home from school. I do not stop moving. I couldn't tell you what is on tv or anything. I find the computer a couple times a day for short periods of time other than that, I am moving non-stop (2 1/2 weeks until kids go back and I can get more serious about the eliptical). As far as the jealousy goes,to a point I am frustrated about the lack of weightloss, but really gets me is the restriction. Here I have only 1.5cc left to fill in my band and still no restricion. I am jealous of those with lets say 5cc in the same band and are sooooo full after a small meal. What happens if my dr. fills me up and I finally get restriction and after awhile I loosen up, I have nothing to tighten up. I am not expecting a miracle, just that my tool isn't a dud!!! Thank you for all of your encouragement!

Its funny that you put this thread up. I haven't lost more than 5 pounds in abou 2 months and people are just now noticing (I guess it keeps me positive at this point), but anyways I tell them that I upped my protien, lowered my carbs, and got an eliptical. All that is true. I don't feel like I'm lying. I personally can't tell people out of embarassment that I let myself get to the point where I had to have weight loss surgery. I also feel very uncomfortable when people ask how much I've lost. I usually just say some out of that same embarassment.

First of all congrats to all of you on your success! You all are true inspirations!! I just have a couple questions for you near or at goal. How much is in your band? (I know it varies but I am only 4 months out and have 12.5cc in a 14cc band and just now getting restriction so I hope this one lasts for a long while) and what happens when you reach your goal-as far as do you get unfilled a little so you stop losing or are you at that fill level the rest of your life? I guess I just never thought that far ahead. Any insight would be great. Again you guys are all amazing!!!

What is the 3 day lap-band conference in Dallas all about?

That sounds awesome. I haven't heard of anything like that around here. Let us know how it goes!

I finally have some restriction!!!!!! I went for my fill today and I now have 12.5cc in my 14cc band. My dr did it under floro and at first put in 1cc then I drank the stuff and it flew down, so he put another 2cc in. I have eaten really light today (yogurt, and mushie type stuff), but I think I feel tight. It feels almost like a knot in my stomach, but its in the upper part of my stomach. Is that what tightness feels like? Hopefully this will knock my numbers off the scale. My dh had his first fill today too, he had 2cc put in during surgery, and the dr said that he could only put in 3cc today, because the fluid was getting stuck. It's crazy the fluctuation in fills, I can't believe its taking me 12.5cc to feel anything!!!

Well it has calmed down. My restriction is definately not as tight. I can still eat, and I get a little full. I am kinda getting upset as there is only room for 1.5cc left in my band and with slight restriction I'm now wondering if the band is really going to work for me. I need good vibes and stomach filling thoughts!!!!Today I decided to go on liquids for a few days just to kinda reset my body (plus we have so many protien drinks in the house we're running out of cupboard space). I'm going to give it a couple weeks before I call for another fill. OH, well I'm not going to give up eventhough I'm kinda getting down.

I have BCBS of MI, the PPO through Chrysler. What do you want to know?