Candle

So I've come to the end of my band journey ... and I am relived! The last few years have been pretty miserable and I hope my story can help someone else. I was banded in Aug 2007. GREAT results! I was very lucky and didn't have to mess w/ too many fills/unfills or have any complications. (that I knew of) Pre-op weight of 311 and low of 160 in under a year. I didn't maintain the 160 for long but was happy in the 175-190 range for a few years. I'm back up to 240 and feeling like a complete failure. I just had my band removed on Mon and I'm feeling pretty good. They used 2 of my old small incisions and had to open up the old port incision a bit. The port site is what's killing me. My band had slightly slipped but the removal was quick and uneventful. Didn't even have to spend the night in the hospital. I was thankful my surgeon supported my decision to have it removed and helped fight my insurance to get it covered. (Not medically necessary? What a joke! I'd love to know how much they've paid out in doc visits and tests for stuff all caused by the band because I know I've spent a fortune in copays & missed work. I guess it's the same as so many insurance company's paying for women to have a babies but not for birth control?!) About 3 years ago I started having dizzy spells coupled with severe upper abdominal bloating/pain. The symptoms were very similar to diverticulitis, minus the bathroom troubles. Attacks started to get more and more frequent. Multiple visits to PCP, band doc, and finally a gastroenterologist. Multiple tests; barium, CAT scan, endoscopy, allergy tests, etc. The gastro theorized that I was experiencing aerophagia (swallowing too much air that gets trapped in your intestines and creates pockets - similar to diverticulitis) and the band was really trapping that extra air. I fought it and didn't think it was band related but after a year we did a complete unfill and guess what - no more attacks!! That was Dec 2013 and I've remained unfilled since. Still getting stuck often and having lots of indigestion. Sometime during that year I developed horrible heartburn and have been on 40 mg Omeprazole since Sept 2013 w/ no relief! Around the same time I also developed left shoulder pain. It was occasional and bare-able. I assumed maybe an injury or tendinitis. The shoulder pain finally got really bad and consistent about 6 months ago. Multiple visits to PCP, Orthopedic, & Physical Therapy. The therapist wanted me to get an MRI because the X-rays weren't showing anything, Cortisone shots didn't help, and my symptoms and range of motion didn't really sync up to a rotator cuff injury and/or tendonitis. I broke down in his office - "MORE EFFIN TESTS AND COPAYS AND PAIN AND AND ... wait a minute? Could this also be band related?" Did a little research and learned about the Vagus nerve and how it can be affected by the band. That little bastard really causes trouble! The body is so complex! I developed sciatica about 1 yr after being banded but have severe Scoliosis so I chalk all back stuff up to that. I had a major episode last week and was barely able to walk or work for about 5 days leading up to my band removal. I was really nervous about recovering from abdominal surgery with my back in that state. My back has been 100% fine since coming out of surgery on Mon and I haven't taken much in the way of pain meds. Anyone w/ sciatica knows - a magic overnight cure does NOT happen. Now I'm thinking that was also band related because of the Vagus. Only time will tell how my heartburn, shoulder and back are long term but I'm pretty optimistic the worst is behind me. I can't remember a time I went 5 days without saying "My shoulder is on fire!" I'm also still a little shocked and angry that something I did [voluntarily!] to make myself healthier made me so sick. So I guess I'm starting over on the weight loss journey - thinking about Weight Watchers again. I keep telling myself it's a lot easier to lose 50lbs than 100 and am trying not to back slide any more. Maybe a revision in the future but not something I'm even ready to think about right now. I hope someone reads this who may be experiencing similar symptoms and it helps turn that light bulb on because it took me awhile and a lot of wasted time and energy.

If I do consider a revision, I think I'd do the sleeve. What about you? I'm just so happy to get that poison out of me that I'm just focusing on feeling normal again.

I just had mine removed on Mon due to many complications. It was originally placed in 2007. I was able to get it removed within 1 month of my decision to do so. Insurance tried to fight it was not medically necessary but I had plenty of documentation to show it was!!! My surgeon will not revise to another procedure for at least 3 months, longer if there was a lot of internal damage and/or erosion.

This just doesn't seem right to me ... I had a consult w/ a surgeon back in Jan. I don't think I plan to pursue surgery with THIS doctor. His office staff was very nice and helpful - they submitted a request to my insurance just to see if they will cover any part of PS. To my surprise and delight - they will cover the panni portion of the TT. I have an approval letter for code: 15830- Panniculectomy. The surgeon suggested an extended TT and I was quoted $9,500. He is out of network, so I know my coverage is 70% of the contracted rate, after a $2,000 deductible. No one from my insurance co or the doctor's office can tell me how much I will be liable for. I'm expected to go into surgery and not find out until AFTER if I have to pay anywhere from $2,000 - 9,500?

Thanks Dr Schulman I was thinking it would cover about a 1/4 to a 1/3 of the cost. I'm coming to see you in April. I had to cancel my appointment this month, emergency gall bladder removal on St Patty’s Day.

I thought with the panni removal only, you end up with NO belly button?

Hey Sue I've been thinking a lot about this topic for the exact same reasons you are. I have approval for the panni removal. I took a big pay cut last year, that I've finally adjusted to but now my job isn't looking very secure. I have the sick time to use and insurance coverage. I worry that with a new job (if one is even out there - my field has been hit hard by the economic downturn) I might not have those 2 things for awhile, if at all. I'm just really nervous about spending this type of money right now. I got a quote for an extended TT of $9,500 but I think my insurance would only cover maybe a 1/4 of that. I have a $2,000 deductible after that they pay 70% of the contracted rate. (out of network) I also think that was a low ball quote and am expecting to hear more in the $12,000 range at my other consults. Unlike you, I have the belly on top. I think I'm almost equally uncomfortable about that. I have a real problem finding pants. I really don't think I'd be happy with the panni removal only but would I be happier than I am now? I really hope to have my breasts and inner thighs done in the [distant] future - I really don't want to do my tummy in 2 stages and then still need a 3rd surgery for the rest. Ugh! I'm no help but I understand your dilemma!

I know right where you are - I used to have to take my step daughter to summer school at Pat-Med High School. She went to private school in Huntington but it was easier and cheaper to put her in summer school here. Alive after Five is soooo much fun. On Main St in Patchogue they close off the street and set up vendors (food and merchandise) and stages with live music. Last year they had 5 different stages so there was music for everyone. They have a kids area (and stage w/ music) with crafts and a climbing wall. Both the Blue Point and Brickhouse brewery’s set up beer tents too. We're within walking distance so we walk down with our dog. It starts at 5 and usually lasts until about 10pm. All the local bars and restaurants are usually hoppin' well after 10:00 though. They were doing it every other Friday in the summer but they are only doing 4 this year. I hope your foot is better soon. I hate PT! Thanks I've only had one fill so I only have 2.5cc's in my 10cc band. I've never really had "restriction". It seems most people with the 10cc band report good-to-great restriction with about 5-8cc's so it sounds like you are right on track.

Ohhh - where do you live? I'd love a walking partner to keep me motivated! I try to walk a few miles a day with my dog. I'm in the Village. I'm bummed they are only doing 4 Alive after Five's this year. I never really had a plateau. I wish I had some advice for you. The mental side of the weight loss is so much more work than any of us expect it to be. You sound like you are back on the losing side now though. Maybe a chat with your band doc and/or your nutritionist? The warm weather will bring change too. I think it's so much easier to lose weight in the spring/summer.

I have a consult scheduled with you in March, Dr Schulman. I am so excited!! I've only had one other consult so far and I don't feel the doctor was for me. Just wanted you to know how sweet and helpful your receptionist is on the phone as well!

PS. I had my first PS consult last month and I have one with Dr Schulman in March!!

Hello Long Islander's!!! I haven't been on here in awhile - so cool to see so many of your tickers moving up up up!! I'm so over this weather - I'm ready for summer! Jogging, hiking, walking my dog, riding my bike, working in my yard, going to Splish Splash, local events (I live in Patchogue Village - they have something going on every weekend in the summer around here!) etc etc <<< All things you'd never hear me say 2 years ago :tt2: I had an appointment w/ Dr Geiss yesterday. Damn, that office just gets busier and busier! I've been having some abdominal discomfort and a little reflux but they ruled out the band. *phew* Said it was in "perfect position"! Now we're going to check my gallbladder and then check for an ulcer or hiatal hernia. Other than that minor stuff and still worrying about the security of my job, things are great! I need some updates - how is everyone doing?

Did you have hyperandrogenism induced hirsutism? I've been doing some reading and I definitely have a slight (luckily!) case. In the past I did the laser hair removal on my upper lip and chin and it worked great but the past few months I've had to wax again. Did you notice a difference after weight loss? [if this is too sensative of a topic you can PM me instead.]

I don't know about having insurance cover the TT but you could send a note to Frangipani. I believe she had fibroids removed at the same time as her TT.

I just had my first consultation and was quoted $9450 for an extended TT. I'm looking at having my inner thighs and breasts done as well. I might combine one of those procedures with my TT if I can swing it. $$ Waiting to see if insurance will cover part of my TT. *fingers crossed*

Totally!! I've been working a seasonal retail job for the last 7-8 weeks and I've been hit on a lot by customers and some employees!! My regular job is mostly from a home office so it's been an adjustment being out in the public and becoming friendly with people that don't know I ever had a weight problem! One employee in particular has been VERY hard to resist. :laugh: I'm almost looking forward for this job to being over! It's been a weird adjustment - I don't take compliments well.

Lil mama - You are doing the right thing distancing yourself from this guy. Trust me - you do not want to be feeling like I do!

I think the show was made for her - not that they had an idea and went out and found a fat person to star in it. Her LA friend Brittany Daniels is a famous actress and she has something to do with the show. I think she's a producer.

If you go by the BMI charts, I need to lose like another 10lbs to be in the normal range but I've far exceeded my personal goal and am pretty happy where I'm at. I think I'm in the 90-93% lost category.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Without really trying, I'm still losing 1-2lbs per month.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I'm not sure exactly where I'll end up. I'm pretty sure I'll easily lose 7-10lbs with a TT so all the extra skin kinda throws my numbers off.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>

This is my BIG problem. I started working in a retail store for the holidays and at night, I see my full length reflection in the plate glass windows. It's weird - sometimes I don't realize it's me. But naked ... I still see 300lbs. Loose skin is a big problem for me. I think my face looks older now that it's thin. :biggrin:

I agree. Your band might have slipped. Have you had any tests done? Fill under flouro? I hope things get better soon!

Tylenol really does nothing for me either. I really miss my Advil during TOM.

I've never heard of a mid band either. Why would it not be stitched into place to help prevent slippage? The AP band is wider than the old bands but it's still stitched into place.

My port has always been pretty close to the surface and sticks out a little but nothing too crazy. It doesn’t bother me at all and I touch it often.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I don't want to scare you but port infections have been linked to erosion so you really need to get to the bottom of this ASAP. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Has it been this way since surgery or on & off? Does your doctor do many bands? Have you had a fever at all? Have they given you any antibiotics? When it was healing did you have any yellow or brown puss from the incision site? <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Push! Push! Push! While it is your surgeon's responsibility to care for you, in the end, it's YOUR body and YOUR health. Don't settle or let them blow you off. Good luck!

They used to say NSAIDS could be linked to erosion but I think that theory has been debunked. My doctor says the concern is that the pill could sit in your upper pouch and cause an ulcer. There's no stomach acid up there to help break it down.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I had a back injury recently and my doctor told me to REALLY limit the use of the RX Motrin I was given. Always take it on an empty stomach, so food doesn't push it to the top or cause it to sit in the pouch for too long and to take it with Maalox or milk. Then drink a full glass of water to flush it threw. Never right before bed because when you lay down, gravity can't do its thing.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Every doctor has their own way of doing things but I was told that usage for as little as 7 days could cause a problem, so I've chosen to tough it out and not take them.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Tylenol ONLY for me. I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my band but I realize some people have needs much more severe than mine, for needing NSAIDS.<o:p></o:p>