Rob Roy

I have used/tried everything that folks have suggested and most that are listed here. However, no miracles for me - nothing has been very effective. I still have periodic problems and can only resolve them with a mixture of remedies and double-dosing. Good news is that persistent constipation (and occasional sticking food) is my only issue. Still losing weight steadily and half-way to goal, despite some cheating over the holidays. Banded 8/30 in St Petersburg by Dr Huguet.

It's difficult for me to discuss personal subjects like this but I need advice and help. I keep suffering from frequent (almost constant) constipation that's not easily resolved by Collace or other OTC laxatives or stool softners. Not fun and very painful. Otherwise all OK - losing weight and eating OK with care. Any insights?

Hello Caryn and other A11s: I like the encouraging stories and the examples you set. I was Banded on August 30, 2011 and so far no serious problems - touch wood - and still steadily losing weight. I am confident that I will reach my target of 250 lbs - highest weight was 375, abiut 360 at operation, & now about 325 lobs. Married for a longtime and grown up kids Best wishes, John

Good for you! I admire your persistence. I am new at this and cannot help you from experience. However, I recommend aquatics for exercise - low impact Water aerobics. Best wishes

Good for you! I admire your persistence. I am new at this and cannot help you from experience. However, I recommend aquatics for exercise - low impact Water aerobics. Best wishes So I am back on the messageboards... because I need the support of those who know only what this experience is like. Basically, I will be coming upon my 2 year bandiversary in November. I have only lost 30 lbs total and that was within the first 3 months post-op. I did have other medical issues not related to the band within the first year of post-op which causes major set backs as far as getting fills and continuely losing. However, I was finally able to get a 3rd fill right after my 1 year anniversary for my surgery. I have not had a fill since this time (mainly due to changes in insurance and cost). Since then... I have been losing the same 5 lbs and regaining. I do admit I have seriously committed to the band or weight loss up until this past July/August. At first I felt like a complete failure with the band but now that I re-read and see what happened in the 1st year post-op, that really wasn't my fault. And it didn't help comparing myself to others, they didn't deal with what I did in the first year. So here I am again........ in search of my new-found motivation to jump back into the ways of being a bandster and losing the weight I planned to lose almost 2 years ago. Currently, I am back on track with the rules... and choosing the good foods, although I have my moments. I have started using myfitnesspal.com and managed to do right with getting at least 72-96oz of water in a day. I started exercising but hurt my knee... and have lost some of my mojo... I definitely can use support from others dealing with the struggles daily... I want to lose this weight for good...

Is there any problem if hit the port? I inject Lantus nightly - short needle. I am 6 days since banding. I forgot to ask where my port is - follow up in 10 days.

Thank you

Thank you. That's reaasuring. Appreciate the good wishes - still in 2nd week of post-surgery liquid diet.

Thank you. So far, no problems with injections. I have already dropped my readings to about 100 fasting/110-120 after food (OptiFast). Hope that I can quit injections eventually

I prefer savory taste and have survived OK on OptiFast soups during the pre-op phase. No hunger but missed texture of eating meat, meat pies, sausages, etc. Lost over 20 lbs. Now I am in 1st week of post-op liquid diet with soups, broths,jello (but not a fun), Glucerna, etc. Ready to progress to pureed food diet phase.

This input might be too late but might help others in Pinellas. I was banded on August 30 by Dr. Kevin Huguet - a great surgeon. I was impressed by the pre-operation programof consultations - I learned a lot and understood what I was getting into. Surgery went well and I am in the initial recovery phase. Excellent nursing care at Palms of Pasadena. Still making progress.

Sorry to hear that you are having such a rough time but hope it's getting easier for you. I had a few issues with gas and constipation/runs but almost all gone. Drinking my shakes and prefer taste of broth - losing weight steadily. Are there any local support groups who might be able to help you?

I am 6 days post-surgery and have had lots of shoulder pain (really more of an ache) but not back pain. They told me it was related to gas and taking Gas-X has helped in my case. Had lots of gas issues but have almost all gone away. Watch the dehydration! Hang in there.

I can sympathize. I have had second thoughts many times. I could have come up with many reasons/excuses to withdraw from the program. It has taken much too long and has not gone smooothly but just a few more days to go. Ready to move on.

On the final countdown to Tuesday, August 30. Optifast is boring! Ready to get it iver with and move on.

I am due for surgery on August 30. Since I started this process a few months ago, I have been asking questions about the connection between sleep apne and lapband surgery and have not obtained any clear answers. In the beginning, I was told that CPAP machine needed day of surgery to help me resume breathing after general aenesthetics - don't make sense and did not need for my other surgeries. Nevertheless, I took an onvernight sleep lab at the local hospital on Doctor's orders but still don't really understand why. Was told I had borderline sleep apnea but I already knew that and accepted my problem. Called back in and told that I must take a 2nd sleep lab to have my lapband surgery and complied. However, no Doctor has reviewed my results with me. To be clear, I sought help for obesity not for my sleep apnea. On Monday, when delivering CPAP machine to me at home, the CPAP supplier therapist surprised me with news that I must start using CPAP machine immediately for 2 weeks before surgery and 2 weeks after surgery. Requirements from Medicare and I need to have CPAP machine at surgery. I am using sleep macine under protest to keep surgery date but now sleeping badly - does not make sense. Have called Doctor's practice with questions since Tuesday and have exchanged questions and vague answers. Has anyone else been through this? Can anyone explain to me? .

Thanks for encouragement. Currently surgery is scheduled for August 30th.

Just completing day #4 of strict boring Optifast diet - about 4-6 lbs so far.

Hello: Per Dr's orders, I took 2 sleep apnea studies with overnight sleep disorder labs - still don't understand why or the connection with lapband surgery despite many questions. Currently sleeping badly before surgery due to mandated use of CPAP machine. Very concerned and confused. Good luck - also scheduled for August 30.