Alli in StL

I honestly can’t remember the last time I posted to this board, but I wanted to share my story. I was banded 9/7/11. It worked great for me for the first few years. I lost a total of 120 pounds. Then it stopped working so great. I couldn’t keep things down and so we took all the fluid out with the assumption that we would try to slowly fill it back up. Unfortunately, my port flipped and was only attached by one prong. Even though I didn’t have any fluid in my band, it was a gamble if I could keep down meaningful protein. I resorted to things that would go down easily and as a result, gained back 95 pounds. My instance at the time would not pay for any bariatric procedures and so removal was not an options. I have since changed jobs but I am so busy I just went on with life. Fast forward to about 8 weeks ago and things suddenly felt “different “. I had acid reflux for the first time ever, sometimes I couldn’t keep water down and I just had this heavy feeling where my band was. I went to a surgeon who said it needed to come out and he scheduled me very quickly. I had it removed yesterday and the scariest part about the whole thing is that the tubing had become attached to my liver. He had to cut it off and cauterize it. He said it looks good considering, but it has me freaked out. I am in so much pain today but so happy it is gone. I ate some lunch meat with cheese and a touch of honey mustard today and did not have any issues for the first time in years.

Wow. I should not have typed that while I was on pain meds. 😂🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Karan - How did your surgery go? Hopefully, you're getting lots of rest. Roxa - So glad you're doing well. It's great that you listened to your body and just slept for the first few days. I'm sure that was very helpful for the healing process. I'm doing good. I had gotten a fill a few weeks ago. It was only .5cc, but over the last few days, I decided that it was just too much. I went in today and he took out .25cc. I feel so much better now.

If you're really concerned about it, you can always take someone with you the first time just in case. After that, you'll know what to expect and can (hopefully) go alone.

Roxa - I was just thinking about you earlier today and wondering how your surgery went. How are you feeling? Karan - I had my surgery at Des Peres by Dr. Minkin. He is so awesome in my opinion. I would definitely recommend him for when Dr. Follwell leaves. I have not been to the support group there, but I know I should. Let me know what you think of it when you go.

Name, real or screen~ Alli in StL Goal weight for November 29th~ 240 Weight on November 1st~ 248.8 Age~ 33 Dietary goal for November~ concentrate on my chewing Exercise goal for November~ continue with my physical therapy so I can start walking for more than 5 minutes Personal goal for November~ finish Christmas shopping Date banded~ 9/8/11 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~ 58lb What is your favorite Thanksgiving/November Activity?~ relaxing with my kiddo while he's off from school

I'm over a year out and I still haven't told many people. I have since told my immediate family and they've all been very supportive, even my mom who usually is not. My grandmother, no matter how often I explain the band, still refers to me getting my stomach stapled. When I requested time off from work, I just said I was having a medical procedure done. On my FMLA forms, no specifics were given. I did have some people ask me what I was having done and I simply told them it was of a personal nature and I didn't feel like sharing. I find that a lot of people have very strong opinions even though they're uninformed. I didn't really want to deal with other opinions. There is one person that I eventually told whose main concern was that I'd become an alcoholic. I just don't feel like educating each and every person who's ignorant on the issue.

I also like to use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

I've lost nearly 60 pounds. I see the scale and the number on it, but I don't think it's really registered that I'm at a weight I haven't been at in a decade. I remember weighing just over 300 pounds and thinking that reaching that 250 pound mark was sooooooo far away. Well, I recently broke that barrier and it all seems very strange to me. I've always had so much trouble, not just losing weight, but not gaining it. Now here I am, slowly, but steadily losing weight. I'm fitting into clothes I would have only dreamed about last year. A big moment for me was over the weekend. I was at my brother's house and they have a full length mirror in there. I saw myself naked for the first time in quite a while. Wow. I'm no skinny minnie, but I could see a huge difference. Finally, all the compliments are starting to make sense. Even with the scale moving, I've had it in my head that I'm still the same size I was. How long did it take for all of you to emotionally catch up with the changes in your body?

It has more Protein than regular yogurt. The ones with a lot of sugar are the pre-flavored ones. I like to use plain Greek yogurt and either put my own fruit on there or use it in a smoothie.

No, thank goodness!

I have no idea, but I bet this probably isn't the first time your doctor has dealt with someone without insurance. I hope it doesn't become an issue for you, though!

I was swallowing milk when I read this and about choked. Thanks!

Oh my! Yep, it will let you know it's there if you don't chew well enough. I find that I really need to be mindful when I'm eating. Otherwise, I get distracted and my band is there to remind me to stay focused.

How can you say it's a waste of money if you haven't even had the surgery?

I think the most important thing to take with you is a positive attitude. I'm not saying you don't have one, but it can be hard to maintain one while going through a surgery. Other than that, I would take a robe, some stretchy pants for going home in, and maybe your pillow. I always take way too much stuff and regret it. If you've had surgery before and know how anesthesia affects you, that can be helpful. If you know that you typically aren't affected by it afterwards, you could take a magazine or two. Good luck!

Totally normal. The first 4-6 weeks after surgery are all about healing. Yes, some lose weight during that time, but some don't. Give it time and stick to your doctor's orders and the weight will come off.

Wow. I feel like I must have missed something, although I'm sure I read all the responses, including my own, more than once. I really don't understand why you're so upset. Who, in this thread, is letting their weight loss go to their head? All I've seen is people trying to answer the question you asked. We can all tell you how much it costs US to get fills, but the only way for you to know how much it will cost YOU is to contact your potential doctor.

Welcome!

My doc gives various amounts. He lets the body be his guide.

My copay is $45 for a fill. I once asked how much it would be if I didn't have insurance and I was told $150. I would call your insurance company to confirm. If you know which surgeon you'd like to do your surgery, you can always call their office and ask.

My surgeon routinely puts an anti-nausea patch behind the ear. While I still had some nausea afterwards, it was not anywhere nearly as bad as previous surgeries.

I second the alcohol suggestion. It worked instantly for me.

What does your doctor saying about taking pills?

No. I had my surgery done by Dr. Minkin at Des Peres Hospital. Where is yours being done at?