Sojourner

This seems like the food and nutrition section, not "let's complain about politics" section. This thread needs to be closed and you need to take your hot topic bs elsewhere. I didn't join this site to talk politics.

And the forum rules suggest that if a topic or a post is not to your liking, you can simply ignore it and move on.

It's all about choices...time for you to move on?

THAT IS 100% SOCIALISM!! Why should I share the risk? When I went to college no one shared their credits with me. What's the difference? Our very large and very stupid government is leading us into a very dangerous dictatorship. Obama said " They’re going to have to give up paying for things that don’t make them healthier. … If there’s a blue pill and a red pill, and the blue pill is half the price of the red pill and works just as well, why not pay half for the thing that’s going to make you well.” Does that sound like a government that will stay out of your healthcare decisions? That is VERY SCARY! Obamacare is a massive intrusion in the doctor-patient relationship, micromanaging how health care should be delivered to patients. When the government is given this much authority and discretion, it does not result in higher-quality care for patients. Rather, it leads to price controls and one-size-fits-all regulations that misallocate resources and will lead to headaches for doctors and problems for patients trying to access health care. More socialism! To achieve a health care system where patients come first, Congress must not embrace the flawed and failed policies in Obamacare. Instead, Congress must use this opportunity to offer an alternative vision for the future of health care—a future where individuals get better care at lower cost without government controlling the dollars and decisions. If you like your policy you can keep it! Tell that to my freaking lapband!!!

Your blaming the government for a decision made by your insurance company. All insurance is socialist by nature it only works if the insurance pool shares risk the larger the pool the less individual risk; the alternative is to pay for all medical expenses from personal savings. I'm not arguing which system is better I'm just pointing out a basic detail of how insurance works.

You apparently missed the point of the discussion...the government is not supposed to get into the private affairs of citizens. Sadly, our government is not longer for and by the people...

There need to be limits on how much intrusion the government can impose on private lives. A physician-patient relationship is sacred, and the only means by which adequate and quality healthcare can be delivered.

Is it possible for food to get stuck right above the band for several days? I know I need to go to the dr but I can't because my insurance was canceled and I can't afford to go. Thanks Obamacare!!!!

Here's the problem: I had my 8th or 9th fill in October. I had perfect restriction! Then the day after Thanksgiving I couldn't get ANYTHING down. Sliming like crazy etc. I never feel nauseous, never have acid etc. No major problems. Just super tight. I'm wondering if I have food above my band preventing me from getting stuff down. I can get all fluids down including Protein shakes with no problems at all. Last night I was even able to get some nachos down. Before this I could swallow fish oil pills. Big ones!

I started my monthly cycle Thanksgiving Day and I put on a couple pounds too! I just can't figure out, why after a month of being fine, I'm soo tight now. Has anyone else ever experienced this?

While I am not a physician, I can share my similar experiences and what I did to cope...

For some Bandsters, TOM can increase restriction for a band. And from what you are describing, the tissues around your band may be irritated and swollen.

When I got that way, I went back to my post op diet for a few days, and only had liquids and Protein Shakes. That seemed to give my pouch the rest it needed. After the days on liquids, I stayed with soft foods for a couple of days before returning to my regular foods.

And yes, the "Obamacare" regulations are wreaking havoc on many people. It is being discovered what a bad and misguided "idea" it was from day 1.

Almost 18 months ago when I had lap band surgery I thought wow when I lose all this weight I will feel like a million bucks, well that didn't happen. I've struggled since day one, not with eating, physically. I have not been able to exercise at all, I have loose skin everywhere. For the past several weeks I've undergone testing for several things and today I headed to Nashville for the results, certainly not what I wanted to hear, I was diagnosed with Lupus. Thank goodness it hasn't affected my kidneys or liver yet just has damaged my muscles and joints along with other symptoms. Today was a shocker to say the least. The dr prescribed Plaquenil and he was quick to say that it will make me sick at first like vomit sick but that should subside. Wish me luck I start the med tomorrow.

All I wanted to do 17 months ago was to get healthy and thinner. I just have to keep in mind that the good Lord never puts too much on us that we can't handle. I can handle this!!!

I am sorry to read of your Dx, but at least now you know what you have to,cope with, and it is doable. My Dx with Systemic Lupus was nearly 25 years in the making...and it is something you definitely can learn to live with.

There are many resources for you to learn more about this disease, and receive emotional support from others who are walking along similar paths.

I was on a Plaquenel regimen several years ago. It is a strong drug, but not everyone has vomiting. I felt very nauseaus at first, but it resolved after a week or so.

I find it helps me immensely to get my rest, and to manage stress to stay more serene. Anything is possible with the right dedication and determination.

My diagnosis does not define me, it is only something I need to be aware of and take measures to keep it in remission.

As others have posted, now is the time for healing. The weight loss will come later.

One important thought to keep in mind is that weight loss will not necessarily be a steady downward slope. There can be weight loss plateaus, and you might even gain a pound or two along your journey.

Try not to get caught up in the habit of weighing yourself too often. Small fluctuations in weight are normal, but you may find yourself feeling discouraged needlessly. I usually weigh myself every 2 weeks.

If you focus on good choices for what you eat and make an honest effort to exercise on a regular basis, the weight loss will come.

In speaking with a friend today she mentioned that she as a friend whose surgeon placed the wrong size band for her anatomy. Has anyone else ever heard of this happening?

I am down 70lbs and feeling great (thank you, thank you band). The dilemma and I know it is a good one is should I carry on and lose the final 18lbs??? I am 59 years old and so far the skin I can live with, it is not pretty. I will never be able to afford to have surgery, it almost broke us paying for WLS so no chance for more surgery. Has anyone got advice for me, or faced similar situation?

I have similar demographics to you, and I actually had this same discussion with my PCP yesterday. I have exceeded the goal set for me by my bariatric surgeon, and wanted my PCP's opinion on what weight he felt was a healthy range for me. He said reaching 150 would be an acceptable healthy weight for me, however he felt that 145 would be ideal.

He also said that the low range weight for normal BMI would likely make me look unhealthy.

The concern that occurs to me is a possible " let it go" mindset. The last 20 pounds seem to me to be the most difficult to date, but I am not watching the calendar or the scale. I am going on with my established routines knowing that the diet compliance and exercise is healthy for me. I will reach my goal weight, and the calendar is irrelevant.

You need to do what feels right for you, and be at a weight that you feel healthy. At the same time, if we don't stay awake and aware, the pounds can come back.

Right now, I am so pleased with my mobility and health I could easily say I am done with my weight loss journey...but really, I am on the verge of going into the next phase of maintenance. So I will continue to move forward, mindful that this journey is never over while I am alive.

Best wishes to you whatever your choice. You have already done stellar!

I use Celebrate chewable Vitamins, in the blackberry flavor.

My surgeon was emphatic about the importance of using a Vitamin formulated for bariatric patients. Other surgeons may not be as strict about the choice of Vitamin.

Flavor wise, they are very tolerable. Others mileage on this topic can vary...

Eating sliders is common when people are "eating around their band". They are foods which no not require much chewing, are not solids like our Protein is supposed to be, and do not stay in your pouch very long. Therefore the tendency is to eat more than a proper portion size. The consequence is taking in more calories than you should, and then eating more when you are hungry again too soon.

Typical slider foods vary from person to person, but ice cream, popcorn and Peanut Butter are typical sliders for me.

Many people engage in self sabotage of their own weight loss efforts, and eating around your band is a typical method we can do that.

I only use chicken eggs...and have used eggs for Breakfast nearly every day since being banded. I like scrambled with shredded chicken and scallions. But I prefer crustless quiche, and add a variety if meats, cheeses, and veggies to them, so I never get bored.

So far, this is what is working for me...

Maybe I'm being over sensitive or whatever. I havent been on the board that long, but I've been getting the feeling lately that there are "veterans" on this board (I'm using this term loosely cuz I'm certainly not talking about everybody here) are looking down your noses at those they like to fondly refer to as newbys. Like most of us, I appreciate some good pointers and advice but sort of resent the attitude I see here alot about newbys (and I hate that term) need to be told how to feel or what they are feeling and basically how to get this thing right. There are those on this board, and to name a few, Carolinagirl and Mis73, whose opinion and advice I truly respect and are not among the ones I'm referring to here. There are others that just seem to be trying to impress others with how much they know about the banding process and their ability to lose weight. Newsflash!!! You're no better at it than any of us! After all, you too needed WLS to get your weight under control. Thats why we are here, all of us. I get it! You lost your weight in record time. You did great. Yea!!! I may or may not do everything the same way as you did. Ill try different things until I find what works for me. But, give us a break already. Guess some of us are still in the learning phase. I plan to always be in the learning phase cuz I have a problem with obesity and that may not ever be totally resolved. Like I said, that's why I'm here. I just want you guys to know, that those of you who offer nonjudgemental advice and options, I appreciate it. Those of you who just want to strut your stuff and impress the rest of us "newbys" with your awesome wealth of knowledge about lapbanding..............rants over. Just sayin.

There is some validity in what you write in your post, however it is our interpretation of a message which can place the "negative spin" on a post. I do consider myself a veteran of sorts here, because I have experienced numerous events which all posters here can either relate to or have experienced. And I also understand how one can misinterpret the spirit of a message. With the written word it is easy; there is a lack of intonation and body language to interpret.

Just because someone has lost a greater number of pounds and/or posts constantly on most every topic does not give those individuals a greater status among experienced Bandsters. There are many posters who are quietly going about creating their own success stories. I have immense respect for most everyone who is successful with doing the right things for themselves and is able to share the resulting weight loss. I believe emotionally healthy individuals have no need for constant external validation of success. There are a number of forum members who become highly opinionated should anyone with a different opinion pr perspective post something to share additional insights. No one can have all of the right answers all of the time, not even physicians.

I agree that there are some very opinionated individuals on this forum, and they tend, in my experience, to become quite what I would term to be aggressive with their written words. I tend to consider the source of the comments and move on.

We owe it to ourselves to embrace learning what we individually need to from others who have "walked the walk", and just ignore what we don't perceive as useful or negative. Let the rest slide off as best you can...

Others mileage can vary...

This year will be 2 years for me. YAY! Something I have noticed in the 2 years of having my band, is that when the weather changes to extreme temps such as very cold or extreme heat, my band will tighten ALOT. Also, when I travel and there are elevation changes, there is also a very big change in tightness. Just something I have noticed. I have mentioned this to my surgeon and also a fellow lap band friend and she noticed the same thing. I usually have be more aware to avoid stuck episodes during these times.

Does anyone else notice this as well? Just curious and would love to hear from others.

I have not noticed any difference in the level of restriction of my band with the change of seasons, or changes in altitude.

My home is located at over 5,000 ft in elevation, and I am currently visiting at a beach. I feel the same level of restriction in both environments. Travel by air has also not changed my level of restriction.

What I have noticed will increase restriction is the amount of stress in my life. As stress goes up, so does my restriction.

Just another way to prove that we are all individuals, and no two Bandsters will have an identical journey!

Well I just wanted to get some feedback from people that are having a rough year. I know this might not be a good excuse for gaining weight but I've had a heck of a year when it comes to taking care of me. I did great the first year losing 85 lbs. I went to the gym regularly and was toned and looking good. Well my 5 year old granddaughter had a simple outpatient surgery that went wrong and spend 2 months in the hospital fighting for her life. Her being the light of our lives almost did me and my husband in. During this time I was gaining weight like crazy. I also didn't go to the gym anymore my days were spent watching other grandchildren so my son and his wife could be at the hospital or us at the hospital. To make a long story short my granddaughter is getting better each day and Ive tried to get back on track to lose the 22 lbs I gained. I got a fill so I now have 8 cc's in my band, which I think is a lot, but I am constantly hungry and can eat like I don't have a band. Yesterday I get the new from my sister she has breast cancer and it is not good. I will be going thru a lot to be with her during this stage of her life. My questions is HELP!! Someone please give me some advise on how I'm going to keep my weight off and take care of me during this time of my life.

I also am sorry you are having a challenging year. It seems to pour instead of rain, but the important thing to remember is that even the "caretaker" needs care. And there is no one better qualified for this is you.

In order to stay emotionally healthy during emotional challenges in life, we must care for our well being. We need some "me" time, and that is not selfish, that is survival.

We also enhance emotional well being by exercise and the endorphins that are created when we are active. Even 15 minutes a day can help. Try to get some sunshine, there are benefits from only 15 minutes a day.

Planning ahead is also an effective strategy. When I am away from home for Breakfast or lunch, and sometimes also dinner, I always have my band friendly meal with me. I even have a small cooler to keep a shake in when I know I will not have any healthy band friendly alternatives.

Believe in yourself, despite all of the challenges you are facing. It can be helpful to have the distraction of working towards your goals as you face difficult times.

I hope that you will inspire yourself to get back on track. Remember, what you have done before you have proven you can do.

Best wishes...

Vitamins and coffee is a bad idea...coffee is a known stomach irritant, and for your body to absorb the nutrients it needs from the Vitamins you take, you need real food, or at least a Protein shake.

The reason is that some of the vitamins are Water soluable, others fat soluable. Without having both some Water and fat to allow the vitamins to be absorbed when you take them, you are shorting yourself on vital nutrition.

I don't know how I would do that though if my old PCP is no longer practicing

By law, your medical professional is required to archive your medical records for 7 years from the date of your office visit, regardless if they remain in active practice or not.

The state office which oversees licensure for medical professionals should have a web site to provide an address where your former physician can be contacted. This is usually the DOH (Dept. of Health) of your state. They are there to help you.

Apparently, I've been lying to myself. I was thinking my highest weight ever was around 273 lbs until I started looking through all the apps I have on my phone and realized I had been as high as 277. OK sooooo then, a few days ago, I decided to start blogging again. I have a blog that I started about 3 yrs ago. I had decided I would start getting really serious about losing weight and I wanted a place to be able to express myself without fear of judgement. Anyway, was looking at that and reading the old entries and SURPRISE....The first weigh in that I documented was 282.6 lbs! OUCH! You'd think I'd remember that, right? Apparently I've been in denial. Just last winter I was still at 273 though so the good news is this...through this process and just with what I've learned from the dietician and with a lot of hard work and willpower, I was down to 250 when I started my pre-op diet last Friday. Yesterday when I weighed in, I was down to 244. So why bring this up? Because seeing that I've made progress on my own already gives me faith that, once I'm banded, I really CAN do this.

You have the mindset and attitude required for success...keep those thoughts and you are bound for a successful weight loss journey.

Best wishes...

Hi all! I'm new to the lap band. 3 weeks out. Was wondering if it's possible to stretch the pouch even if there's no Fluid in the band?? I've been having trouble sticking to the 1cup of food rule. I'm hungry all the time so portions have been a bit larger on occasion. Will the pouch stretch even though I haven't gotten a fill???

I am not a physician, however my surgeon has told me that over time, both eating too much and/or eating too fast can stretch your pouch.

This does not happen rapidly, but developing the good habits for your new lifestyle should be a priority now.

Until you get some restriction, much of your Portion Control will be your responsibility. It's not a good time, but keep your focus on your goals. To help manage hunger, I drink fluids and stay occupied with projects or exercise.

Best wishes for a successful journey...

I will but it will be Monday before I can do anything.

Your surgeon's office should have a physician on call for all of the time the office is closed. I was advised to call the office and the answering service would page the doctor. I have done this only once in the 20 months since having my surgery. But the doctor gave me instructions on what I needed to do.

Your wellbeing should not wait until the office reopens on Monday. j/s

I hope you feel better fast...

Undeniably a vast number of lap band patients who either did not understand the band "rules" or made the choice to ignore them have contributed to their band related complications. There are many bariatric surgeons who do not provide adequate aftercare.

This surgery requires the patient to accept a significant level of accountability for the weight loss success or lack of weight loss.

There are band patients who experience band related complications who have had excellent pre op education and post op aftercare, and abide but he rules.

We are all individuals, and no two patients will have identical experiences. Sometimes complications just happen, and the surgeon cannot explain the etiology of what has happened.

Others mileage on this topic can vary...

So here i am almost 2 weeks since i got a fill and other than when i was at the top of a mountain i have had No restriction what so ever.. I can still eat what i want and how much i want. i've kept my choice as healthy as possible but i have not lost any weight with this fill in fact i put 2lbs on.. having experience the restriction once i now know i am not where i need to be.. i'm so ready put this tool to work. right now it's just such a struggle and hard to keep positive at the same time

The time to elapse between fills does vary by physician, so look into your surgeon's policy regarding this.

My surgeon will refuse to do any fills unless a minimum of 6 weeks has elapsed from the prior fill.

That policy taught me how to manage my hunger without needing to rely entirely on fills to lose weight.

You took the correct action to get in contact your surgeon.

To my knowledge there is only 1 physician who posts on this forum. And no diagnosis should ever be made without an exam and medical assessment by a qualified physician, which is what you physician indicated they want to do.

I hope that you feel better fast...

MY BAND SLIPPED AS WELL I WAS BANDED IN 2007, NOW SHE WANTS TO REMOVE AND DO THE SLEEVE, ANY THOUGHTS ON THAT?

I have been having symptoms which are common with a slipped band, but my band is still in the proper position. The surgeon does not understand why this is happening, and neither does his colleague in another state. If my symptoms cannot get under control, I may have to have my band removed. Definitely not something I want to do.

My surgeon has told me that repositioning a slipped band surgically has a low rate of efficacy, and he prefers to revise to the sleeve if a patient's band has slipped. He also does not believe that placing another band is a good option once you have had one band slip.

Not everyone is a good candidate for the sleeve. I have already been advised that I am not, due to a long history of reflux prior to banding. This is something you should think long on, and make certain you are a good candidate for the sleeve.

Best wishes for a positive outcome with your situation...

Are you getting enough fluids to keep yourself properly hydrated?

When newly banded, I did not realize that nausea can be a symptom of dehydration.

You should not ignore feeling this way. Start sipping Water to see if that helps, but in the meantime your surgeon should be contacted to be informed of how you are feeling.

When I was about 4 weeks post op and attended my scheduled appointment with my surgeon, and complained about nausea, he sent me directly to the ER to get IV hydration. I'm not saying this is your problem, but my experiences.

I hope you feel better fast...

This trend has been going on for the last 3-4 years, it's not new. MANY surgeons are moving away from the band, NOT because the band is a bad procedure, but because they just do NOT like the AFTERCARE that the band REQUIRES. Surgeons are 'cutters' and lap band aftercare has become a "hassle" for many US lap band surgeons.

It's just that simple. Many have been pushing the Sleeve for the last few years, even if the patient REALLY wants the band.

Part of it is IGNORANCE from the patient, of not knowing how to live with their bands, and surgeons got tired of lap band 'complications, many patients keep their bands too tight, never follow up and only return to their surgeons when their bands has slipped, so many surgeons were removing more bands than what they were putting in.

You have newbies here IGNORE how the band works, they really don't care, all they want is the "tightest fill possible" so this TREND WILL CONTINUE...UNTIL more and more surgeons get sick and tired of removing bands.

Part of it is surgeons NOT educating patients on how the BAND REALLY works, and being honest UPFRONT with patient on what it takes to be successful and complication free.

Also, with the Sleeve and Bypass once the surgery is DONE, they really don't have to see the patient AGAIN...FOREVER...most patients with the Bypass and Sleeve probably only need to see their surgeon for a few times after surgery and that's it.

It does NOT mean Sleeve and Bypass patients don't have complications, because they have MANY..the thing is Sleeve and Bypass patients gets dumped off to their PCP's. internist, hematologists, and other specialists to 'deal' with their long term complications, Vitamin deficiencies, and other aliments.

But with the lap band ONLY lap band surgeons can deal with reflux and other lap band long term problems, with filling/unfilling the band, and reading Upper Gi's , endocospies...etc, or removing the band.

Also you CANNOT convince MANY lap band patients that a "tighter" band is not better, so unfortunately after a few years, MANY have to get their bands removed...

Also MANY do not care if their bands are too tight, they just deal with it until their bands eventually slips...and I guess many surgeons are getting tired of removing bands.

I think what will eventually happen is that ALL compliant people and those who keep moderate fills will be the only people to remain with bands, and ALL others will eventually get them removed...I guess you can think of it as a "weeding out process".

The lap band will ALWAYS be available on the market, (probably in large urban areas, and decline in small rural areas) for those who can afford good aftercare and followups, but the trend of surgeons performing bands will continue to decline -- sadly due to bad surgeons and bad patients.

Many, many broad generalizations referenced in your post.

The reasons for the possible diminished availability of the band are many...

Would like to know the research studies which provided the details you write about in your post. J/s...because what you have written is not even close to my experience.

It seems that some of the drs in my area are turning their backs on the lap band and going for the sleeve and the bypass. Now they are passing their lap band patients off to other drs. The whole thing is discouraging. It has me wondering if there will be an experienced lap band surgeon available to help me if I have problems years down the road. Have any of you noticed this trend or is it local to me?

Yes, it does seem to be the trend among both surgeons who specialize in Bariatric surgery, and general surgeons who perform bariatric procedures as part of their practice.

After moving to another state and encountering significant issues which needed to be addressed, my surgeon in Florida referred me to a former residency class mate who practices much closer to my current summer residence.

He told me he no longer would place a band in any patient, and gave me a choice. Either he could totally empty my band, or offered to remove it.

I was both surprised and shocked by what he said. My surgeon who placed my band told me that they still offer the band but the rate of complications and need for ongoing aftercare were the reasons he was steering patients in a different direction than the band.