rachele

OK, just what is a Jello Protein Shot, Melanne?

Give it some time. And eat! When I first got out from my band, I lost like 28 pounds in 4 weeks. When I started eatting solid foods again, I gained back 14 of those. But I knew that ANY WEIGHT LOSS BEFORE FILLS CAN BE CONSIDERED A BONUS. Patience and time, sweetie! Don't be so hard on yourself. And yes, go get yourself your favorite flavor ice cream, or mix a Protein shake with some ice in a blender. You probably could greatly benefit from the protein.

I absolutely agree with you, Telly. They should have respected her choice, just like they would expect that their own choice would be respected. Lord knows we were all nervous and scared enough before our surgerys (or is it surgeries?), it was just down right rude to try to "talk her out of it". Yet, on the other side, I had many, many bandsters try to talk me out of my DS. And just how many times was I accused of non-compliance? I don't know, but mine came out because scar tissue had blocked the tubing rending the band useless. I lost over a hundred pounds with the help of the band WHEN IT WAS WORKING PROPERLY, so the non compliance story is BUNK. I started regaining when I couldn't eat normal foods because we couldn't get any fill in or out (not to mention a pregnancy where I ate like a friggin cow) But it isn't a perfect world, and may I say again, I HATE OH? Sometimes you have to take "one for the team" when it comes to this kind of situation. You are almost obligated to speak up because you don't want someone with a bypass who has no idea what the band is about preaching their "truths" about the band to a pre or baby-bandster. You have to be sure they are getting the real story, good and bad. Some people don't know how to do much research, and they take what they read on the boards, or ONE post, as law. And yes, some people are just not cut out for the band, but we really don't have the right to pass that judgement, even if we feel so in our hearts. You just don't know what one will do with the band until they are there. Just because the band didn't work out for me doesn't mean I slam it everytime I get a chance. There has been times I wouldn't recommend it to certain people, but I won't discourage anyone from their choice in surgery. I would suspect from what you wrote here that those people were bitter and angry and probably a whole lotta disappointed. I know I was, for a while, and I wasn't even self pay. They still should have been aware that there was pre/baby bandsters there. They could have taken it private to vent their frustration.

Well, it wasn't me! :paranoid I hate OH. It goes the other way, too. It seems like no matter what surgery they had, they always think they have the best one. Trust me. I'm on number , I've seen Band Vs. Bypass and now RNY vs. DS, too. Like someone here said (I wish I could find who said this): Ride your own ride....

I just got home from working 3rd shift, but I promise I will come back and answer. Didn't want you to think we are ignoring you. I'm sure Sue will be along shortly, and I'm not sure who the 3rd person here is.

The time it takes to lose the weight has nothing to do with needing plastic surgery/skin issues. That has to do with your heridity, amount of time obese, skin type, and age. It's kind of like saying if you let the air out of a over inflated balloon slowly it will not be as stretched out as if you let it out quickly.

Thanks for the compliment. Scar tissue blocked my tubing, so I could get no fill in or out once it got to that point. I opted to go with the Duodenal Switch Bypass when they removed the band. I had that done 11/17/05 and so far have lost almost 75 pounds. I am so happy, because believe me, it is devastating beyond all imagination when you lose that much weight, have a touch of a "normal" life and then gain it back. It's much worse than never losing at all, I think. Well wishes to you..

Unfortunately it is possible. I am proof. It can happen when even though you can't eat large amounts or certain foods, you can eat continuously throughout the day and the food you eat is dictated by what you can eat without PBing, which is usually crappy foods. I gained alot back when I was pregnant and had no fill. BUT, weight regain is possible no matter what surgery you choose.

You got some good advice here and some unsolicited advice, too. People mean well, though. You know what? You're right. The band is not for everybody. I had my band removed and was converted to a Duodenal Switch Bypass. I have lost 73 pounds in 5 months and I feel completely normal. A small percentage of bypassers do regain some of the weight, moreso with the RNY proceedure than the DS, but I bet it's no more than Lapbanders that regain, too. Bypass has a very high success rate, no matter what you hear here. That is to be expected since it is, after all, a lapband board. After looking at some of these fine folks suggestions, because one of them may very well be the fix for you, you should realize that every persons journey is individual. 50 pounds with the band in a year is what the docs expect, you know, 2 pounds a week right? BUT, if you are not happy with your daily life, and are having unexpected effects, so forth, than the bypass may be a viable option for you. It was for me and it was (beside having my daughter) one of the best things I ever did in my life. Please feel free to contact me in the future should you decide to pursue a different option. I wish you the best.

I've had both. I was revised to DS bypass after my Band was in for 3 years. Don't regret your choice. You are losing, and you are doing well. You went the way that was best for you, or you wouldn't have chose that surgery. Patience. Thats what it takes. You'll get there, too, it's just alot tougher with the band. I lost well over 100 pounds with my band before scar tissue ruined it. I hated my band. It wasn't the right surgery for me, and if something medically hadn't happened, I would have ate right around that band because I never felt satisfied. Filled up to my throat, yes, but my stomach would still growl. I never, at any fill level, got to the point to where I could comfortably eat good for you foods like chicken without slathering them in sauce or dressing which defeats the purpose! BUT THIS IS ME, AND EACH JOURNEY IS INDIVIDUAL. NOTICE I DID NOT SLAM THE BAND, I STATED WHAT MY INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCE WAS, so don't knock me for that. I know myself. I have no control, and to me, like a very wise person once stated, the band is like a diet with a choke chain. I don't do well with diets. I've tried for years to beat my head demons and never did, and they do surgery on your stomach, not your head. If I could have defeated them, I wouldn't have needed surgery not once but twice. :grouphug: I am an addict, and if a bypass is what it takes to beat it, so be it. I am very happy with my DS bypass. It is perfect for me and I love it. Remember bypass patients exchange one disease for another. We exchange Morbid Obesity for Malnutrition. Thats why we have to supplement Vitamins and minerals (which all women should be doing anyhow, at least Calcium) but that was a barter I was gladly willing to take in a heartbeat. So, as someone here once said "Ride your own ride", don't second guess yourself. Your band seems to be working for you, in a nice paced way. It is healthier to lose it slower. I don't believe it has anything to do with the way your skin looks afterwords, not for a minute, but it IS healthier. You've never, ever heard a doctor say to lose more than 2 pounds a week. You know the old saying "The grass is always greener..." Don't be so hard on yourself!

Many docs don't feel this way. If you're open to the suggestion, you could see another surgeon? Nutri-System is pretty good, but expensive. I lost on it before but couldn't keep it off. Tastes good,too. Good luck. You're in a tough spot.

I had problems with scar tissue completely blocking off the tubing to my band after I was 3 years and 3 mo out. (I know you are NOT going to like to hear this) I was given the choice of having the scar tissue scraped out and running a good chance that it would occur again. I wasn't willing to risk that because after losing over 100 pounds and starting to regain quickly because the scar tissue rendered the band completely useless. The more I gained, the tighter the band got of course, which led me to soft food syndrome to add weight to my already out of control pregnancy weight. I opted to have my band removed and had the Duodenal Switch performed on 11/17/05. I have lost 65 pounds since then, and I eat much more than I ever did and a lot wider variety of foods. I eat normally, like a average person (probably less, though!) Difference is, I had insurance that would pay for it. I'm sorry you are going through this. It feels so devastating. Wishing you well...

I had scar tissue issues that rendered the band useless because we couldn't get any fill in or out. I opted for the Duodenal Switch since there was a high possibility scar tissue would choke the port off again eventually, and I had gained back a bunch of weight due to SFS (Soft food syndrome) and eating like a cow during my pregnancy.

I know you're right! I wanna take her noooowww!!!

You look great! I want to go back to Disney world! We have family (alot) all over Florida and have been a million times, but this would be the first time with my baby daughter. She's only just turned one, so we will be waiting a few years before we take her.

Dang, I lost my whole post! My doctor is also Doc Schweitzer. I love him. He's been my doc since 2001, done my band and my DS. He is so skilled and exceptional I would insist that my loved ones ONLY see him if they were getting something done. He is the Professor of Minimally invasive surgery at Hopkins (which is top of the line as it is) which means almost all of his surgerys are performed laproscopically. He was involved in the FDA trials for the band and helped improve the stitching method. He also teaches other doctors to perform the band, RNY and DS. Last time I was in the hospital he had so many interns, I felt like a movie star! He is truly a blessing to soooo many people. About the fills, mine are covered by insurance so I'm not sure about the cost. Lately if needed I have been emailing Pat, Docs assistant, instead of him because he is so busy and sometimes my questions just don't seem important enough to bother him, (even though he says this is never the case) but, if your question is general and can be answered by her (if she is not sure she will CC doc and he will answer it) you can reach Pat at pjordan4@jhmi.edu tell her Rachele on the net sent you!

Thank goodness SOMEONE put a disclaimer on you...

Speaking of Childishness and pettiness, I guess you can't call you talking about the Doctors behind their back childish or petty? Even if you were a nurse for 38 years, if you pass misinformation along it should be corrected. And I guess you aren't purposefully attacking Sue now are you? Please, get over it. A woman your age acting like a child. And before you go complaining about everyone attacking you, take a look in the mirror.

Because they are human, and addiction is a terrible thing to fight alone. About talking to them about their decisions, have you seen http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?p=189660#poststop It talks about bypassers trying to talk a bandster out of banding. I guess it would go the same way the other way, with bandsters trying to talk bypassers out of their surgery, too. Kind of like telling someone you are having lunch with " I wouldn't have that roast beef if I were you. You won't like it, it won't sit well, and my brothers wife knew someone who ate it and died". Kinda silly, huh? I wish your sister wild success.

Dody, Making a blanket statement like "bypass fails in about 3 years" is generalizing. By generalizing you have included every bypass patient. I didn't chew you out, I called you on it, because you do this way too often. And you said you know nothing about my surgery but myself and another have explained it to you several times, you even stated you were considering it when you were not so sure about the band. " For a few on here the lap band hasn't worked" -if you are implying me, my band worked fine and I lost over 100 pounds, I had a medical issue that rendered the band useless. As a DS'er, I don't even have a pouch to stretch out. And from what I have seen, You can't get a bypass because of your heart bypass, at least that's what you said. Dody said "There are probably some successes out there, but I haven't seen any yet." Oh, my God. I can't even believe you said this. Have you gotten out lately?

:clap2: Yeah! This seems to be the bandster way. You know how they say "The band is the thinking persons surgery"? It's true. The band is obviously the best (for your body) and safest way to go. When problems arise like they have for us, what's a thinking person to do? Compare/contemplate and before long it becomes clear that the DS has clear advantages (for some) over the RNY. The DS seems to be the next step... Congrats! I hope you get a date soon, let us know!

You should be proud! You should be screaming it from the top of your lungs, lady! Great job!

Good luck, Tracey. It sucks that your band eroded. I hope things work out well for you.

VQueen, I have been following your medical situation, and am interested to see how it turns out. It totally sucks. You are a real inspiration here. You are honest, intelligent and open minded. Plus you seem like a pretty cool chick. Yes, there are times when I get frustrated. (and I have been contemplating walking away because I do feel like I'm beating my head against the wall sometimes) I'm not sure what my role here is. I try not to be an antagonizer (is that spelled right?) but I think its important to contribute what MY experience was. And to educate where needed. Sometimes you have to take one on the chin, I guess, for the sake of the team. Photonut, you do have a way with words. Although I do agree with much of what you have said, I think you should take some of your own advice. You said "Get Real, folks." I think the folks here are real. They are real human beings with weaknesses, insecurities and real life issues. If we were all perfect we wouldn't be here. Photonut said "To me, it almost seems like the same old thing that we've all seen over the years, people flock to the newest thing coming down the pike. Now, I know that the RnY is NOT the Newest thing but it's becoming the Next thing to try. For years I've seen people running from this fad to the next, each one promising to have the answers to success. Each one claiming to have broken the secret code for weight loss. And really, each one is just a new way of making someone else rich and leaving us disappointed, yet again." Ok, bypass would be the next thing to try logically, at least for some. Thats why people touted the band as the "next best thing". It can be removed, it's the least invasive. That if "the next best thing" comes along you haven't permenantly altered yourself. Right? Go this route first because if it works, fan-f'in-tastic. If it doesn't then regroup. I don't believe for one minute that the band is a fad, or that any wls is. But when I got the band, I thought I had found the thing that broke the "secret code for weight loss". Whoops. Didn't work that way for me. Photonut said "If we eat crap, we will look and feel like crap. If we eat healthily, we will be healthy. If we eat too much, we will weigh too much. It's really just plain ole common sense." I think this statement is a bit patronizing. You are talking to, for the most part, intelligent adults. They know if they eat crap, we will look and feel like crap. This kind of statement is kind of along the lines of "why don't you put the donut down and push away from the table". If it were that easy, none of us would have needed surgery. Not even you. Photonut said "If you can't get control of yourself enough to succeed with the band, then chances are you won't have long term success with any other weight loss surgery. Eventually, we all have to come to terms with the fact that it boils down to responsibility for our own actions and choices." Ok, this just isn't right. The band is NOT one size fits all. To imply that if they fail with the band, it is their fault, and they will never succeed with any surgery is too generalizing of a statement. Each person is individual and their needs are individual. Each surgery works the body a little bit differently. People should know that it's not the end of the world if the band doesn't work out, and yes, there are other options. The first year for me with the band was like a honeymoon. I couldn't believe anyone could have trouble losing or maintaining with it. It was year 2, then year 3 when troubles started rising. The longer you have it the more experiences you will have with it, and eventually you'll see it's not that easy. Throw some medical issues in with it like Vinesqueen, me or Sue and Ta Da! For my part I was one unhappy bandster. My band was rendered utterly useless and that was from no fault of it or my own. Things happen. Life gets in the way. Then yes, it was time to go on to the "next best thing." You are a smart woman, but you tend to lecture. You are not an expert at weight loss, even though you play one on LBT. If you were, you wouldn't have a band. You seem to be a fan of tough love, so I hope you can accept it, too.

Hi Mary. Thank you! I actually had the Duodenal Switch, which is a wee bit different than the RNY, but it is still a bypass. I believe it is different as far as the BMI goes. Most of the time it is 100 lbs, but if you are shorter, you can be obese and only have 60-70 lbs to lose. My insurance requirement was at least 30. My band didn't actually fail. I had scar tissue block the tubing which rendered it useless because we couldn't fill or unfill. We could have scraped it out but there was a high possibility it would happen again, so I opted for the DS. If you would like to see a chart with the differences between RNY and DS, let me know and I'll search down the link. Anatomy is different and there is no dumping with the DS. (which could be considered good or bad depending on the individual) I don't have a "pouch" but a long banana shaped tummy. Thank you for being open minded. I was terrified to do it, but I didn't want to ever go back "there" again. My doctor was very skilled (a professor at John Hopkins in Baltimore) and he did my band and my DS. I am happy.