Nicole Bass-Gibbons

Good Morning Everyone, My story: I was banded in June of 2008, lost about 17 lbs, which turned my health around for the better, but have gained all of it back. Long story, but in summary, I had an allergy to mangoes, had to have my band opened, then my doctor wouldn't see me or release my records due to a balance owed. 16 months later, I filed a complaint with the medical board and received a copy of my records 2 weeks later. If you are being held hostage by your doctor, that is the only recourse short of hiring a lawyer and since I couldn't pay my balance, paying for a lawyer was out of the question obviously. I also wrote to LabBand Corp, but received no response. Anyway... I'm meeting my new bariatric doc on Tuesday, and I'm really excited and ready to start living a healthier life. When I called, they asked if I was considering a revision to the gastric sleeve. In fairness to the band, I'm going to give myself 6 months to make substantial progress before I consider doing something that is irreversible. I lost my workbook that covered the pre-op/post-op diet, so am hoping they will give me some info when I come in that I can read over and follow. I need to act as if I just had surgery so I can mentally go through the process of starting over. My health issues right now? Pre-diabetic, hypertensive, fibromyalgia, and now mechanical problems from the waist down... primarily right hip- torn labrum and bone spur, but losing weight would only improve the situation. I look forward to getting to know some of you, so I can develop a "community" of others doing what I do. This was lengthy, thanks for still reading, if you are. Nicole

Wow! Lots of people joining me in my renewed effort. Thanks for all of the awesome input. I got my fill today!! YAY!! I went from empty to 4 cc's in a 13 cc band. My sweet spot during my last attempt was right around 5.5, so I am very thankful that my doc was willing to do such an aggressive fill since he was working under flouro. On an unhappy note, I got a migraine shortly after getting my fill so the only thing I've been able to tolerate this evening is a little bit of tea. It finally lifted a bit ago (6 hours later)... can't stomach a Protein shake at this time of night, so am going to try 2oz of watered down applesauce. I copied the food journal that was in the book they gave me and will fax those to my dietitian a couple of times a week. I've NEVER had that type of support in the 3 years that I've been banded. Let's do this!! WOOT!!

Wow, congrats! Keep up the fantastic work. You give me hope that I might be able to do the same.

Thanks everyone! I visited my new bariatric doctor on Tuesday and am scheduled for a fill next Tuesday! YAY!! I found out that the doc that did my band placement is no longer in the lap band business, which is good because he was a general surgeon that got into the lap band business for one reason $$..... Going to the Bariatric clinic was night and day from what I've experienced at the other office. I met with an RN, my new doc, a dietitian, and an insurance person. Everyone was very supportive and I have access to the dietitian any time I need her. My only concern right now is that things are very tight financially for me right now, so I hope I can put together some budget & band friendly meals. I'll be reading posts, hoping to learn how to use this tool to reach my goals. Thanks everyone! Nicole