hoover123

Your story brought tears to my eyes. I am picturing two wonderful friends sharing their excitement about their next journey together and how their lives about to change forever together. Both being scared, nervous and so happy for one another. Because you are right, if you have no friends or family that are in your shoes they have no clue the heartache obesity causes each and everyday. Yet you had someone to share that with and it was taken away from you. Although you are grieving maybe picture your friend with her angel wings pushing you along each day and she is watching you over you every minute. I believe this is what she would want for you. I am so sorry for your loss...you have chosen a great nurturing website that will help get you through this. You can be angry, sad and be completely honest on the site. Although we may not know someone who has passed from WLS, we do walk in your shoes everyday as for the physical and emotional pain obesity brings us. Please take care of yourself as this is what your friend would want...only the best for you. May God bless you in these days ahead and you can always do a shout out here....on behalf of LapBandtalk, prayers and hugs to you.. Please forgive me for asking, but may i ask what went wrong? I don't mean to be rude, but i am thinking many are wondering what happened since this is the first time i have heard of one passing of WLS...Again, i am so sorry, i just cannot imagine what your going through. I am worried about your recovery and keeping up with your nutrients....Be careful and keep an open communication with your doctor..they should know about this as like many have mentioned, you need to keep your strength up, be well.....

So sorry to hear about your struggles. I can completely understand your emotional and physical pain. I myself went through many issues with my band which ended up getting removed and I had the gastric sleeve done on May 1 this year. My issue was my doctor not listening to me and I know my body and knew something was wrong. I was gaining and having much pain in my port area. Too much pain. My fills were not working and I always had to go under fluoroscopy just to find the port for a fill....not cheap. I knew going into this things can happen but when your doctor is not listening to you its hard. I ended up switching doctors within the same clinic and let me tell you, what a difference. He listened to every word I said and looked me straight in the eyes when I talked and when he talked. I also struggled for two years and gained all my weight back and some. So again, I understand your frustration. What bothers me is when we gain or complain about an issue, I found my doctor would automatically blame it on me. Never looking into the band. WEll, after being very persistent and demanding (raising my voice) yep, there was a leak and basically my body was rejecting the band. Took seven months to convince him to check. IN the end it was not my fault. I also had my port replaced once because it twisted...no ones fault though. Not sure what kind of communication you have with your doctor but please be persistent and don't give up. I have to ask...how are your eating habits, getting your liquids in and exercise in... I know, sort of obvious questions but some patients do get off track when they get frustrated. I know of many patients that are getting their bands out and getting the sleeve done. I am so thankful I had that choice. My insurance paid for it and so I count my blessings everyday. Are they giving you meds for the acid reflux? And yes, glad they are doing a scope and hopefully they can find whats going on. Slippage, is it reflux or maybe something else. So this should tell the doctors something. And please, don't take my story the wrong way. I am a big believer in the band when its all working properly, I just chose the sleeve because at one point the band did work for me but my body didn't like it. So that was my next choice....I hear a lot of success stories with the band. But I can honestly say I don't miss the painful fills. I wish you well and hope you get some answers. Keep us updated....

Ok...I know how to use a computer and down load things. Why can't I down load my pics on before and after site...I browse, click on picture and can't seem to grab it and get it to stick on the before and after...probably so easy too. Thanks for your help!!!

Good Morning to All! I like to stop in on this website time to time because i continue to learn something new every time. Last night i learned something new about myself with my sleeve. I believe i experienced a little of dumping syndrome. I had the sleeve May 1 and doing very well. I decided to try some ice cream due to a strong craving for something sweet in the moment. In time i found myself sweating, stomach was horribly bloated and i got a bit sick....no more sugar for me. I cannot imagine was someone goes through with that other surgery when there is severe dumping syndrome. It finally bypassed, but lesson learned the hard way..I am not mad at myself, i learned something and will go with it. I woke up today and could not believe how fast time has gone since my surgery. i had my band removed after 3 yrs with it and replaced with the sleeve. I love my sleeve!! It works so well for me, no more painful fills, no more "moody" band. It worked for me until the port flipped and then some reason after that everything went down hill but my weight. It leaked and i had a very painful port site. Think my body just didn't like it. I love the control and lack of appetite. Changing surgeons was a big thing too. Has anyone gotten dumping syndrome with their sleeve? I just felt like chatting today. Put a pair of pants on yesterday and they were loose!!! What a wonderful feeling that was. I am down 40 plus pounds in 2 months or so...and i am doing it healthy. I think how May 1 st i went in for this surgery and my recovery was a bit hard, got through it and here i am 2 months later to chat about it. So for those out there that are scared and nervous, very normal, you will be in my shoes one day and be so thankful!!! My recovery was painful, i will not lie, that was due to being under medicated...resident didn't follow protocol and i payed the price. Plus having the band out too. I here some people don't even need pain meds. So we are all different. I wish all those out there that are getting or have had the surgery well. I love to support people and hear their stories. Please share with me...it keeps me motivated. HAVE A GREAT DAY TO ALL!! Each day is one more to your goals!! I have been so blessed. If i won the lottery i would set up a fund for those that could not afford it. Every one should have the privilege of this surgery...no one should be turned away...

Oh man I feel for you. I know I had pain with my lap band removal and had sleeve at same time. I thought that was painful. I can't imagine what you are going through. As I laid in pain I heard the same words, each day will get better. Are you getting good pain control? Maybe you need to call the doc and up your meds or something. We all tend to feel like we need to be a hero....don't feel like a burden, you are worth what you are doing to better yourself. I know what you mean with wanting to cough. I had gotten the wrong dose of pain meds after my surgery due to a resident that didn't know how to manage pain for a bariatric patient and couldn't even cough. I was scared too due to the pain. Yet they want you to walk and move...which I understand how important that is. I know in time I will need a tummy tuck. I still have 50 pounds to go, but its coming off steady. Anyways, I wish you continued quick healing and in no time you will start feeling better and the feel the rewards of your new chapter in life. Please keep us updated on how you are. Take care and let your friends or family take care of you..ITS OK TO ASK FOR HELP...And keep a journal, I feel the more I write it kept my mind busy and somewhat off the pain. Just a thought...

What an exciting day for you! Your journey has started and will lead you onto many open doors. My best advice I can give you is stay hydrated (especially in these hot summer months), walk a lot to get rid of the surgery gas if you have any, take your pain meds if need too to keep moving, listen to the nurses (I think they know best) and far most, listen to your body and instincts. I am sure all will go well but if something doesn't seem right, speak up right away. It will take time to get use to your band. Some things you will learn easily and some maybe the hard way. Like when I thought it would be ok to eat something I shouldn't have. Oh....I knew better and got sick...learned real fast not to test my band anymore..we are all different, recover different, lose weight different and our emotions are different afterwards. I know mine kicked my butt in gear and I was flying high with my new tool. Work with it and you will do just fine. Keep a good communication open with your doc, seems to be a big thing. I hear a lot of issues with some docs not listening and patients getting frustrated. So right from the start, keep that door open too. So after all that, I wish you well and welcome to the bandsters club!!! (recent bandster, sleever now) The band can work as long as you work with it. I just had some unfortunate problems...I am so excited for you. I remember that feeling. I really didn't even need relaxing meds before surgery, took it anyways, why not. Can't wait to hear all about it. We are here to support you all the way!! Through the good and issues that may arise!! Take Care.

So pleased its working for you. I know mine was successful for over 2 yrs. until complications set in. I would be at my goal weight right now if my doctor would have listened to me and found the leak 7 months earlier on, and I was assertive and persistence. But I think for those that may be struggling with the band or any bariatric surgery come on here for support and maybe hear other people's experience. Since yours is working so well, maybe you could share with her your success story and how its working for you, maybe that would help her and give her some ideas. It does sound like another doctor that won't listen now that he has his money, but she needs to hear now why its working well for you. I just believe in support and she is going through a tough time. Again, we all have a connection of had walking in each others shoes. I do wish you continued success and please let others know why yours is working well. They want to hear that and maybe it will help them. Or it is your right not too...SUPPORT, SUPPORT AND SUPPORT...That is what this site is all about....

Hi...i was just going through some chats and i came across yours...do you mind me asking what is a belt lipectomy and some other surgeries you had. Are they due to a your weight loss? I had started over May 1 with my sleeve after a long battle of 3 yrs with band. Had the band out and opted for the sleeve. I know for sure once i hit my goal i will need my tummy done. I have had 3 c sections so my tummy is really stretched and with weight gain...i am just curious about the surgeries and what they endure..thank you....

Oh how badly i want to respond to this post. I myself went through lap band hell. I went through lap band hell because my doctor wouldn't listen to me. You are right, he was making lots of money off me each month. I am a 46 yr old woman and i know my body. My band was good for me for about two yrs. and then after a fixed flipped port, everything went downhill but my weight (which i am accountable for) i would lose restriction after 2 or 3 days of a good fill and i had horrible port site pain. So after 7 months of arguing with him i had it. Sure enough, he finally paid attention to how many cc's were in there. One time i asked him what is in there, and he didn't know. i was so pissed i slammed the door. So he found a leak and my port was being rejected. I switched doctors within the clinic and have been so blessed. I chose to have the band out and switched to the sleeve. My insurance covered it because the band was being rejected and i couldn't have it. So far i am 45 pounds down 10 weeks post up and a very good surgeon that listens to me. It sounds like you are trying and doing what you should be doing. I have nothing against lap bands, but why does it seem like if someone has a band thats working they think its you that is doing something wrong. I don't think you are slamming your band, you have every right to slam your incompetent doctor. If you have a chance and decide to change surgeries, the sleeve is so easy. The recovery was a bit hard due to two surgeries at once (band out, and sleeve) but i am good now. I am so sorry you are gong through this. I wish people that had successful lap bands would be more supportive of those that are struggling. If your insurance is paying for it , maybe they can tell them your body is rejecting it and you may want to consider the sleeve. And i never found my sweet spot either after two years. So i feel for you and support you. We have all walked in each others foot steps, so lets make suggestions for those that need it, not tell them how successful you have been with your band. She is hurting enough and feeling sad, she doesn't need more ridicule~~~ You should change doctors if you can., one that listens to you. Yes, my fills were over 200.00 too every month. All it did was build a big medical bill. After i had the sleeve i had 3 post op visits and cancelled the rest. I feel good and am doing fine. I wish you well and please send me a personal message if you want to talk. i am here for each and everyone of you. AS I HAVE WALKED IN ALL YOUR SHOES!!!!!! Lets make sure we are supporting all our members on here. I have heard some harsh things on this site and it makes me sad. Just because one thing works for, it doesn't mean it works for another, even if they are doing everything right. Again, I am here to support all of you. This is a terrible disease that had debilitated many of us...my heart goes to those that are struggling. BUT I BELIEVE IN EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!

Not a doctor but sounds like gas pains...walking and time will help if gas from the surgery. Maybe you know they fill your belly up with lots of gas to get to your organs. It took at least a week for mine to go away. Call your nurse or doc if it continues. No question is ever to dumb!! Maybe they can give you some suggestions. I remember the gas pain from my sleeve surgery and i was hurting so bad i thought what did i do to myself!!! It shall pass, but i know its hard to deal with..hang in there, go for several short walks through out the day. Again, time will take care of it too. I wish you well in your new journey!!!! Keep hydrated too...

Hello! I just came across you post and I can relate. I had my band in Jan. 2010 and in July 2012 had the port fixed due to it flipping. After that surgery everything went down hill but my weight. After 7 months of failed fills, trying to convince my doctor and a very painful port site that never healed right (I think scar tissue was the problem and he put it where my belt line lies) there is something wrong and almost all my weight gained back, I finally switched surgeons whom I just love and had the sleeve. I love the sleeve. It keeps me from eating to much, after a couple of bites of something, I am so done. I get my liquids in easily and walk each day. No gyms for me. Nothing wrong with gyms, but to expensive for me and I love to walk. The sleeve is saving my life. I had it done May 1 and down 40 pounds already. That's just by living normal day by day. No diet to follow, I just changed my eating habits and live by them everyday. I see a fast food commercial on TV and I feel like getting sick. So if I read correctly, you would have it done by now. Please share how it went and how you are doing. This site motivates me and allows me to be honest and open. We have all walked in each others shoes in one way or another. I wish you well and much success on your new journey. Renee from WI....

Hi, I am looking for shorts and capris in the size of 18W. I have so many 16's and won't get into them till end of our summer. We are in a hardship and sure could use some support. I would be glad to pay shipping. Jeans are fine, plaid, of just fun stuff. Or 1x size shirts. I just want to look pretty too. Anyone out there can help me? I live in Kenosha County, WI..little township of Silver Lake, WI. Just can't afford to buy clothes. All rummage sales around here are full of average size clothes. If there is a plus size rummage sale, its like personas around here. Again, I would pay the shipping. We have to help each other out. I know when I am done with my bigger clothes I will send them down the line for someone. I believe in giving. Thanks to every can help me. Renee

Never did I ever think when I got banded in 2010 I would be getting my band out and revising to the sleeve...Everything went so well. For 2 1/2 years everything was wonderful. I did my homework, I did what was expected of me and dropped about 70 pounds.. Talk about a new me. I still had like 50 pounds to go but I was on a roll and wasn't going to stop. I was on top of the world. Went back to school and found that confident person I once was before becoming obese. Unfortunetally after an unsuccessful fill due to the port twisting, everything went to crap. I had my port fixed and never found my green zone again. I am a 46 year old woman that knows her body and when something is wrong, something is wrong....after numerous attempts ( seven long months of trying to convince my doc something was wrong, like weight gain, starving all the time and horrible pain after my fills) he finally listened and sure enough I had a leak and my port lies right where my pant belt lies. Why would you put a port there in the first place? So not only did I go through physical and emotional pain. I went through a lot of financial pain. All those fills that never worked and the horrible pain I faced. I just never understood why a doctor would let a patient continue to feel this way...and yes, I have gained all my weight back and more. Talk about ashamed and feeling like a failure for the millionth time....The good news is..I fired my doctor and hired a new one (same practice, awkward, but its my body!. He is awesome, kind, very sensitive to your needs, caring and listens to you, Not like the doctors that ask you the question that you just answered to him. One time I had the doctor ask me the same question three times that I had answered. Talk about wanting to get up and walk out...So I have been blessed for a second chance per insurance. They are paying for the band removal and the sleeve. I am scared right now, but I have faith in my doctor and staff. My life will be for the better and I have much support. I have three young boys and wonderful husband supporting me and believing in me. I am not bashing the band, I am bashing the doctor that would not listen to me. He should have never let it get this bad. If I won the lottery, I would help set up a foundation for those that could not afford this surgery. It is life changing and I would want everyone to have that opportunity....obesity is just an awful disease to live with..So my new journey begins MAY 1 and I am so blessed. I think about a year from now how much healthier I will be. Plus I will finish up my schooling and be ready to conquer the world. Best wishes to everyone for whatever choice of surgery you chose...I commend all of you for taking that step. Surely a life long journey.

Oh my gosh, I am so sorry this happened to you. I loved my band too when it was working. Had the leak and chronic port site pain with always having a hard time finding the port for fills. So I would get poked like 5-8 times before they would finally take me to fluoroscopy to find the port. Anyways,, so you mind me asking what the emergency was? None of my business but was it band related or because you were pregnant. Just curious. Then you gained it all back...I feel your pain. I lost 70 and gained it all back plus some. So no one can tell me that bariatric surgery doesn't work!!! I love my sleeve. No more fills, adjustments every month and well, a new doctor thank god!! So your big day is June 28th! How exciting. Are you ok with everything or do you have any questions? Be glad to talk to you about it. I am 6 wks. post op this Wed. and lost over 30 pounds already. So very pleased with my surgery and myself. I need to exercise more though. You will be starting your new journey soon,..I keep a scrap book of my journey and I journal. its time for me and I see the results. In fact, last Sat. night I went to wedding and danced for all night long..i felt lighter on my feet. I have 80 pounds to go, they say you can lose 12 lbs a month. Holy Moly!!! I am aiming for that though. Please let me know how everything goes. I will put on my calendar when your surgery is so I remember to check on you! Any questions please ask...my big thing was pain control. I think I am in the middle when it comes to pain. I don't have High threshold for it yet I can handle some. But give me the meds so I can get up and walk around and get moven..that's what its for!! If you read my story, the resident under medicated me the second day so played catch up all day with the pain! Really pissed me off to be honest with you. Kind of a bad mistake when your in pain. But it got taken care of....I spent 2 1/2 days in the hospital due to I got a little sick and they needed to get my pain managed before I went home. So I wish you well and again, please keep in touch!!! But wow, congrats on your weight loss of 155 libs. That's amazing. Take care and chat soon....Renee

First of all, I thought for sure my insurance would pay for the band to be removed but not the sleeve. I about fell over when they approved the sleeve. Not sure what they put down to make it work, but was fortunate. My body would was rejecting the band and it was leaking. So maybe that's why they covered it. I was lucky. After everything went through with that band and my past doctor not listening to me for 7 months, I gained all my weight back and some. It just proves bariatric surgery does work. So I feel your pain. If you experience what I am experiencing, you will love your sleeve. It stops you from over eating. I experienced my first "Oh my gosh, I can't eat this whole thing and had to stop" and it was very little. I loved it!!!! Because of my past issues with my doctor i switched to a different doctor that I wish I had before. I met him a few times when my first doc wasn't; there to fill. Anyways, the only thing I had was I was under medicated for pain control. Sometimes general surgery floor do not have all the knowledge of what are needs are. In my case the orders were wrong and the nurse can only give what it says. My first day I don't remember to much, thank god. The second day was extremely difficult for me again because I was being under medicated and had to play catch up and it took all day. I know how important it is to get up and walk and I just couldn't. So that sort stayed with me for awhile. Pain will get your attention real fast....I am not trying to scare you, that was just a mistake on my orders and once I said something it got fixed. I am in the medical field so I knew something wasn't right...I am almost 6 weeks post op next Wed. and the time is flying. I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!! No more fills, no more adjustments, no more pain for me, Dropping 27 pounds in 5 weeks is very encouraging too. I understand why your nervous, maybe its just having surgery, not getting the sleeve. Surgery is scary...I went into the surgery smiling, because I knew I was on my way to being healthier and back to being me. I wish you well in your new journey and please, if you ever have any questions after your surgery, don't hesitate to ask. I remember I couldn't eat after surgery for awhile, just liquids...don't worry, I can eat now but very slowly and fill up fast. DRINK YOUR LIQUIDS THOUGH!!!! I am so excited for you and congrats on losing 128 pounds. That is an amazing accomplishment. Can I ask why you had your band removed??? Take Care. Renee

I am so sorry for what you are going though. I think its time for CHANGE. Can you find another surgeon. I insisted of changing doctors before anything was done. I would never let my arrogant first doc touch me again. For your doc to seem insulted for you suggesting something is clearly wrong. We know our bodies more then anyone and it sounds like you might be on to something. Like my lap band. When I had it, right from the beginning I always had issues with port site pain. I just lived with it because my band was working. After my port revision things really painful and that was that. My body just didn't like the band in me and of course we know going in that our bodies and reject it. Well, my leak was the final straw. But 7 months of convincing him and a hefty pile of medical bills. I am writing my letter today to the head of general surgery to let him be aware of what transpired, I feel all my medical bills should be waived from Aug. 2012 to Jan. 2013. I know that's just plain dumb to even consider, but he would not listen to me. Even the nurses agreed with me!! Again, can you change doctors. I was fortunate that there are three docs in the hospital I could choose from and I heard nothing but wonderful things about my current doc, I thank god for him. I am at peace now that my band is out and no more painful fills and a doc that will listen to me. He is a good man. I wish you well in your search, its your body, your choice!!! I know, it might be hard if your insurance is not good. Its easy for me because my insurance didn't give me an issue. I will tell you though, after 26 years of having the best insurance in the world, we are losing it as of June 31st. I am on some expensive meds and I don't know what to do. I am going to have to go off of them or change them..some I will get off as the weight comes off. Good ol' depression and anxiety ate me alive with this weight. I also am learning to figure out what causes the anxiety and that's what made me eat....so it was a circle for me and I want to break it. No pill will take care of an environmental anxiety. It helps short term while learning to figure things out, but I need to learn what caused me to eat. So I journal. Its amazing what pours out in your writings and who makes you get these feelings. Ok, I have rambled enough. Please again, tell yourself know you are worth more then what this doc is giving you. I worry as things get bad for you, what else could happen if doesn't listen to you.....keep in touch.

Hello My Supporters! Well, its been 5 weeks post op and I am doing great. I had the band removed and the sleeve done. I stayed for 2 1/2 days just because I got a little sick and my pain was being managed. (someone messed up on my orders for pain control). My new surgeon is wonderful and treated me with the most respect. As I read through some of the past posts on the sleeve. I read a lot that people would say, "what did I go and do" after the surgery do to the pain. Well, yup, I said it...my husband said, You knew you might say that...we all know pain will get your attention! Anyways, my first post op check up I lost an astonishing 19 pounds and today I lost 8 pounds. But gained some more pills to take! I feel like I need to buy a pill box. Like my starting my Vit. B12, gallbladder meds and Vit. D due to it being so low on my blood work. Now I need to amp up my exercise. I need to learn to take time out for me. With 3 boys at home I feel like it hard to do, but I have to. Its like medicine too. I wonder where I will be in a year. I take small goals, but its nice to think about, because I know how fast time goes. Thank you everyone for your support!!!

I was going through your post today. You have had a lot of issues!!! One thing my doctor didn't do was keep track of what I had in me so at least you know where your at.....yet I am sorry you are having problems. I do understand and feel for you. Have you given thought to any other options?? How are you doing now, I see you had a fill on May 13th....let me know how its going. Do you see you don't see the Realize Band commercials anymore? Wonder if there is a reason for that. Best wishes for you.