labwalker

A full seems odd for those symptoms!! I'd expect they would be removing fluid and running tests.

Brussel Sprouts. The veggie from hell for lap banders!! If anything will give me an problem, it is a Brussel sprout! But I'v found that there is no food that gives me problems so long as I chew it thoroughly and eat slowly. Everything else has been fine, but my band is not as tight as it could be adjusted to.

I'm also a long hauler, LOL! Banded around 10 or 12 years ago. The weight loss was about what the doctor predicted... I do manage to go up and down 20 pounds when I fail to keep a food chart... but the band makes it easier to get back on track. I think it is very important to pick the best doctor possible, and to do the follow up visits! My doctor insists on 6 month to yearly visits to ensure that any problems are quickly resolved before they turn the band into a horror show. So far no problems. But if the band ever needs to be removed, I will be happy with what it accomplished for the time I had it. It allowed me to enjoy life, do cruises and travel and enjoy life.

I had my band placed around ten years ago. It has worked perfectly. Absolutely no issues, and the weight loss has been satisfactory. Only around 8% of gastric bands have been removed. Surgical procedures have improved. I am happy with my decision.

Do any of the Medicare Part D plans cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss? These meds are terribly expensive. Outrageous. What are folks who have Part D coverage co-paying for these meds? I've been told Victoza is cheaper, but less effective due to being a lower dosage.

I've been banded for several years and have zero problems with the band and there are no foods I cannot eat, so long as chew properly. I've lost more weight than expected, and it is still coming off slowly. I have no regrets having the band. If it comes out, there are other options that I will explore. But, the band gave me my life back and it works for me. I've learned how to eat and how to control the quality of what foods I choose to eat.

Thanks... that is pricey!

Yeah, Wow.

In most cases the failure is not on the device. Luck has little to do with it.

They are falling out of favor because they require follow up with the surgeon and that leads to problems when a doctor folds up his tent, or when insurance changes, or when a patient receives substandard surgery from a quack. Bands require some effort.

I have a diabetic friend who had her band removed... she lost her appetite after starting on similar meds and is losing weight.

I'm just curious if any other guys have noticed the same issue I am dealing with. I had my lapband surgery back in 2011, and I've managed to lose quite a bit of weight, which is still thankfully dropping at a slow, but steady, rate. I'm now where I was back when I was in my mid twenties, at least as far as weight. But, my waist size seems to be several inches more than I recall what it was when I was at the same weigh when I was fifty years younger. Am I shrinking and compressing? LOL! My pants size is down considerably, but it is not where I think it should be. Is this normal?

Sometimes I think an occasional cheat is actually helpful. Kind of like carb cycling (a topic I barely understand, btw...) At least once or twice a year I will have a large fried seafood dinner. Whole clams, fish, shrimp and scallops! Of course fries. Usually for my birthday. The first thing I do is divide the platter in half since there is no way I could eat it all; and there is enough for another one or two meals. Pizza is a favorite, but at most one slice at a time, maybe every two or three months apart. Rare treats, but I think everyone needs to do a cheat every so often.

I had my surgery back in 2011... I've learned that the band is a tool that helps to control my weight, but in the end I have to carefully count my calories, carbs and protein intake. I went through a few years of having the band tightened and loosened. Either I was getting stuck all the time, or had no restriction. The magic spot for me was when I had a fill that allowed me to eat one slice of pizza in comfort (a rare treat these days!) without feeling the need to eat the whole thing! I have had years where I've gained some of the weight back, but that was due to my lack of diligence. At this point there are no foods I cannot eat as long as I chew properly. I've learned that counting carbs was very critical when I hit a stall. I've managed to lose weight continually by carefully monitoring and controlling the quality of what I eat. Giving up sugar and switching to fat free Half and Half in my coffee was enough to cause noticeable weight loss. Little things add up. That means I have to keep a computer log of my daily food intake and activities. I've learned that becoming complacent leads to weight gain. I've learned a lot reading these forums. In my humble opinion too many banders think the band is going to do all the work. Living with a tight band and being in discomfort IS not what the band is about. I have not been stuck if over five years. I don't have any sensation that the band is there, except that I know I feel satiated sooner because I do have the band. I am now averaging about .7 lbs a week weight loss, which is pretty good for a guy in his seventies and who is several years post surgery. I want to lose another 20 pounds before I leave this earth, makes it easier on my pall bearers. Good luck on your journey, it is worth it.

I live on coffee and diet root beer. If there is enough carbonation in a beverage to cause belching or even mild discomfort I would avoid it. I have not had a problem with diet sodas and I am several years post surgery. I am also constantly losing weight--even this far out. So long as your doctor is fine with the beverage, I would also be comfortable... but I would avoid gulping it down to avoid problems with internal gas pressure. But the doctor's rule.

Every morning. Keep a running log in a notepad.

Lean deli meats--turkey, chicken, etc. Can you handle low fat Greek Yogurt? If you shop for yogurt you will find products that have around 100 calories, 15 grams of protein and 7 grams or less of natural sugar. Yogurt has become my go to for snack foods. It is also a tad less expensive than deli products.

I made a decision not to tell anyone I had the surgery. But after several years and being able to lose weight and keep it off I let the cat out of the bag to a select few. We don't need to be judged.

Have you gone back to your surgeon? I'd want my band checked for slippage or other problems. Something appears wrong.

The reason I mentioned A1-C is because it may indicate a co-morbidity that their insurance would cover treatment for. GLP-1 agonists such as Saxenda and Victoza are approved for weight loss, in higher doses, with the side benefit of reducing A1-C levels. Personally, if my BMI was in the low thirties, I would seriously consider medical weight loss alternatives vs. surgery.

Taylor One other suggestion, based on your family's history with diabetes, and your low BMI. You might ask you doctor about taking a weight loss drug such as Victoza. It will lower your A1C, and will reduce hunger. It also slows food movement through stomach. There are different dosage levels, the higher are used for weight loss. I've considered it when my weight loss on the band slows done, but haven't felt the need to go that as of yet... however, it an alternative to surgery. There are medical weight loss forums on Bariatric Pal.

Having a band done in Mexico is sheer madness!! That is one reason bands get a worse reputation than they deserve. Band patients have to follow up with the doctor's office, even if it is yearly visits down the road. In the beginning it is crucial to do the follow visits.

My surgery (including all of the pre-op visits with the nutritionist, etc.) was well over $35,000. Insurance covered all but a few thousand dollars. It was outrageous! But I am sure they negotiate deeply discounted rate. My doctor spent an extra 15 minutes working to get my band placed. The insurance company went crazy over the additional charges for the additional time they were billed for doctors and operating room... they actually expected the doctor to get pre approval!!

That is often caused by nerve compression. It could be weight related. A doctor's opinion is the safest course. I have had that sensation in the past after walking for a few hours, but as I lost weight the problem went away.

I use a PC program called fitday.com. It allows making up a custom food. It is time consuming, esp. if you eat a wide variety of foods. Fortunately, I am usually satisfied eating a rather limited assortment of healthy foods. But, I have found, at least for myself, it is extremely critical to count my carbs and calories. I am six or seven years out on the band surgery, which means losing more weight requires more effort if I want to ever see my goal.