Kelly Ann

Who are your doctors???? You are all misinformed or not informed at all, YOU SHOULD NOT BE EATING AFTER SURGERY!!!!! are you crazy??? You know the answer already...You either are just cheating or your doctors' are of the new breed of jump on the lapbandwagon surgeons that don't have the experience and knowledge they need to be treating people!!! LIQUIDS AT LEAST 10DAYS!!!! MUSHIES AT LEAST 10 DAYS!!! YOU Will harm yourselves otherwise you need to heal!!! There is no grey area here follow the orders.If your doc let you eat a burger a few days after surgery or drink 32 ounces of water then you have a doctor that does not know what he is doing!!! I don;t want otherds to read your posts and think that you guys are the norm and that it's ok You will lose the band or harm yourselves

I stumbled on this support section on the forum last night and feel it was for a reason... I need some help . I am feeling like presently I am not only using food but alcohol as well to numb me and stuff everything down. I have had some complications and have been basically unrestricted and going crazy eating since May... I gained like 35 back now.... I also have been drinking as well all along and even when I was close to goal for the past four years... I am at a point emotionally where I realize I need professional help for my head and that I really need to sort out the baggage. It can't be pushed down anymore if I am using food and alcohol as my only source of comfort. Even when it was only a three ounce piece of salmon and pureed vegtables it was my source of focus and soothing always with an "expensive" glass of wine or more...Going "out" to a nice place was a n entire experience for me to make myself feel better... Is this so wrrong? I guess when you can'e control your eating and drinking it is... I am considering a 12 step...I have been to AA before a few years back but of course decided that I really did not have a problem ... I also had trouble finding a group I felt comfortable with. The person I asked to be my sponsor flaked out and I was scared off. I have been to Food Addicts for awhile. I have never tried OA . I just need some advice and connection with someone on here. I am banded ,,,soon to be re-banded and not your average case. I am feeling awful right now.

As you can see I am 4 years out from surgery and due to have a revision and hialtal hernia repair. I am steadily gaining weight since being unfilled. This has proven to me that I have no control and need this band!!! I wa size 4 and loving life and feeling great. If something were to happen like me so what?? get it fixed. Your journey will be great. Come to the boards and get info but remember there are some peopel on here who post things that would scare anyone away from the banding surgery. Some people have major issues and things they will not admit on here either so worry about you and do the right thing and follow the doctors advice. You will be in skinny summer clothes before you know it!!! I know how you feel facing tomorrow I was there and I will be next Friday but it works and is a great tool. I will be thinking of you and looking forward to hearing from you as a new bandster!!! Congrats on embarking on a new healthier you!!! I would always keep my band and if I need another surgery down the road so be it...It works and has changed my life

Hey thanks for replying to me. I have had several esophograms. I had one today ! My doctor saw the hiatal hernia. It confirmed what we thought. It never showed up before on the three others I had. They told me it is very hard to diagnose a hiatal hernia and that sometimes you can't see it until they operate. Anyway, It has been an ordeal and it is nice to connect with my fellow bandsters to talk. I really want to get back to my good weight. I have steadily been losing my self esteem and I feel like a failure. I can't control my eating and I know this since I have been unfilled and gained again!!! I just pray the second surgery goes well and I get home in one piece and safe. This is a journey and I am still on it.

Sorry to hear about your ordeal... I too have had a rough year and a half of fills unfills pain from reflux and pressure. today I have been scheduled for a new band and hiatal hernia repair. I had been about 140 for over two years and doing well but sometimes there are problems . I should not have waited ssoooo long and got unfilled and gained some back... Good luck with your new band!! I am glad I got the band and will always have one they work great when you work them!!!

Here I sit in the lobby of the hotel on the computer. A little lonely but ok. I am in a different hotel than the Hampton Inn In Monterrey I}m at the Double Tree very nice ...The Hampton Inn was overbooked so they sent me here. I will post tomorrow after my pre-op tests and meeting with Dr. Rumbaut . I am ready for this step...Just wanted to say hi .....Tuesday 10-19 is surgery. So far so good very impressed with the arrangements and all so far..

Dr. George Fielding of NYU Hospital in New York City will take care of you. He is known worldwide. It is easy to take the train into Penn Station and grab a cab . I sometimes have walked to the hospital. Google him and you will see his credentials. You must be seen monthly in the first year . Or every eight weeks or so. If you have any questions post them to me!

Hi Puddin- I have not posted in a long while on these boards but I am so intrigued by your story. You are really a cool girl! You're personality comes across as so genuine . I know what you mean about the transformation thing and the not knowing how to act around men. I am married but I have not worn my wedding band in three years ...not really sure if I am staying . Anyway....I just wanted to say to you I too understand about the major change and how it is difficult to get used to how different you are treated by everyone -----men especially! It just happend again last weekend. A man I used to know came up to me and said I was watching you walk across the gym (we were at a sporting event) and he said I was thinking "wow who is that?" He then said I saw you talking to so and so and then realized it was you! I thought you were some 25 year old....This guy used to never even say hello to me or even acknowledge me on previous meetings. The kicker for me is I had just turned 40 that very day! I am happy but not at ease at the attention from men sometimes. I would not trade this for anything but it is something huge to deal with. Therapy would be good for me too I think. I have also been considering surgery like yours. I am basically at goal and in sizes 4-6 on the bottom and small- medium on top I am 36C but mostly skin and sagging in the bra now. I am inspired to start planning final part of the journey and get the surgeries done!!! You really are a great girl and have much to look forward to! I look forward to reading more about your recovery and getting on in life with the new and improved you!

I am two years out from banding. I have been my current weight or around it for well over a year I am wondering if I may have hiatal hernia....has anyone had one???? I can't seem to get past my current fill w/out night coughing , weezing and throwing up...I tried twice a little more and each time took it out. I thought it was due to a cold all of the mucus. I had the flouroscope last month all looked well including a chest x-ray. last year I had only two fills all year. I feel pressure right in front where my bra line is between the boobs ....all of the time even before my last fill two weeks ago. It was my first fill since April 2006. I only received a small fill. so to recap: can't get past this fill to reach my goal in over a year . If I go past I must remove ( it is not filled all of the way ) due to cough , throwing up at night, feel pressure just under the ribs between bra line and boobs -like a constant uncomfortable feeling.... had flourascope looked ok last month... Hiatal Hernia or something else??? Oh and I think I aspirate from the night coughing.... help!!!!!

Thanks everyone for your fantastic insight! I am a little better this week. I would have gotten to the doc sooner but I just could not get myself into New york this week. I have been very careful to eat early between 4-6 and stick to liquids and water after that. I am still sleeping propped way up at night ... I was able to move on to protein this past week (solids) and feel better and hydrated. You all made such great points to me. I will re-think alot of my behaviors and also try to accept where I am at now. I did lose with this fill and of course that makes me feel great since I have been around the same number for so long. I was 232 at my biggest at 5ft 7. I was banded at 217 and am now 150. I wear some 4's and some 6's at this weight. Ten more pounds up and I am an 8. I am beyond grateful and can't even believe I am writing those numbers for my size. I carried that weight and developed health problems at 37 . I come from a family with obesity problems on my DAd's side so I saw what was coming. I took a leap of faith at my lowest point and decided to go for the operation. I thank God I did every day. My life has changed dramatically. So many people who knew me heavy just gush when they see me now. It feels amazing to get compliments. I have to get my head in order and accept myself and see the thinner me now. All of you mad esuch great points to me. I will be going to the doc Dec 18 and will ask for another look at the old band with the flouroscope but some of you mentioned I should get the endoscopy. I will ask for that since I have never had one. I want to be sure I am ok. If I could not get the food down and keep it down I would have went right in to NYU. I seem better with everyday -I just need to follow all of the bandsters rules better...I will let you all know how I am doing !

So sorry to hear about your daughter. Dr. george Fielding of NYU in New york specializes in children and teens. He has been on television talking about it many times. He is my doctor now --you must call him he is the best good luck.

I need some advice. I want to know if anyone is having problems with pressure from your bra strap line in the front and /or their bust putting uncomfortable pressure on the diaphram area? My bras are very uncomfortable and when I literally pick up my boobs up and off that area I feel relief. I am not that huge 38 d. It is more skin now than actual firm tissue. I wonder if something is wrong or is this grounds for a boob lift? ( I want one anyway ) but this pressure is really causing me discomfort and problems on a daily basis . It is discomfort in the diaphram. I have not had afill since the end of APril and am still 158 . Of course I will contact my doctor probably in the next week I will see him but I am wondering if anyone else has had this issue??? Does anyone think this is because I actually need a lift to correct this problem or possible band problem ?

I was afraid and apprenensive but all went well. I go to NYU Dr Fielding for fills and aftercare. I'd be happy to tell you about my experience with him. You are right to look at the number of surgeries he has done and I have never read or heard anything bad about him. Infact , he is well regarded in the world as well as the USA for having a wonderful reputation. He has mot experince than many US doctors. He has a lapband as well.

an owner of a summer cheerleading camp and a summer basketball camp. I also raise a couple of kids who I often want to exchange back at the hospital that they were all birthed at for three new ones!!! (now that I think I know what I am doing- I'd do a better job mothering ) only kidding I love them but teenagers area b*&%$!!! I still want to finish my degree in education ar some point which i put on hold to have kids....

:rant: Last week after dealing with this same problem as all of you gals I went for it and had hair extensions put in! I am sooooo happy with them!!! My mother is a hair dresser and she can't believe how natural they came out no one can tell except for the fact it is long and thick again. I had real human hair in three shades put in -they use a keratin based type thing and a tiny iron to attatch it. They only do very small strand sections. My head is still a little sore but I love them! It took 7 hours and it was $1500 . It will last up to six months as long as I follow the guidelines. I was so depressed about my hairloss . It was thin, brittle and sparse. It was not coming back the way it was and I have even developed some psoriesis (they say from stress) on my scalp since banding. I saved the money took a deep breathe and went for it. The reaction has been incredible from family and friends. I feel so much better about myself now. Girls look into it and only the best hair and salon - you can not tell at all! There is no reason to live with this ---that is why God invented extensions and the lapband.....

Since I have lost weight I get treated differently by everyone. It is great now but sad because before I think people did not really take me seriously or respect me. I have not "come out" about my surgery except to my husband and children. I have also told a few people I felt needed me to who perhaps might need to consider the band. I won't tell everyone I won't do it to myself. People will judge and once you tell them all there is no going back and they tell others and so forth. Then people make snide remarks about being too weak and so forth. I have heard those who have not dealt with weight issues talk about WLS patients and they generally say they were weak or took the easy way out. We all know that is such a load of Bull but I am glad I did not tell . I am a year and half out of surgery . I struggle to get to goal and struggle in my mind with this head hunger I have . My emotions take over and stress helps me find other sabotaging things like milkshakes I should not have or too much alcohol. I get treated differently yes and it is good now and I am getting attention from men and compliments from women who can't believe I finally did it and all... Does discrimination exist against heavy people?? Oh yes it does. It sucks but it is true. I struggle with the band it is not easy but I would do it again in a heartbeat. If anything ever happens to it I will get it again.

Hey everyone! I have not posted in a long time...I read but don't post. I was dismayed to see how many prominent bandsters had lost their bands like DeLArla, La Madam, and Penni. They truly helped me early on and I wish them the very best here today. I have managed to stay within 147-152 pounds for most of the time except when I needed an unfill due to illness. I have learned when I get sick with a mucus related thing I don't tolerate it well with the band. Both times I was unfilled and gained.. I just wanted to say hello and say yes I am so much happier and would do it again today. If i ever have any problems I will get a new one and this latest weight gain has brought me to my knees emotionally making me realize again I have no control. I never have never will. I just was filled today and am getting mentally ready to stay focused and start losing again. I never thought I would go up two sizes again... I was in Florida over spring break and covering up my stomach in my bathing suit. It hurt to come this far and start to go backwards... I must pull myself up out of being down and keep using this tool. I should never have put off my refill for 8weeks!!!!! I won't let that happen again!!! Cheers to you all out there !

thank you for all of your comments and good wishes for my continued journey. Yes Robin I do still crave sweets at times. Those times I find are the typical week before my period. I emotionally crave them too I think. My posting and coming back on a regular basis to this site is probably my first step toward getting more emotional help. I am deep full of pushed down hurt over many years and eating, drinking, shopping , getting on a plane and getting away when I get overwhelmed are symptoms of something I need to deal with. I am very happy with this weight loss it has been incredible! A true re-birth. The reaction I have had from people has been great. I had a 20 year high school reunion, my daughters sweet 16 party, holidays and so forth where I wore things I never dreamed I would ever again. The months and the pounds coming off the past year and half are something you new people will relish like I did. Already this tool of a lap band in( 24 hours) has already stopped my overeating . I can feel the fill working however my allergies are killing me and the mucus thing did bother me last night ... I forgot all about my allergies until you said it Alexandra! I am hoping to get back on track and feel better about myself instead of (dare I say) a failure again??? I have no right to say that because I am lucky to have gotten even to this point. It is just me and my own deep issues that I think I better finally do something about. I have told so many people at my doctors' office about this site because it is so great and the people on it the best. I may consider the OA Robin that is a good idea. I also am planning on going to a support group at my doctor's office next week for bandsters 12 plus months out from their operations. I have never been before. I still am a closet bandster except for my kids, and hubby. That may explain me a little more....

Hi All!! I have not been in touch in awhile ...I have read all summer but not really posted much. I worked at my summer camp all summer and just got the kids back to school. I squeezed in a two long weekends in Disney as my vacation and here I am it is Septmeber again! I just was in the city today for my fill and I can tell you it was great. The weather has been gorgeous here. The Rolling Stones are at the Garden tonight and the city was buzzing today. I actually stayed and shopped all afternoon and let the hubby get the kids from school and feed them. I considered trying to buy a ticket for the concert as I walked past the crowds gathering outside the Garden but the prices I was quoted were way too much!!! I went down the stairs to the train back to Jersey. I feel like I have some decent restriction. I went all summer the same weight within a few pounds . ....Anyway I would love to meet you guys let me know I would love to see you all in person and talk. I am still a closet bandster and the only time I really get to talk to anyone is in the office when I get fills. Of course this site is great too.. Let me know the details I am in- if you'll have me. Kelly

I am a fan of Heart and also followed her on the Spotlight for Health. I checked several times and like reported above -nothing since last year Mar 2004. Very strange --unless she had to have it taken out or something...She had lost 50 lbs and really started to look awesome. She toured last summer as well... I even went on their website for the band a while back and there was nothing on that either about her progress ... Carnie Wilson though...OMG !!! That People picture!!! How the heck can that happen again after Gastric ????Pregnant or not...when I was pregnant last I was told Not to gain more than 15 pounds with the weight I already was and the possibility of getting gestational diabetes. I would think with her history the doc would have really had her be careful....I get sick to my stomach when I think it could come back on after such a drastic measure as the bypass! I really don't know how you can gain unless you are force feeding yourself regardless of the dumping ... I am sorry if I sound ignorant or offend anyone -I am banded and do not know all that much about gastric.

my two cents ... I watch The View a few times a week because I work from home most of the year -except summer. I really think she -Star was banded. And yes she won't talk about it and says so. In the last two months she really has lost alot . I think she lost a good amout before her wedding - probably held off on a fill to stabilize for the gown and enjoy some food and drink for the wedding and honeymoon and then once home and settled she had another fill and this is the result of regular 4 week check ups with a fill . I saw a picture of her in a magazine in a bathing suit and I saw what looked like the same scars as We all have from laproscopic surgery. I know that I have held off when I knew I was going away so I wasn't sooo restricted. I too read the article in the New Yorker about the woman on the show. The reporter who wrote it sat in the waiting room of my aftercare doctors at NYU to talk to patients. She also went to the support groups to interview people. The PA who sometimes does my fills at the office told me. The office was not too thrilled with the whole thing and the article.- at least according to him. I think it was not bad but not good either in really explaining the band and what people 's experiences were. We all have our own story. Anyway , the time is coming that it should really be put out there in a big way ...it is soooo much safer than gastric bypass and not alot of people really are as familiar with it. The gastric bypass seems to be much more known to the general public.

hi all... I think I could possibly be dehydrated or rather I have been somewhat all along. Yes the urine is darker and few I can't gulp water like I used to . I do best with room temperature water and drinks rather than cold. I drink decaf a small with alot of cream most mornings. I drink some water 8oz. I may try some lunch usually soup but mostly may just drink something water , cappucinno. I can't really eat too much until later in the day. I try to eat some sort of light flaky fish and almost always have soup . I have not tried salads and any real veggies. I tried a few times but could not. I can eat soup at lunch cream soups. I guess I have to admit I have not had meat at all since banding. . I have had chicken on occasion but I tried it this past Sat and had the worst pb episode since banding. I am very busy and don't always keep track of what I am actually eating or not eating ...I try to take my chewable vits everyday and calcium chews. I try to drink milk . I am worried I am dehydrated and lacking in protein.. What happens to you if you don't eat enough protein??? I guess I should call my pcp. I literally have had no time to go ...but is this normal for us right now? my last fill was four weeks ago . I admit I really keep to light, soft foods as a general rule.. I don't know if it is mental or really not feasible for me to eat meats, and salads. Thanks for your help...

I am speechless. This poor woman's story is an absolute nightmare....I will pray for her and her family.

I am astounded at your experience...how awful. I do hope that you realize your surgeon sounds fishy....he owes you a free "re-do " if you ask me. I wonder how many surgeries in Reno he has done and what experience he has with weight loss surgery. Many people are taken advantage of by doctors and their medical mistakes. They make up other reasons for things when in fact they made a mistake. Perhaps it was placed incorrectly from the start...I would have had an x-ray to see where it actually was...and make sure it was postitioned right. I would get a copy of my records as well. I had two very awful experiences with two different doctors with both of my children. One almost died at birth and one became septic after three weeks and almost died. The conclusion of the doctors who took over the cases were furious with the mistakes made. And I could not believe I was burned twice by two incompetant doctors.and they cover for each other at no cost....I had no idea that the one ob/gyn had multiple complaints against him and the highest rate of mistakes in the level three NICU in our state. I found out after my son clung to life in another hospital in the NICU fromthe doctors there. The other child I knew had an infection in his eye and his belly button was not healing quick enough for my liking .....I was sent home by the pediatrition that I was" over reacting "it was residue in his eyes from the silver nitrate drops they administer ar birth., I knew in my gut something was wrong. I had another child -I was not a first time Mom..Within 24 hours I took him back to the doctor he was rushed to the hospital and was septic. He almost died. The infectious disease specialist concluded he contracted a staff infection from the c-section by swabbing his eye and doing tests. He recovered they both did with no brain damage thank God. My point in this story is do not trust doctors no matter how cordial or nice they may seem...Check them out thouroughly call or go get a second opinion. Many of us here have with our bands.. I want you to get your band and get on the weight loss band wagon with all of us. I still consider myself new compared to many on this board but have never heard of what happend to you ...ON this board or any other lapband board. Get your money back or demand a new band do something about this. Don't let him tell you "oh well ,too bad it did not work for you." It sounds like he messed up or should have put in a different band for you... He should know this if he has had enough experience with this. And again we all ask ......who was this surgeon?????????