jfk

Hi Mergatroy, Could you use another buddy? We're almost the same age. I'm having a tough time with this. Banded in July, o7. jfk

Hi Angela, I can't answer your question about Tri-care. Did you get the appointment you mentioned without a referral? You will likely definitely have to get pre-approval from your insurance co, and sometimes they really like to make you dance through the hoops before they approve you. Your Dr.s staff should be able to walk you through all that. I was banded in Denver a year ago in July. Doing reasonably well, but, I, alas, am one of those very slow losers. No ones fault but my own. I feel I should have lost at least another 34-40 lbs by now, and then I would have reached my goal. I've lost probably 85 lbs overall. I really need to bump up the exercise again, because my calorie intake probably isn't too excessive... I do eat way too much cheese and chocolate puddings! Trying to cut back on those as they are my weaknesses. This thread kind of goes in spurts too. Perhaps we can get it going a bit by asking how everyone else is doing at this point? Does anyone have any eating suggestions for me? I could sure use some! I am in a real rut, and tend to eat the same old things just about every day. I have gotten two fills from Dr. Rohrer in Gt. Falls, and wouldn't hesitate for a minute to go back to him. My total is three, and from the way I feel, still, I think its doubtful I'll need another one. I can tell you, this band will kick my behind hard if I get too carried away with things. I wish they could band my head and squeeze all the food cravings out of my mind. Unfortunately, just doesn't work that way. So, the fight goes on... but, I expect to win it someday! Meanwhile, good luck with your journey, and keep us posted. Joy

Hi Steph, Keep the faith girl... everything will be ok! Just a few things to mention. No, the PA has not yet learned the technique. When I was in Denver, Dr. Kirshenbaum absolutely read me the riot act about letting an inexperienced person (with the band that is) touch me. He said all it would take is one wrong move to wreck the whole set up... put the fear of God in me he did! One needle stick in the wrong spot could puncture the tubing, and it would be back to surgery again to have the whole mess replaced. I told him I have a lot of faith in our PA here because she is very good at what she does. He conceded that because I was so far away, a PA might be the only option for fills. He told me to have her call him any time with any questions about the fills. He even sent me home with two of the special huber/lapband fill needles for emergencies. Absolutely nothing against PA's, however, I suspect that a lot of surgeons are probably somewhat leary of anyone with lesser skill levels than theirs touching their patients. After the lecture from Dr.Kirshenbaum, I decided to contact Dr.Rohrer in Gt.Falls... to my surprise, he agreed to do the fills, and, as I mentioned, I am very impressed with him. I felt completely safe in his hands, and absolutely confident in his skills. He's gotten both fills with just one try and answered all my questions very patiently.... the same ones I'm sure he's heard a thousand times and more. Remember one thing... when you have your first fill, don't be surprised if you barely notice any difference at all. I certainly didn't. I kept waiting for all this great restriction I heard everyone else bragging about, and it just wasn't happening. I learned later that it may be because the band itself absorbs a lot of the fluid. On my second fill, for which I waited a little over two months, I could tell some difference, but, not a lot. Now, with the third one (waited about 2.5 months) I KNOW theres something in there! I have never had what is called the PB's, nor have I vomited even once since I was banded. I get pain... take me to my knees pain... It happens when I ignore that little 'twinge' that says, "you'd better not take one more bite or you're going to be very sorry". Ignore that signal at your peril! For me, the pain has been a very crushing 'cardiac' type which hits me in the chest and upper back on the right side. It has lasted anywhere from 5-10 mins at a time, and, its not over till its over. I really haven't found anyway to alleviate it while its in progress. If I feel just a tiny twinge, and stop eating in time, I usually take a couple of gas-X strips, and that can help a lot before things get out of hand. I can eat plenty of food without a problem... its just that 'one more bite cuz it's so good' thing that gets me in trouble. But, I am learning. The pain is a great motivator, and, I guess thats what its really all about. Its not pleasant, but, the band is doing what it is supposed to do. For me, its truly a love-hate relationship! Thanks for the tip on the drink. I will look for it. Right now, I'm using 'Pro-Stat-64', which is a pure, pre-digested liquid protein. I take 2-Tbs (usually) daily, and, it pretty much gets the protein in. I really like the Pro-Stat... wild cherry flavor, tastes pretty good. Skinny tried a taste and thought it was good too. It is one of the really good ones... not one of those full of sugar and other garbage protein. I also am using Fiber-Stat. Its a liquid soluble fiber which is very helpful with elimination. Its clear with no taste, also just 2-Tbs daily if needed. I have a very difficult time with those full-bodied protein drinks... I just cannot get much of them down. I think 'Boost' is one of the better ones, and, they come in a very small bottle... that one I can manage. Just one more thing. I have found I simply cannot tolerate taking lots of different vitamins, so, I am using a liquid one now. I get it from the Rexall. Its called 'Liquid Health', Complete Multiple. Its in the large brown bottle... not one of those plastic squeeze things. Its got something like 200 essential nutrients, trace minerals, and every vitamin imaginable in it.... suprisingly, it even tastes pretty good too... a little like prune juice. I was using the Centrum liquid, and one other liquid one which I absolutely hated. I was glad to find this one. I got a little pill splitter for a couple of meds that I take, and that helps a lot too. Steph, if you go to my website, you can send me a personal email from the link there... contact number is there as well. Paso Finos del Joy - Home Take care, and lets get together soon. We'll grab Skinny and all go have a coffee or something. Sounds great! Joy

Hi Steph, I understand completely about the 'hard-time'. Lets do try to get together. My schedule is fairly flexible, so, just let me know. I know that it helps a lot to have a live person to talk to and compare notes. I was the first one from this area, and its been pretty lonely out there. I am making progress, but, its a lot slower than I would like. I blame myself completely for that though, as I certainly chowed down on all the Christmas goodies. People keep bringing plates of fudge, Cookies, etc to work... I finally resorted to hiding them in various places around the office so I don't have to look at them. Unfortunately, I always remember where I hid them! Anyway, it is getting a lot better. I had my 3rd fill from Dr.Rohrer in Gt. Falls on Dec 4th, and its made a massive difference! Even with all the eating during Dec, I've still managed to lose a few pounds. The biggest problem was that eating all that stuff really made me feel ill and crappy... but, of course I did it anyway. The head issues are definitely the toughest. The band has taken me down pretty hard several times since the last fill.... I'm saying to it now... "OK, OK... I'm finally getting the message! " I saw by your reply to Skinny that you have some issues with ND. I absolute love Dr.Rohrer. He is incredibly gentle. I had my first fill in Denver, and it was tough. I have been to Dr.Rohrer in Gt.Falls twice since then, and will make that long trip again if I have to, just to see him. I'm pretty sure that he has gotten me to, or at least very close to the so-called 'sweet-spot' with only the third fill. Now, I have to do my part! Let talk when you get a chance. Meanwhile, just take good care of yourself and give things time to heal up. In my opinion, the surgery/banding itself is just the first hill.... after that, you start the real journey up that mountain of fat we carry... and we will conquer it! Joy

Hi Steph, I apologize. I haven't been on the sight for a while. Yes, its Joy. If you'd like to get together and visit sometime, that would be great! Just let me know what would work best for you. Joy

Hey Steph, I'm in Plentywood too. Wanna talk about it? I was banded in Denver in July. Hows it going for you? jfk

Thanks so much Shawn... I'm on my way now! Joy

Hey All ! Wow, how nice to see everyone here. I'm afraid I haven't checked in for a while, but, since I have to head out for Gt Falls early in the morning, thought I'd see if anyone was around. It sounds like you all are doing very well. I have to see Dr. Rorher at 3:00 on Wed the 3rd of Oct. Anyone else going to be there about then? I'll be coming in on Hwy 2 from the Hi-Line. Staying at the Western Heritage Inn. Anyone who can tell me where that is? I'm just clueless! I'll be there through the 7th, so, hopefully will learn my way around at least a little. Weight loss is like the old 'molassas in January' thing.... slooooow ! This will be my second fill, and I'm hoping its a little more effective than the first one. I can still eat way too much (and do), but, I have been walking 2.5 to 3.0 miles almost every day. That at least is keeping me from re-gaining. (at least so far) I am back riding again. Just got a new (used) Aussie saddle today, and I absolutely love it. Theres no such thing as bad posture in an Aussie... it makes you sit up like a ramrod. Actually I could really feel my butt and thighs working while riding it in, so, who knows.... it might even tighten up my backside a bit:D Sophie, did you ever find any support in Glasgow yet? None for me here yet, but, I'm finding that it really isn't mattering so much anymore. People know I have the band, but not one person has said a word to me about it. I think they're just too timid or something. A couple of people have actually noticed the weight loss beginning and commented, but, they didn't ask how I was doing it. I guess if they did, I'd tell them. Do you have horses too? If anyone cares to see my horses or mules, they're at Paso Finos del Joy - Home I absolutely adore horses and mules. I haven't gotten into riding the mules just yet, but, its coming next. I always felt I was too heavy for them, as they are still quite young at 2-years old. Anyone who's been to Dr.Rohrer for fills... does he numb you up first? I'm hoping so. Dr. K in Denver didn't. Its a good thing I was laying down when he started, or, I would have been flat out on the floor! I had a huge bulls-eye bruise on my belly thats finally going away now. I guess thats what happens when there is so much fat to go through with that fill needle:rolleyes Well, looks like I'd better go start packing.... getting anxious to get on the road. Take care all and blessings! Joy

Hi All, Wow, it does my little heart good to see this thread picking up. I just KNEW there were more of us out there! Sula, thanks so much for the input about your meals. It is so helpful just to see what someone else actually eats on a daily basis. And, congratulations on your new horse:clap2:! I think the walkers are absolutely magnificant. A family member, Grace Larson has a walker ranch over at Forsythe. Its called Hi-Plains Walkers. She also operates the 'Part-Walker' registry. We raise Paso fino horses and Paso Fino mules. The mules are really a hoot:p. I intend to start riding them myself as soon as Dr.K. clears me for riding, which I hope will be on the 12th. You'll have to post a photo of your new walker. Dreno, when you said Wolf Point, I knew you knew exactly what I am going through with the isolation. Are you in the west now? ANW, so nice to see you here too. I called Dr.Rohrer's office yesterday, and they said he will do fills for other surgeons (thank goodness....I've already been turned down by two others). They did tell me to get my request in early though, as he is almost booked solid... not only that, his receptionist told me that he has cut back his work schedule rather drastically... only two or maybe three days a week now. I have to be in Gt.Falls for the EMS conference from Oct 3-7, so, I am making an appointment with him for the 3rd. Can you tell me where his office would be? Is it very far from the Heritage Inn? Thats where the conference is being held, and I'm not familiar with Gt.Falls at all. I'm really looking forward to the trip. My PA here said she would learn the fill technique, but, I haven't had the nerve to let her try that yet (although she is a wonderful PA and I go to her for everything else). Dr. K. really read me the riot act about letting someone inexperienced touch me. He said, 'one wrong move, and they'll torpedo the whole project'. Put the fear of God in me I can tell you! Knowing how isolated I am though, he did send me home with two of the special Lap-Band fill needles from Inamed. I'm keeping them for any emergency, however, I'm going to bite the bullet and get myself back to Denver or Gt.Falls for the routine fills. Can you believe they let me through airport security with those big honkers, but, took away my Water which I really needed:omg: . The needles fell under the 'medical device' rules. ANW, I have read a lot of good things on this site about Dr.Rumbault. I considered Mexico for myself for a while, but, when I learned about Dr.K. in Denver, and his very reasonable pricing, I changed my mind. It is great that Dr.Rohrer will take the Mexican band patients. Most surgeons act like you've got the plague or something if you've been banded in Mexico, or, even by another surgeon in the states. One thing thats been helping me a lot with the Protein intake is the pre-digested liquid Protein from Bariatric Eating. I take two tablespoons one or two times a day. There are 30 grams of protein in two tblsps. Tastes like crap, but, it goes down quick, and then I'm not blowing my belly up with all those heavy Protein drinks. Its not for everyone, but, perhaps something to consider after banding. I absolutely could not get as many of those protein drinks down as I was supposed to. If you get the liquid, make sure its a good one. There is some good info about them on the main board. It tells you what to watch out for. I also am taking liquid Vitamins, and a special liquid Vitamin formulated for hair-loss prevention. (hope it helps...so far, so good;)) So good to hear from you all... lets keep in touch:ranger:. Joy

Hi Sula... I sure do appreciate the reply. I have not had any fills yet. I'm set for Sept 12th in Denver, and hopefully another for sometime in mid-Oct depending on how the first one goes. How many have you had? I tried to no avail to get some kind of a support group going here.... did some print ads, put it on the radio, word of mouth, etc. However, no one at all was interested. There are about three women here who have had GB, but, I am the only one I know of with lapband. One GB woman I spoke with seemed to have a bit of an issue with the band... I guess she probably thought I had taken the easy way out. Anyway, guess I'll just read the boards from time to time for a little help and inspiration. I'll look up the band-buddy from Glasgow and perhaps we could correspond a little. I think I've done pretty well with the band so far, but, I know that I am totally untrustworthy (yet) as far as returning to old eating habits. I keep catching myself doing stupid things like slathering on butter... but its only a quarter pancake! Yeah, stuff like that. I need someone around to figuratively slap my hands when I do that kind of stuff... thats why I thought a support group would be helpful... in truth though, I know its up to me:( so.... I just have to get over myself ! How tall is your horse? Mine are pretty short (paso finos), but, I still can't get on without the block. That is definitely my next goal. They are pretty darn sturdy, but I'm sure they'll be glad when I've dropped about a hundred +. Congrats on your -48 lbs. I'm still dreaming about it! If you get a chance, can you tell me generally what and how much you're eating? I'm still feeling pretty clueless about all that, and Dr.Kirshenbaum didn't give a lot of guidance in that area except for the standard things like, 'eat lots of Protein, etc.' Take care, and thanks for caring Joy

Hi everyone, I just found this thread by accident, and was so glad I did.. I too am in MT.... clear out in Plentywood. I got banded in Denver by Dr.Kirshenbaum on July 18th. I have to say, its been a pretty lonely experience since then. I don't know a soul out this way who is going through the banding process, and it would sure be nice to have someone to visit with about it. I am headed back to Denver for my first fill on Sept 12th. I had tried two different surgeons in this area, and was told quite rudely by one that no way would they touch me for that. I was a little shocked by the one as he did my emergency gallbladder removal a few years back. Oh well... Denver it is then. I too am a horse lover. We raise horses and mules. I had gotten to where I would hardly even get on my horses anymore because I felt I was just too heavy. (and I was) It had gotten to the point where I had to use a mounting block all the time because I couldn't heave my fat behind onto the saddle from the ground anymore... very humiliating! I still haven't ridden since the surgery... Dr. K. had said to wait at least 8-weeks. I'm sure he will clear me for riding again during the Sept visit. Since the surgery, I've just concentrated on ground work. Someone mentioned that Dr. Rohrer would do fills for MX banded patients. I wonder if he would do them for a US surgeon as well? I have lost weight, but, its beginning to be a real struggle as the hunger returns....as I know you all understand. I think I'd rather drive to Gt.Falls than keep flying to Denver. I actually love that drive along the Hi-Line. Take care all, and thanks for listening. I hope things are going well for everyone and that we'll all be the 'biggest losers'! Joy

Lap Dancer... I don't post ofter, but, I have to say that I have followed your story and your courage is inspiring. Thank you so much for posting it and the OA thoughts and guidelines as well. I'm sure I'm not the only one on this board who looks forward to reading the wisdom. The things you have spoken of, I understand fully. I have been there too. It took me many years to learn the lessons of the serenity prayer...I'm still learning. Its hard to say, 'the thing is done', 'let it go and go forward', 'I forgive (them, myself or whatever)' This topic reminded me of a film I saw long ago called 'Rachel, Rachel'. It starred Joanne Woodward, and she won best actress for it. In the story, she had one of the most emotionally abusive mothers imaginable. It was very inspiring to me to see how she finally dealt with that issue, and looked hard at her own life and dealt with it too. If you ever get a chance to rent it or catch it on television, it would be well worth your time. It had some lessons I've not forgotten. Well, I am finally scheduled for my first fill with Dr. K. in Denver on Sept 12th. I have heard that he is extremely conservative with his fills. I am hoping to do another in Oct. Has anyone had two fills from him and how do you find your restriction now? I'm hoping that two will do at at least for the winter as it will be very difficult for me to return to Denver again before next spring. Best of luck to everyone on this journey.

That was some really good info WABB. Thanks so much for posting it. What are your thoughts on the Bariatric Advantage liquid protein? I checked the ingredients and its whey. I haven't quite figured out the 'pre-digested' part though. (sounds like its been regurgitated by someone else..ewww!) I am assuming that its been pre-digested by some type of enzymes. Does that sound about right? Bloom...I didn't order the Protica although I did look at it. Now, since seeing the info from WABB, I'm glad I didn't. It was way too expensive for the number of portions anyway. It seems that the BA protein is probably a better choice. I am doing ok so far with the band. The biggest problem I have is having any kind of a regular meal-time. I guess I would still have to call myself a 'grazer' although I have been eating only very minimal portions. I bounce between three jobs all the time, and finding a regular time to eat, for me, is almost impossible. I do emergency response stuff, and it makes it very difficult as I never know for sure when I'll be anywhere. I was doing (yet another) short stint with Nutri Systems about a month or so before I decided to be banded. About a month of that along with two weeks of pre-op and five weeks of banding have dropped me from 278 lbs to 229. It probably sounds a little silly, but I found an old belt which I can now get around me, and I tighten that puppy as much as I can stand.... it kind of reminds me not to eat too much... a little 'band-helper'.