sue72704

Hi all, I went for a fill on Friday May 20th. I was on liquids until Monday. Well now I can't eat anything, I tried tuna, with no luck, and I figured that if I can't eat tuna, then I shouldn't try any other meat. Everytime I try to eat, it comes right back up. I can get down liquids, so I am thinking I should do liquids and soft foods and if I am still having problems I will call my Dr. I hate to lose the fill, because now I have to pay cash (change of insurance companies) so $350.00 is alot for me, so I would like to make this one work. Any suggesstions would be great. Things to try?? Thank you Sue

Hello everyone, I am so discouged at this point. I have been banded for 2 years now and I have not reached my goal weight. I started out at 351 lbs and once was 197 lbs, and now am at 210 lbs. I gained that weight back after I was filled too tight, and actually couldn't eat, and gained 13 lbs. I am not doing well, very discourged, I have this big belly, just hanging there, can't jog cause it hurts my back, I do walk alot, but it just don't seem to be doing anything. I don't want anyone to think I am whining, I am grateful that I have lost the amount of weight I have, and I would never regret my choice of having the lap band, and I know that I would of never lost the amount I have without having the band. I have read alot of post on the website here, and I get alot of support, and I relate to alot of things. One thing that I can relate to is not being able to eat all day long, and being able to eat anything after 6 p.m. I really am under alot of stress at work, and I believe that stress makes me tight, and I can't keep anything down, so I am not getting my Protein in. I need to take responsiblity for some of this. I get frustrated and then eat the wrong things, then beat myself up for 2 days. I just had to vent to people who will understand. I can tell my very supportive friends, and family, but they don't understand fully what is going on inside my head. Thank you for listening to me Suzan

Hi All, Thought I would post a newer picture of me. Thank you for all the support I see and read. Suzan

Way to go!!! :D I have so enjoyed reading all the post you reply too. Your words of wisdom :biggrin1: really have helped me out. Suzan

I am almost 2 years out and I have experienced the same thing. It is really weird. Glad I am not the only one.

After losing weight my wedding ring went from a size 12 to a size 8. I was really happy, when I got them from the jewely store after having them sized I thought no way those are mine, but they were, and I could put them through another ring I didn't have sized. That was awsome.

Hi all, I wanted to share my first year with my band. I am writing 3 days late, but with my work schedule this was the first day I could sit and write. I was banded on July 27th 2004, and in one year I have lost 144 lbs. I went from 351 to 207. I can't remember the last time I was 207, maybe 7th grade??, but boy what a year it has been. I have learned alot about myself and the band. I consider my band as a tool, either I can use it or I can leave it in the tool box. I have learned that I need to eat protien, protien and more protien. I have learned that Water is in deed my friend, LOL. I have also learned to chew my food, and take my time. It is pretty wierd, I am the last one done at supper and I am the fullest. I love my band, right from the beginning. I woke up after having it done and said oh boy what did I do, and I think that was the shock that it all happened. I remember going back to work 3 days after surgery, and saying oh boy this is so great if I had the RNY I would be at home for 6-8 weeks, but not me I am a bandster and I get going. I have not experienced any horrible side effects. I did suffer from a bout of consitpation, but I learned water and benifiber was my friend too. I know I have along way to go. I hate it when people say how much more would you like to lose, I say another 67 pounds, and they say oh my god you don't want to lose that much more. I think well I can dream, and who knows if I will, I will keep plugging away day by day. My Doctor and I was talking and he said that I have done really well, I told him that I am happy with the results, and if I didn't lose another pound then I am healthier than I have been in 20 years and so much more energy. He said that is true but you will keep losing which I hope is true. I sometimes get discourged when I look at my arms, and thighs, and abdomen, but who knows maybe someday the plastic surgery fairy will come and visit me...LOL , but that is something I will need to deal with. I would have to say that buying clothes is fun. I can remember going to the store and hoping to see some size 32 clothes, now I go in and know there will be size 18's and how fun it is to shop. I sometimes think this is a dream, I never thought I would lose 25 pounds never mind 144 pounds. I also am so glad I can run and play with my girls. I go for walks and hike with them, before my surgery they had to beg me to go outside, now I am saying come on off the couch and outdoors. My lawn has never been so maintained as it has been this summer. I am planning a day to go kayacking (spelling is not good) and I am planning to go on a motorcycle ride, something I have never done before, I can't wait. I am so thankful that I found this support group and I read all the post, and everyday I learn something new. I want to thank everyone that has responded to my previous post, and gave me some awsome words of wisdom and support. So thank you all. I will post some new pictures when I can. Thank you all again, and for everyone remember that we need to take one day at a time, and we all will succeed!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you all and god bless you all Sue

Mercedes When I refer I use my band, I eat the foods I should, I could drink milkshakes, eat ice cream, or high suger foods but I consider that not using the band to its fullest. Does that make any sense? (I get confused with my words sometimes :knockedou) Take care Sue

My PCP was interested in the Lap Band. When I asked her about a referal, she did, but really didn't know anything about it. So everytime I go and see her she is amazed at my weight loss, and has done lab work and can't beleive that it is all good. I was her first lap band patient that she has worked with post op. So I am teaching her alot about the band. and I am loving to show her the results.

Hi there, I was and still am a smoker. My dr. didn't ask anything about smoking, but when I met with the pre op team the anetheolist (really bad speller) asked me and told me that I should quit for over all health too. I had my surgery, I didn't smoke the morning of surgery and I made out good. I would let them know before you go in for surgery just so they are aware. Good luck and it is a great journey!!!!!

My 8 year old daughter says to me "Mommy can I play with your bread", now my bread is my bat wings....I just have to laugh at that, and I felt it and it does feel like bread dough..LOL

Hi Wanted to put a 11 month picture up. I am down 137 lbs. I tried to put a before picture but couldn't figure it out. My before is on page 1 of this thread Thank you all Sue

Hi there, I too suffered the good ol' runs for 3 to 4 days after surgery. My Dr. said it was the anesthia (?spelling) from surgery going out of my body. It got much better as time went on. Take care and welcome to the journey!!! it is GREAT!!!!!!!

One thing I would recommend is to cook a chicken before surgery, and save the broth from the chicken and freeze it in very small containers. I know after my surgery I had bought the can stuff, and to tell you the truth I didn't like it. My friend had cooked a chicken and she brought me over some of the broth and I was in heaven!! So that is one thing you could do to prepare. Hope all goes great and remember it is so worth it!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi All, Wanted to give an update, I had my fill done on May 20th, and that weekend I did Clear liquids, PB'd a couple of times on liquids, and then started on soft foods, well I had one PB after another, so I did another couple of days of liquids, then soft and again PB'ing. I then called my Doctor and I asked if I needed a unfill, they said I could, but what has probably happened is my stomach has become swollen and the band is real tight, I could come in and have some taken out, however once the swelling goes down it will be time for another fill, so they said to try just my protien drinks, and liquids for about 5 days, and then start out again. Well it has been 3 days of liquids, and I havent PB'd at ALL!!!! I can actually feel the liquids go down better, so I am hoping it all works out and I hope I won't have to have an unfill. Has anyone else ever had this happen to them??? I was just wondering. But I still love my band, it is the best thing I have ever done in my life. I hope to reach 140 lbs weight loss by my band-anniversay, I am at 133 lbs weight loss now, so I think by July 27, 2005 I can do it.

www.mainebariatric.com

Thought I would let you know that I went on Friday, and everything was fine, my port was kind of tilted, that was it. I hope yours goes well too!!!!

I am a Substance Abuse Counselor. I work mostly with adolescents...and I love it!!!!!!!!!!! Also a Mother of 2 daughters, 8 and 11 years old (that could be my full time job, but....)

Hi there, I wanted to post how many pounds average on a weekly basis, mine is 2.88 lbs a week, not bad. I need to keep it goin.....and with all your support I will make it!!!!!!!

Tanya, I went last week to get a fill, and to my surprise my Dr. couldn't find my port either. I was getting ready to flip out too, but I ran into a "band friend" and she said it prob. has turned alittle, and not to worry. So I am trying not to worry, and I will find out friday when I go get the flouro, and I will let you know how I made out. Good luck to you!!!!

Hi all, I thought I would write to get some advise, or to just vent. Well I am doing good, went to the Doctor to get a fill Wednesday, (at his office), and he couldn't do it, something with my port. I was angry because I have to pay for them because I have a different insurance (now aetna), and it cost over $300.00, but beside the money I needed that fill. So the nurse is sopose to set up a time to do it at the hosiptal with x-ray, I don't believe my insurance will even cover the x-ray, but my Dr. said one or two things could have happened. One is the port has turned alittle bit, and he just couldn't find it with the needle, or the port has moved all the way around which could warrent another surgery, now my heart is beating real bad, because i am positive the insurance wouldnt pay for it. I am really a big mess....I love my band, and have lost 121 lbs since July 2004, I need to keep going. The funny thing since he tried to do the fill in the office, is I am now starving.....could he of punchered something with the needle trying to do the fill, god i hope not. I still havent heard from the Dr.s office, the x-ray time and date and that is driving me crazy. Sorry to have rambled on but I had too.

I know what you are going through. I got consitpated so bad I ended up in the E.R. I started taking benifiber. I got the powder, and mixed it with apple juice. I let it sit for 2-3 minutes and it was clear after that, and no taste, and now discoloration. It has worked for me. Also I found if I drink alot of water it helps keep me regular. Good Luck

Hi everyone, Boy do I love to read all the support I see here, and I am wondering if anyone has felt like I am right now. I had my band on 7-27-04, and have lost 115 lbs. and I am so happy. But I am having some weird thoughts. I was talking to my husband about summer coming. I told him that I don't feel comfortable wearing shorts, tank tops, neverless a bathing suit. I told him the way my arms, and thighs look, I couldn't imagine wearing them. I thought about it, last summer I would wear shorts, and work out in the yard in my bathing suit at 351 lbs, with no problem. Now at 236 lbs, I can't imagine it. I have been walking alot, and was going to the gym on a regular basis (so I have been working on my arms and legs), but with a new job, and the hours, I am not able to make it to the gym. I am looking into buying some exercise equipment and I am wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what to get. I don't have alot of money, but I don't want to buy something that is a waste of time and money. I would really appriciate any suggestions people may have. Thank you all Sue

Hi all, I was banded 7/27/04 and so far have lost 111 lbs. I AM NOT MORBID OBESE :cheeky I AM JUST OBESE NOW:banana !!!!This is a goal I've had for a long time and I finally made it. That is great, and I am really trying hard to keep on track. I went to my Doctor to get a fill. He gave me .6, I finally found out I am now at 1.8 cc. and I think he said I have a 4 cc band?????(I can't remember 100 percent). I am SO HAPPY!!!! Now, I have changed jobs, and of course insurances, and I asked while I was there if Aenta will cover my fills. The lady at the desk said no way they don't pay for anything. So I asked how much, thinking that its just a office visit, so it shouldn't be much.....yeah right she said $540.00, boy was I surprised. It really makes me so mad that the insurance company can't see the benifits of it. I am going to write them a letter and ask them a question.. "Would they like to pay for the medical problems assoicated with me being 351 lbs?" But anyway I thought I'd let everyone know I'm doing good. I hope you all have a great day, you are all amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sue

Hi all I want to introduce myself. I am Sue and live in Maine. I was banded on July 27, 2004 in Augusta by Dr. Morand. This was an easy choice after I did all the research on the band vs. gastric. I knew when I read the facts the lap band was the safest choice. I started out at 351 lbs. and as of today I am down to 265 lbs. I am very happy about the weight loss I've had so far!! I have alot more to go, but I need to remember one day at a time. Thanks for all the suggestions I've read so far Sue 351 at surgery 265 12/29/04 down 86 lbs