budinindy

Hello to All, I just wanted to take a moment and share my milestone. Today is exactly 16 weeks since I had my surgery and I am down 100.8lbs. It hasn't been easy...nor hard...just a concentrated focus of making the right choices and doing what I'm supposed to do. I'm close to my goal on the scale...so I'm starting the transition to a more focused effort on toning up. This has been an amazing ride...and I just want to say to anyone who is considering Lap Band...you can have success despite what others might say. RNY is not the only WLS game in town. If you understand that it takes a little commitment and effort...you can be successful with Lap Band. I'm going to try and attach a picture...hopefully you'll be able to see my progress. I'm wearing the belt I wore when I had surgery...and I'm holding it at the hole I used to use. I wish everyone well. Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Bud in Indy

Ah yes...skin. Unfortunately for me...as being someone who has had a weight problem his entire life and has more stretchmarks around his stomach than lines on a road atlas...I have...and will have...some sagging skin...esp.around my stomach area. Will I opt for plastic surgery? Don't know. I've decided that once I reach my goal weight and am at a level of body toning I am comfortable with...once there I will wait a year and then decide whether or not I want to consider surgery.

Chris...I've been following your progress for a while. You are one of the guys who inspired me and made me realize that I could do this. So for that...let me say thank you. Yeah...I don't know that I've ever felt this good. In my pic I took today...I'm wearing 34" waist jeans. I have not done that literally since 8th grade. Today was a shock to me...b/c it was the first time since my surgery that I've seen a picture of myself pre-surgery (a friend sent it to me to show me how far I've come). It has only helped me to firm up my resolve and reach my final goals...32" waist jeans and between 165 and 175...whatever weight gets me to the pants size. It's been a good year. :-)

I posted on another thread...but thought I'd add my pics to this one too. The before pic was in June...a month before my surgery. The after pics are 16 weeks post surgery and 100.8 pounds later. Before.bmp

Let me try to attach this pre-surgery picture. If it does not attach...then I have some others at home that I will attach next week when I'm back. A couple of add'l thoughts. First...please...I do not want to discourage anyone! The one thing I have learned is that each person is different and loses weight differently. Whether someone has lost 5 lbs...or 50lbs...or 150lbs...each pound lost is a victory. I understand that my weight loss is the exception rather than the rule....and that as a guy...I will tend to lose weight quicker. With that said...I thought it was important to post to let everyone know that Lap Band can and does work...as I encountered a lot of reisitance from friends co-workers that the Lap Band would not work very well...and even my surgeon was concerned that RNY might be a better choice. But I knew in my heart that Lap Band would work for me...if I was honest with myself and tried. So...that's what I've done. I've exercised my tail off (currently 6 days a week on the treadmill...50 min at a time @ 4mph) and followed the dietary plan I was given. I have worked to protect and not stretch out my pouch...and made I would say 99% healthy food choices and portion sizes...with an occasional small portion of fried potatoes. :-) So there is no secret. I just am focused and remind myself that if I was at a point in my life that WLS was my only option...that I gave up the right to make excuses for not exercising or eating something I'm not supposed to eat. I so hope that I have not caused anyone to be disappointed with their lap band journey. That would be the last thing I would ever want to do. I just was hoping to show someone who was questioning whether or not the Lap Band would work (just like I did months ago)...that the band can work...and maybe be a bit of an inspiration to them...like so many on this forum were to me. Take care and have a good day. Bud Before.bmp

I had to laugh at this post...b/c yesterday my wife and I had this same conversation...about getting a new belt and I'm saying "No...it's perfectly fine." Granted...it's cracked and tattered...but it always puts me in a good mood when I put it on and sinch it up. So...yeah...I'll eventually get a new one...but not for a while. :-) Take care. Bud

Good Afternoon Everyone, Well I haven't had anything to say...so I've just been lurking the last few weeks...but today...a little good news. I had my 6 weeks follow up with my surgeon and the dietician....and I'm down 55 lbs from my weight the morning of my surgery. The Dr. was pleased...did not give me a fill but told me if hunger becomes an issue before my next follow up (in a month) to call and come in for one. The dietician was blown away. She could not believe a lap band patient could lose that amount of weight in such a short time. (She made comments like, "Wiat...this scale can't be right." and "There is just something wrong here. This just does not happen with the lap band." Both were quite proud of my progress...as am I. In my surgery center...I'm the exception..as 99% of the patients and RNY. So I guess that's why they were so surprised. whatever the reason...I'm just happy the band is working for me. That's all I got for now. Hope all of you are doing well. Take care and have a great day. Bud in Indy

Hey Guys...I need to chime in here too. I had my surgery 11 days ago...and for the last 3-4 days...I have been having sleep issues too. I comfortably sleep w/a CPAP. My issue is, frankly, I feel like my brain will not shut off and some of the evenings have felt jittery. I can feel I need to fall asleep...but my body just does not turn off. I've been doing everything exactly as my Dr. instructed...and the only new med I'm on is Lexapro. Could that be doing it? I've never been on an antidepressant before. As always....your insights are appreciated. Take care, Bud

Hey Bruce...I hope all is well. Today has been exactly one week since I had my surgery. Things have gone better for me than I would have ever expected. No real pain to speak of...just some general discomfort. Following the eating and exercise plan has not been an issue for me either. I don't know if that's because of the band...my mind set...or both. Whatever it is...I'll take it as a blessing. My pre-surgical weight was 288# the morning of...and my weight at discharge was 295#. I had my first follow-up appt. with my surgeon...and I'm down to 277#! So...not only did I lose the 7# of Fluid from the surgery...I have a net weight loss of 12#! Not too bad for 6 days. My next appt is 9/7...so I'll have a one month milestone to post then. Take care and have a great day. Bud

Hey everyone...just wanted to drop a note and let you know I'm home...with my band installed...and so far...it's been a fairly painless process. I have had minimal discomfort...no real pain to speak of...and not a lot of gas/bloating problems...and no nausea. If it weren't for the occasional twing I feel at a couple of the incision sites...I would never have known I had surgery. I just hope if continues to go well. The only diappointment was I did not get the AP band. My surgeon had ordered it...but for some reason...it did not arrive. This of course she did not find out until 40 or so minutes into the surgery...and boy...was my surgeon PO'd!!! They checked with another nearby hospital...but they did not have one either. So she had to talk w/my wife and have her make an executive decision...go with what they have...or close me up and try it again later in the year. My wife said go...and so they did. (Had I been in my wife's situation I would have made the same choice.) When I asked my surgeon what band I got...she said something about "10" but I do not know if she said the 10cm...or 10cc ( I was still a little cloudy). I'll make whatever I have work...but just curious is anyone had thought or insights on which might have been used. (I have an appt on the 30th...so I'll find out for sure then which ons she used.) But...I'm feeling great...only taking a minimum dose of pain meds...and just trying to take it easy...and learn how my stomach is going to work now. I've walked about 8 total miles since my surgery...which allowed my not to have to give myself Lovenox injections...as long as I keep up the movement to prevent blood clots. I'm focused and very happy so far. Anyway...enough rambling. Take care everyone and have a great evening. Bud

Hey all...just a quick note...about 12 hours from now I should be coming out of surgery and starting my new life. Many of you have inspired me with your success...my goal is to do the same for others. Take care and I'll drop a note in a few days. All the best. Bud

AZPete....I just wanted to say Thanks!! I go into surgery in 11 hours from now...and just thought I'd jump on the forum one last time...and man..am I ever glad I did!! As I sit here...I am not nervous..but comfortable and ready for the next stage of my life. My motivation is a little different than yours. Beyond the health and extended quality of life...in the back of my mind...I want to be the lap band patient that is an inspiration to others. At the hospital where I am having my procedure...it's 99.99% RNY...only a handful with the Lap Band. I want to be an example...a mentor if you will...that this will work...and it's a viable option for those who are willing to make a few changes and reap the benefits of an extended lifetime. Thank you again...your story just reinforces the fact that I am making the right choice for me. Continued success and good health. Bud

LapBandit...first and foremost...WOW!!! Congrats on your success so far!!! Your work is paying you dividends that will last a lifetime...and an extended lifetime at that! I am having my surgery a week from today...and am inspired by your success. I will be swinging by the pick up a copy of Eating for Life...but I have a question for you. On the EFL website...it seemed to indicate eating several small meals throughout the day...rather than just three...but in my nutrition class..they said three meals per day should be it to avoid over-eating. How do you plan your meals? After I ger the book...I will likely have more questions about adapting the concepts to a "bandster lifestyle". May I pick your brain at a later date? Thanks for the time and insights. Take care and have a great day. Bud

Big Wave Dave...what a great name! The AP stands for Advanced Platform band. It's the newest band out there. It a wider band...has 360 degrees of inflation...and a different perforated design. All of of that together is to help with issues of slippage, erosion and blockages. I read this article about it...seems to be performing well: Bariatric Times » Article Archive » The LAP-BAND AP™ System: The Platform Advances Hopefully the hype is true! I'll keep you all abreast of my progress. Thanks for chiming in. Talk to you later. Bud

Hey Guys...just wanted to drop a line and let you know I confirmed w/my surgeon that I would be getting the AP. Whew! Didn't even know about the AP a week ago...and now I'm just happy knowing I'm getting it. Now...as my surgery date is a week from tomorrow...the butterflies have kicked in!! Unfortunately I'm focusing on the stuff I won't be able to have again rather than focusing on all the stuff I'll be able to do and the extension of my life. I imagine that is normal...but it's funny...been at this for over a year and today is the first day I've really felt any nerves. But...when it comes to something unpleasant...I get worked up until right beforehand...then accept it...and say, "Ok...let's get it over with!" and move on. But I imagine the next week is going to be a little restless.... Anyway..just wanted to chime in and keep this room active. Have a good one. Bud

Thanks to everyone who chimed in on the AP band. If my surgeon has it available...that what I'd like to go with. Just seems like the right move. On a side note...I have to say several of you have inspired me even more...with the amount of weight you have lost in just 4-6 months. My surgery is the 24th...so 5 months to Christmas. I figure a goal of 50# by Christmas is a good, achieveable one with some work...and a goal of 75# would be a nice stretch goal. With effort and following the dietary guidlines 90-95%....I think (based on my previous weight loss history) that those numbers can be met. I'll keep you abreast of my progress. Thanks again for everything. Have a good one. Bud

Sarah, I switched from M-Plan to Aetna back in Jan in order to qualify for bariatric surgery. With my plan...I had to either have a 6 month history of physician supervised diet and exercise in my medical records w/in the last 2 yrs...or I could participate in a 3 month pre-surgical regimen of physician suprvised diet, exercixe, dietician support, etc. I did the 3 months...collected medical records for the last 5 yrs...had three letters of recommentation (my PCP, my surgeon and the physician who oversaw my regimen). With all of that and 2 health issues (high BP and sleep apnea) I was approved in 8 business days after submission of my packet. It was a long process...a lot of hoops to jump through...but pretty painless in the end. This is my experience w/Aetna...but what I understand....Aetna has different rules for different policies and riders. I met someone in my pre-op nutrition class that had Aetna and their policy did not cover bariatrics...so she switched to someone else. Long story short...the advice already given is best...call the providers and see what each will cover based on the coverage your employer offers before making a choice. That is what I did...and fortunatelyt for me...my employer's policy w/Aetna covered bariatrics. I hope this helps. Take care and good luck. Bud

Good Morning, In my case...my surgeon is predisposed toward RnY (99% RNY - 1% Lap Band), but she was...and is very supportive in my decision. What was interesting to me is the other people through this process who have questioned this decision. I've had a couple co-workers who have had the RNY try to tell me I'm making the wrong choice...the Physician who oversaw my sleep study and put me on a CPAP just told that his patients who have had RNY have gotten off the CPAP...but wasn't sure if the band would allow me to lose eough to do so...and finally (the worst one) the psychologist hwho performed my psych evaluation got quite nasty about it...strongly suggesting I was making a bad choice for sudccess. The best way to describe his demeanor: it was like an ex smoker who has become militant against smoking confronting someone with a cigarette in their hand. It was very surreal. But...after 10 minutes of going back and forth...he strongly suggested that I do more research and passed me. I did...and am more than even committed to the lap band. I know this is going to take work. I know it's going to be hard. But for me...the lap band is a much better tool than the RNY...and I'm looking forward to my surgery on the 24th. The moral of my rambling...do the research...talk to people...go to support meetings...and if you decide that the Lap Band is best for you...do not let anyone else convince you otherwise. I hope this helps. Take care and have a great day. Bud

Hey Guys...quick question. I've been doing a little reading on this AP band that is supposed to be the latest and greatest...and I'm trying to see if it is being widely used here in the US yet? I've seen references that it is approved....and reference to only a handful of surgeons in the US using it so far...but I do not know how outdated that info is. I have a call into my surgeon's office to see if she used the AP band...as I get band on the 24th...and would like the newest one if available. Does anyone know anything add'l? Also...I found an article talking about the AP band...probably already been posted somewhere...but I thought I'd add it in case some have not seen it. According to it..the APS band seems to be the band of choice. http://bariatrictimes.com/2007/06/02/the-lap-band-ap%e2%84%a2-system-the-platform-advances/ Any insights are appreciated. Thanks...and have a good day. Bud

Pronetus....nice to meet you. Yeah...sounds like we're about in the same boat. I will keep in touch...as it's good to have someone to bounce this stuff off of. I didn't know abou the AP band until I read that you were waiting for it...so I did a little digging...and have called my surgeon's office to see if this is the band they will be using. I hope it is. I just completed the pre-op testing. You gotta love barium at nine in the morning! But...it was all pretty painless...so I think I'm pretty much done w/everything (tests..visits..etc) until my surgery date. Maybe I'm naieve...but I just do not see how this will not work for me...as long as I get off my backside and walk...and stick to (as closely as possible) the eating plan. I just have to make sure all ice cream is out of the house! :-) Anyway...I hope things continue to go smoothly for you (or start to go smoothly if they haven't already) and I'll let you know how things go for me. Take care. Bud

Brewa & Law...thanks for the insights. I really believe that this can work for me...based on my past. In the last 20 yrs...I've lost over 60 lbs about 10-12 times...3 of those losing over 100. My best success has also been with a modified Atkins (lower...but not low fat, low carb, lots of Water and an hour on the treadmill per day). I'm focused and fired up...as I know this is one of those do or die moments...literally. I currently don't have any chronic health issues besides high BP and sleep apnea...but I turn 39 next month...and my dad had his first heart attack at 40...my mom at 46...and both died in their 50s. Not the legacy I want to leave my wife and son. I know this is going to be the hardest thing I've done...but hard does not matter to me. I'm at the point I'll crawl a mile across jagged glass while someone pouring salt all over me...as long as at the end of the day my health is improved...my life is extended to a more normal range...I can buy a pair of jeans at a normal store...and I have a legitimate chance of keeping the weight off. I have to admit I have one other motivation...and that is to be an example of others that Lap Band can and does work. What I have found is that at hospital I am having my procedure, there are very few Lap Band patients. 99.9% are RnY. I want to be that one guy in the support meeting that a person considering bariatric options can look to and say, "Maybe I should take a closer look at the Lap Band?" I guess I feel that way b/c I've had several try to push me toward RnY...and I want to prove them all wrong. A side question for Brewa2000....your last name is not Brewer by chance? If so...where does your family come from? I'm a Brewer with roots in Southeastern KY...but I was born and raised in Indiana. Oh...if anyone else would like to chime in as well... I'd appreciate it!! Take care. Have a great day and a better weekend! Bud in Indy

Good Morning to All, Well I've poked arond this forum for a while...made a couple posts...but this is my first post in the "Man Cave". (Yes..I stole that from Tony Siragusa's show!) Anyway... get my band on the 24th...and just curious on any male specific experiences and/or weight loss results I should keep in the back of my mind for say the 6 month to 12 month range?? Let me apologize now...as I'm feeling lazy today and didn't feel up to reading thru 55 pages of text...just in case the answers are already there. You see...my biggest concern is not that I'll lose weight...but that I won't lose enough. I'm 5'6"...and yesterday at my pre-op nutritional class I weighed 293#. My goal...is the 180#-190# range. It will kill me if I can only get to say...225#. I'm not trying to get down to the 120-150# range the stupid charts say I should be at. I mean I haven't been 150# since junior high! But...I'd like to think I can break and maintian the 200# mark...with enough padding that a 5# gain doesn't make the "1" change to a "2" on the ol' weight odometer. I've had great weight loss success in the past when I've cut my calories and carbs down...quick drinking beer...and got off my backside and on the treadmill. I typically get to right around the 200# range...but then start stuffing my face and crashing on the couch...and end up where I started. So I figure if I can at least get the portions cut down...I should be able to have success with a reasonable effort. I've noticed some posting for guys who look to be in about the same starting place and their tickers show some great progress...but just curious if anyone similar to my own build has been able to get to and maintain their weight at around 180#-190#? When I do any research...all I read about is the majority of people being in the 40-50% of excess body weight range. I assume that's both men and women...so I'm trying to find any male specific stats... Another question...and not trying to prove that this is all we think about...but my wife even asked about how long post surgery is typical before continuing "relations" so to speak....and when we do...if special considerations are typical...such as position? Anyway...that's for the time and the thread...and a special thanks to anyone who chimes in to my queries. Have a good one. Bud in Indy

Good Morning to All, Well...I just talked with my surgeon's office. I'm scheduled for surgery July 24th! I'm very excited...and a little nervous...but I know that this endeavor...in the end...will be all worth it. Ok...time to come clean, per se. I have not been watching what I eat or exercising up to this point. I used the excuse that I did not want to give the insurance company ammunition against me (You lost 15lbs...you can do it w/o surgery) and I always saying to myself, "Once I get a date, I'll start." So...now I have a date...I'm buying a new pair of comfy shoes this weekend and getting my butt on the treadmill. I figure if I get my body used to exercise again...it can only help me post op. The question I have is...is it important to try and lose some weight before the surgery? I've heard something about shrinking the liver...but my thought was about shrinking the stomach. I'm wondering if I lose some lbs...and get the stomach to shrink a little...that it might help with my first 6 weeks...as in less stomach shrinkage post surgery equates to having more of a restricitve feeling...and less hunger. Does that make sense...or is that just wishful thinking? Also...on a side note...I went to a support meeting at my hospital the other night...maybe 50 people in there...and not one w/ the band. It's the second support meeting I've been to and have only met one person with the band...and she was only 2 weeks post op. Is this common in other parts of the country with support meetings...99.999% RNY? Anyway..any insights and thoughts...as always...are greatly appreciated. Have a good day. Bud In Indy

Good Afternoon. Not sure where to start…as this is my first post…but I wanted to say “Thank You”. You see…I found your forum just last week…as I was searching for info b/c I was feeling a little unsure and nervous my decision. After jumping through all the “hoops”…I received my insurance approval for Lap Band last week. My surgery date is not yet set…but I suspect it will be in mid August. After finally getting approval… an old thought came back into my mind…will I really have a chance to succeed w/ the Lap Band…or do I need to consider the RNY?? My concerns stems from the same experience many of you I suspect have had…yo-yo dieting success/failure...and the loss of will to “try one more time” that comes with it. I just wanted to know that if I do this…as I only have one shot…that I’m making the right choice with the Lap Band. So…I guess I should apologize now…as I tend to be verbose…so I’m sorry if I’m rambling. Anyway…I’m 38yrs old…5’6”…and currently about 285#. In my adult life…I have focused and dieted…and lost at least 60# maybe 12 times…with three of those times being over 100#. And every time…well you know the story. A year ago…after gaining most of weight back from a previous year’s big loss…my wife insisted that I needed to go buy some clothes…as I had nothing I could wear. As with many of you I’m sure…clothes shopping is one of the worst life experiences I have. Anyway…when I agreed and did so…my wife saw something…I don’t know exactly what…but I think for the first time she got it and understood how much of an issue my weight was to me…and how unhappy I was with myself because of it…and how my self image issues were the prism through which I viewed the world. It was at that moment she brought up the idea of bariatric surgery. (As she put it..."I just want you to love yourself as much as everyone else loves you.") After several discussions and research…we decided he Lap Band was the way to go due to a number of reasons…but mostly b/c it is the least evasive and that my main issue is portion control. Since then…I’ve had two doctors…one the psychologist doing my evaluation and the other the physician who oversaw my sleep study…both question why I was doing the Lap Band instead of the RNY. When I explained al of my reasons…both suggested I was making the wrong decision (esp. the psychologist…vehemently I might add) and that I should re-evaluate…as my chances for success w/ the Lap Band are substantially less than the RNY. So now for 5 months…I have been questioning my choice. I didn’t want to go thru this and lose only 10-20#...when my personal goal is to get below 200# (and more if I can). I just needed to know that there was a legitimate chance of hitting my goal with the Lap Band. So I searched for info on the Internet and for every positive stat…I’d find a negative one. Not knowing what the agenda was for those posting information on the Internet…I just had to take what I read with a grain of salt…but this realization added little to my comfort level. Then I found this forum…and have read about the successes…and the encouragement…and even some of the problems/issues…but mostly how Lap Band has changed lives. This information was not coming from web sites trying to get you to do what they want…but from people who have…who are living with the Lap Band. I am happy to say I’m no longer questioning my choice of Lap Band…b/c from what I have read here…I know Lap Band will give me that legitimate chance…the rest is up to me. Anyway….I just wanted to say Thank You to those responsible for creating this forum and for those of you who post information and insights. This forum has given me hope and encouragement. I have some questions about things/expectations and such…but I’ll do some more reading before I post them just to see if I can find the answers with boring you more. I also promise that my future posts wil be shorter. Again…thank you. Bud In Indy.

I just wanted to take a moment and say Thank You again...for your kind words and for welcoming me. Take care...have a great day...and a better weekend!