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lindaa

LAP-BAND Patients
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Everything posted by lindaa

  1. I was told today that I have “a little slippage." The radiologist will send the report to the doctors who are supposed to contact me tomorrow about what needs to be done. In the interest of being informed ahead of time, I'm hoping that someone can clarify for me what exactly a slippage is, what causes it, and what are the treatment options?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
  2. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    Janet--thanks again for the encouragement from Wasa. She does seem to know what she's talking about, so since my doctor STILL hasn't called me back, I'm sticking to liquids. I have 1cc of my fill left; I hope that isn't going to mess things up. Who knows! I am so motivated by your 175! You were on a plateau last week, but you broke through big time--GOOD FOR YOU!! Just promise one thing--that when you get the last 15 off you won't abandon us, OK? It just wouldn't be the same here without you. Steph--gald you're starting to feel better! Sorry, I'm the one to ask about exercise videos. But I'm thinking about spring and getting outside walking again. As soon as the time changes and it's lighter in the evening I think I will take up my evening walks again. Karri--You bet you will get back on track, and good job not letting a little popcorn get the best of you! We are bigger than this food thing, and we will win! I have got to say that while the reflux at night may be a thing of the past, the heart burn all day long has returned with a vengence. Someting still isn't right. Guess I'll have to nag the doctors again tomorrow. Well, I'm off to volulnteer at a free clinic this evening. Catch you all later.
  3. lindaa

    Hello from Wisconsin

    Jenni--Dr Chua is following up with me, and my sister is scheduled to see him tomorrow. Who is your mother-in-law? You can PM me if you'd like. I need someone with some "pull" over there as I have a slipped band and they're not returning my phone calls! I don't want to do anyting to make things worse, so it sure would be nice if they'd get back to me! Oh yeah, I live in Sheboygan. Good to meet you neighbors! GO PACK!!@!
  4. lindaa

    Hello from Wisconsin

    Jenni--Dr Chua is following up with me, and my sister is scheduled to see him tomorrow. Who is your mother-in-law? You can PM me if you'd like. I need someone with some "pull" over there as I have a slipped band and they're not returning my phone calls!
  5. lindaa

    Found out today my band slipped :(

    Thank you all so much for your comments on this thread. My symptoms were identical to the ones you describe which is what convinced me to schedule an unfill. They took out most of my fill, leaving 1 ml. and sent me for a barium swallow. The radiologist told me that my band has slipped "a little" and I'm still waiting to hear back from the surgeons. In the meantime, I am feeling better and thanks to you guys, I know to stay on liquids. I hope you continue to post your progress, and any advice you have. I have a hard time communicating with the doctors who are doing my follow up.
  6. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    Yup, that was it--pretty graphic right? Sorry about that everyone. I wonder how long it will take for the doctor's office to call me back? Yesterday I left a message telling them that I was having chest pains (true--like you get when food gets stuck, except that I wasn't eating), you'd think that would get a response--not. My sister has been going to the same group and is even more frustrated with them and their "processes" than me. From a nursing point of view, I have to say that Mexico has their act together compared to what we've been dealing with here. I only wish I didn't leve 3000 (or whatever) miles away although it might come to that yet. Mango--I gave a pair of my "fat" jeans to someone and saw her wearing them recently. I had no idea. . . Thank you God, for this band.
  7. JA45502--I know that you don't want an unfill. I didn't either, but after dealing with what you're describing for 6 weeks, I finally did go in this week only to be told that my band has slipped a little. They took out most of my fill now, and hopefully I won't need to have surgery to resposition it. My thought for you is that you should call your doctor. You want to take care of your band so you get the most out of it.
  8. Joe, both my sister and I are nurses, and we both agree that this band business in the US is one of the most frustrating, poorly run, annoying processes we have ever seen. I got my band in Mexico--no problems. 6 weeks from the initial phone call to surgery. My sister has been messing around with this since November, and still doesn't have a surgery date. I have complicatons now and do you think I can get ahold of the local doctor who has been following up? A radiologist told me that my band has slipped and I'm having chest pains--Do you think that maybe they'd return my phone calls?
  9. lindaa

    Please Anyone Help

    You must have been terrified! I'm so sorry. Yes, I've heard that perforations and infections are risks associated with the surgery and they can occurr in the US as well as in Mexico. Thankfully your husband had his operation is a hospital where they had access to the ICU, vents, and advanced techniques. I hope his recovery goes smoothly from now on. Keep us posted.
  10. lindaa

    Slippage: Causes? Treatment?

    jojo, Let us know what the doctor says. I totally understand your fears--they're mine exactly! My doctor has not called back, which is VERY annoying. I'm not urgent, I get that, but I sure would like to know what I should be doing so that I don't cause any more damage. For now, I'm sticking to liquids.
  11. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    Jackie--Your enthuasism is contageous! Makes me feel good to hear about your shopping trip. You're going to have to post a pic of you in your new workout outfits. Karri--I know how addictive popcorn can be--especially when it's warm, crunchy and salty. We all lose it from time to time, the trick is to not make excuses for yourself, but just fess up and knock it off--which you did! You had 1 bad day. You're gonna be OK. I slept really well last night and had a lot more energy for work today. I was still afraid to eat anything more solid that SF pudding, but no problems with that, water, coffee, or soup. The doctor never did call me back, despite the message I left at 3:30. I guess I'm not critical, but it's annoying not knowing what to do. I don't want to cause any more damage, so I will take it slow again tomorrow. Thanks again for your hugs and concern. I'm hanging on.
  12. lindaa

    Slippage: Causes? Treatment?

    jojo--many of your symptoms are similar to what brought me to the doctor yesterday. Specifically, severe back pain in upper back and pain in sternum area everytime I eat lasting several hours. I had some of that. Now, progressing to vomitting almost everytime I eat. I was headed in that direction. Mostly, I was vomiting only at night, but when it started happening during the day is when I got really scared. Have modified diet to reduce acid, not eating after 6 pm, living off Tylenol (when I can keep it down). Yup, did all of that too. Last night was the first time in months I didn't take a pepsid before going to bed. Scared to death. I hear you, hon. I think it's time to either contact your doctor in Mexico or go to the ER of a hospital that is familiar with bands. I truly understand the money part, but if you have health insurance at all, they should pick up the cost of complicatons. Laura MD has a post about this somewhere in this thread. She said: "I have seen many posts on this site regarding "self-pays" worried about paying for subsequent surgery when they have a problem such as slippage. You should all be aware that even though the Lap-band surgery was elective and may not have been covered by your insurance, problems that arise later are very different! If you have a slippage for instance, that is potentially life threatening and MUST be corrected. That means it is required, not elective, surgery and your insurance must pay for it. Go to the mat with your insurance company, even call the insurance commissioner's office for help if you have to, write the appeal letters and ask your doctors' office to help you if need be, but make them cover it! Don't take no for an answer, and DO NOT put off proper care because you are worried about the cost. Besides, any doctor worth their Hippocratic Oath will do the surgery regardless of your coverage, if your health is at risk. Please take care of yourself first and the details later" Public hospitals are required by law to provide care regardless of your ability to pay. They have the right to require you to agree to a payment plan later, but they still need to provide life-saving care when you need it. If your band slipped, and you can't keep anything down, you are at risk of becomming dehydrated, and that has serious complications. So if you don't get better, or heaven forbid, things get worse, don't hesitate to go to the ER.
  13. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    Karri, Jackie, Janet, Ruby--you guys are better than all the Bloody Mary's I could have drank last night. (I stopped at 2). Karri, You gave me a goal to keep losing even without restriction. I can do that too. Jackie, It's good to know that your doc also told you that just waiting would work. I'm not following up with the same doctor that did the surgery, and I've never discussed complications with this one. At least now I know that there are at least two doctors out there that take a wait and see approach. Janet, you are such a supporter--always seing the silver lining and right there with the hugs. I'm so blessed to have you for a friend. Ruby, if you don't start feeling better soon, please see your doctor. I'm glad the mashed potatoes tasted good. I hope you had a good evening and that you've turned the corner on this. Warning, TMI coming up: If I needed a colonoscoopy, today would be a great time to do it. Ever since I got home yesterday afternoon my body has been cleaning itself out like the worst case of stomach flu (without vomiting) you can imagine. I'm actually afraid to go to work today, except that I'm giving tests in both classes that I have today, so I can make a quick exit if I need to. If I had to lecture, well, that'd be a problem! What drama! You guys are showing me how families are supposed to work. I love you. Because of you, I know this isn't the end of the line for me! You're in this with me. Thank you.
  14. lindaa

    Slippage: Causes? Treatment?

    Well, I'm about 7+ months post op, and things seemed to go really south about 2 weeks ago. I think I may have been overfilled about 6 weeks ago. I had about half of that fill removed 4 weeks ago, but the unrelenting vomiting at night has been going on for over a week now and last weekend things became intolerable (every 20 minutes all night long) leading to my dr. visit today.
  15. lindaa

    mexico and bands

    I can't emphasize enough the need to prearrange after care. I'm having some complications, and I am so grateful that I have access to local doctors instead of traveling 2000 miles back to TJ. The follow up is actually more important than the surgery itself IMHO.
  16. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    Hi Lapband sisters, Bad news: I went to the doc today and she took out over half of the 2.2 mls that was in the band and sent me for a barium swallow which showed that my band, while it is open now, has slipped "a little." The radiologist couldn't tell me what, if anything, needs to be done. I have to wait till tomorrow when he sends the report to the docs who will decide. Best case scenerio as I understand it (mostly from reading the complications threads): Things will stay as they are now and maybe in time, and with keeping to a liquid diet, the band will go back where it belongs and eventually I can have it refilled to where it was before I started having problems. Worst case scenerio: Surgery--which may or may not be paid for by insurance. So, I am on my second Bloody Mary of the evening. Well I do feel physically better now, I am reasonably discouraged. You all know how resistant I have been to exercising, so the weight I've lost has been mostly the result of strict intake control. They did tell me that my pouch is not stretched, so I don't think that the slippage is the result of anyting that I did wrong. I think my last fill was just too tight, and even though I had half of it taken out a couple of weeks later, it was still too much. My fear of course is that I will regain weight. I can live without losing the last 30 pounds, although it would be so sweet, but I just don't want to start gaining pounds back. That was my reason for getting the band in the first place. I've lost all my excess weight before, but always gained it all back. I was hoping that this time it would be different. Anyone want to drink with me?
  17. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    Hi Everyone, It was a blur of a weekend with kids and their friends here for birthdays, throwing a wedding shower, and having even more guests for Sunday dinner. On top of all that, for about the last week I have been waking up every 20 minutes all night long coughing, gagging and vomiting. Yesterday I hardly ate anything at all, and in the evening I couldn't even drink a few sips of hot tea. This morning, every joint in my body ached from not getting serious sleep for so long. Today at work I voimted the chicken broth I had for lunch and whatever food I did eat yesterday! (gross, I know) After that I called and made an appointment with the doctor for tomorrow. I give up. I've been having problems ever since my fill on Jan 11. Even after having half of that taken out, something is still not right. I'd work with it, but not at the expense of not sleeping. I wish I could do a better job of keeping up with your posts. I do read every single one, but sometimes it's days later before I get a chance to post, and by then it's old news. You guys in the desert have no idea what a brutal winter thoes of us in the midwest are having. I can't remember having this much snow, bitter cold, and wind. Tonight again, my plans were changed because events are cancelled. Guess that's good because it gave me an opportunity to let you all know that I'm still here. Well, I'll hang around for a little while, then I'm going to go to bed (yeah, it's only 7:00) and get started on my 10-minute sleep cycles.
  18. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    Good morning friends, We spent about 2 hours in sub-0 temperatures with wind chill < -20 shoveling and snowblowing a 4 foot high by at least 15 foot wide drift out of our driveway yesterday. It was brutal. Katrina--you want to talk about wind? It wasn't as bad as a tornado or hurricaine, but it blew and howled all night and all day long. I'd say that I got some exercise yesterday--got the blisters on my hands and aches in my arms and legs to prove it! CeCe--Please don't hesitate to post, even when you're going through a rough time. We all understand. We all mess up--well at least I do! The goal here is not to be perfect, it is to be healthier than we were. It's a process, and there are going to be times when you have to step back before you can move ahead. We want you to succeed! It's hard, and no one can do it alone. Brandy--150 is awesome! That could be an ideal weight for me. Congratulations! Karri--I am proud of your great atitude about the scale and acknowledging all the things you've learned the last 6 months. You are an example of how this process is about much more than losing weight. It's about making changes inside, and in a sense we are all growing through this experience. We are all different people today than we were 6 months ago! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us. Janet--our leader: WOW! What a nice compliment! You would be an ideal moderator--just don't forget about your friends in the Lucky 7's. Keep us posted on the Alergen thing too--it sounds like a wonderful opportunity to promote and improve LBS! And about those size 10 red jeans. . .You have got to post a pic! I will post a pic from my son's wedding when I will be wearing a size 10 dress. THAT is my goal! (I'm a 16-18 now) Kirajh--I am sorry you had such a sad and frustrating birthday. It seems that as wives and mothers, we're always fussing after everyone else. Once in a while, it would be so nice to be fussed over a little bit. You deserve it, no matter how their behavior makes you feel. I have a friend who is an esthetician, and she's been giving me facial peels and I've bought some of her sking care products. Go ahead and treat yourself to something like that--something indulgent, not food related, and pamper yourself. Tell yourself it's a b-day gift from your Lucky 7 friends! OK--long post, sorry. I won't be around much this week or weekend. Two youngest kids are having b-days next weekend (youngest one's 21!) and are coming home with their friends to celebrate. I am also entertaining my parents and some distinguished guests for lunch on Sunday (one of them was a childhood friend of mine who has gone into academia and has been on the boards of a couple of colleges and a seminary). I'm nervous about all the food, and keeping my mother happy. (That would be another lengthy post, and a source of my eating disorder. . .) Make it a good week everyone. I'll try to keep up with you all!
  19. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    Kirajh--Just yesterday I was thinkin about how when my kids graduate this spring, I won't be going to Meijers anymore. I know it's not a fancy store by any means, but I was always able to find decent quality women's clothes there for a reasonable price. I got the best pj's ever last fall. We don't have Meijers in Wisconsin, so I'm out of luck. Anyway, I'm glad you had a good birthday and were able to Celebrate guilt-free. Phyl--I am so happy for you. There's nothing like nice undies to make you feel pretty. It's a girl thing for sure. I hope I'm as youthful as you at 64 (not that far away for me). You remind me of my grandma who everyone thought was my mom's younger sister! We always giggle at the story when she was about 80 and went out to lunch with her lady friends. They decided to try out this new resturant--named Hooters! Age is just a number, and you still have a lot of life in you! Go ahead and enjoy being pretty! You've earned it!!! Yeah, I'm up early b/c I can't sleep without reflux. I am fine being tight all day, but this not sleeping is the pits. It's not acidy since I take Pepsid before going to bed, but it's still annoying and foul tasting to have that stuff in my mouth and nose all night long. Who said this is easier?
  20. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    Hi everyone. Just checking in to let you know I'm still here and keeping up with everything. No time to write much, and honestly, you all give wonderful advice and support before I get a chance to jump in with my own.. I'm still dealing a little bit with too much restriction and I'm on that plateau along with some of you. It's not fun, but I'm hanging in there. It almost seems like it's a normal thing for being 6-7 months out. Maybe our bodies have adjusted to receiving a lot less food, and are more efficient with what we do eat. I am noticing that my hair loss has slowed down quite a bit the last month too. You know, even though I want to lose 40 or so more pounds, If I don't lose even one more pound, I am still happy. I can fit in a booth at a resturant; I don't have to worry about fastening my seat belt on an airplane; I can buy clothes in normal sizes; I can cross my legs like a lady when I sit; I have shoulders and collar bones; I can hold a baby in my lap and feed her a bottle; I can get on the floor and play with kids; I don't have carpal tunnel syndrone or joint pain when I walk; and I can stand in front of a classroom and not feel like a spectacle. Yes, life is good. What I lose from this point on is frosting in the cake! (and yes, I love frosting too!)
  21. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    Ruby's pics are in the new "Bragging" thread--so are Jackie's. Great job ladies!
  22. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    THAT'S IT!!! That was the 4th thing I am going to do this summer when I get closer to my ideal weight. Go for another sleep study! Kari--I think that may be your problem--either your settings are too high, or maybe you don't need it at all. How much have you lost? I definitely would call the sleep clinic and see what they think, but it wouldn't surprise me if they tell you to have another study to retitrate!
  23. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    I've missed a lot the last couple of days. Janet--You are one classy looking woman! Beauty and Brains! Steph--when one of my kids was 14, I would have sold him to the gypses--it was that awful. He learned to drywall to repair the holes he made in the walls. Lots of sleepless nights with that one. I wouldn't sign for his dirver's license until he shaped up. He went to tech school--and failed a couple of classes there until he finally started to figure things out. Now, at 28, he has his bachelor's degree and a great job as a Systems Engineer at a large insurance company that has earned distinction as the best place to work in the USA for several years. He plays bass guitar in our church's Praise Team and does the sound system. He's also taking classes at the church with one of his friends who has shown an interest. He's married and his wife is expecting their first baby. I'm not bragging; just want you to hang in there and have faith. Your son will straighten out. Kari--I'm about 8 pounds away from overweight too. I can't wait. To me that's even better than onederland!!! Good for you!!!!! Katrina--my li'l sis lived in Pensacola--right along the coast on the way to Perdido key--and got hit by Ivan too. Actually, their house is gone now. My husband spent a week in Biloxi rebuilding. My heart goes out to all of you. It's a beautiful area--I love vacationing in Gulf Shores--beaches are wonderful. I've had the same experiences about stimulating metabolism once in a while. For thoes who discredit us by saying that we're not doing the work: I've done this both ways. The only difference is that when I did it myself, I gained it all back plus. This time I expect the band to help me KEEP it off for the rest of my life. When I did it myself I never had problems with PB-ing and being up all night unable to sleep. I didn't have the constant reflux, hiccupping and burping. This is easier? I think not! Ruby--I've been where you are. I think in time it will losen enough that you will be more comfortable. As long as you don't get dehydrated, and can get SOME calories in, you will be OK. (Now everyone, don't throw your rotten tomatoes at me. . .) A small McDonald's milkshake (440 calories) goes down real well and stays down. Yes, it's not a healthy snack, but when I couldn't even tolerate the protein shakes (oh my gosh, pb-ing thoes is awful) I could sip on a milkshake and feel comforted. The trick is to limit them--you can't do it every day, but ONCE IN A WHILE, when all else fails and you want to give up, go ahead and have one. Brandy--I'm saying a prayer for you. How frustrated you sound and I would be too. You seem to be doing all the right things. Hang in there friend! I have to echo what Janet said about you all being my friends. I am so blessed by this thread. I wish I could give as much as I get from all of you. Count me in on the trip to Chicago to boycott Oprah--you'll be in my neck of the woods. Chicago is a great place for us to get together. Lots to do there, especially in the summertime. I love that city. Love you all, Linda
  24. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    Karri--Size 9? You're kidding me! That is absolutely wonderful. You're amazing!
  25. lindaa

    Lucky # Sevens- July 07 Bandsters

    Yeah, Janet--where are you? It's not like you to not check in all day!

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