KD8888

Good morning Karen, I never blacked out, but I did have several episodes where I felt like I was going to. For me, it was when I was out for a little while in the second week. That was my signal to get back home and rest. You must be really excited with your results. It is amazing what a good doctor can do.

I'm glad to hear you are home and doing well. Get plenty of rest. Your drains will be out before you know it and you'll have a little more energy each day. Keep us posted when you're up to it.

SarahK, I'm almost a year out now. I don't remember how much I lost if anything before my fills. This is not the time that most people lose. Some gain during this period. Try not to worry about weight for a few more weeks. I know that is hard, but focus on making good food choices. Take walks or do anything that keeps you busy so you are not focusing on food. Do you have some hobby or one you've been wanting to try? Maybe now would be a good time. It really will get better once you are able to eat more foods. Hang in there!

I'm sorry I don't have any great advice for your immediate problem. I know this is not what you want to hear, but you probably need a slight unfill if you keep experiencing reflux. I have had to be completely unfilled twice. I was taking about 4 nexium a day plus Tums. The first time I was unfilled for 4 weeks to let it settle down. The second time (only about a month after I was refilled) I had to be unfilled again, this time for 6 weeks. I just got filled again last week and had to have a very slight unfill this week. I don't want to end up it the same situation, so I'm being extra careful. As a general rule, the doctor says don't eat at least 3 hours before going to bed. If in a few days you are still experiencing problems, please seriously consider a slight unfill. You appear to be so close to goal that you may not see a significant difference in how the food goes thought your band after some weight loss (like some people see in the beginning of weight loss.) I know when I was experiencing the reflux, I stopped losing all together for 3 months, until I was unfilled and refilled after 4 weeks. Good luck.

Karen, I've been thinking about you. I hope your resting comfortably. I can't wait to hear from you.

StephD, Sorry I missed your reply. I'm not confused. I know exactly where WV and Virginia are. I am very familiar with both. If my post wasn't clear, let me try again. What I was suggesting was that if a doctor would not give you a fill, you weren't getting the benefit of the band. It is often hard for a patient to find a different doctor for aftercare/fills. Fill Center USA seemed to be an option. I don't believe there is one in WV, at least not the last time I researched. On the other hand Virginia (which borders WV) did have several Fill Center USA locations from what I recall. I do realize that Virginia may not be close, depending on where you live in WV, so one of the other bording states might be a better choice if you needed fills from someone other than your original surgeon and you were willing to travel to get it. The poster that I replied to did get a fill, so I'm guessing she didn't need to travel.

Karen, I never mentioned it.

Karey, You look great! I don't think you need a revision either. I think it's good that you're giving it some additional consideration. When you've decided, you'll know it's the right decision for you.

Karen, I'm thinking about you. I remember getting nervous too. It's normal. I'm 4 weeks out now and I have a little more energy, but in an effort to keep swelling down, I'm going to bed earlier than normal since I'm at work all day. I'm bored watching TV! You'll be here before you know it. Good Luck!

Hey ladies, I survived 4 days at work this week, but I'm really swollen right now. I've decided I'm going to take off work on Wednesday of next week and maybe the following week to break it up some. I have a desk job, but I'm totally wiped out when I get home. I'm getting a fill next Wednesday, which I'm nervous about because the port was moved. I could feel it better before, so I guess that's why I'm nervous, but I'm looking forward to some restriction again. I haven't gained any, but I'm eating more. I guess that's important during healing though. Becky, How long were you numb with your lbl? It all feels so weird. I think my back bothers me more than the stomach area being numb, but my stomach is itching today for the first time. Frangi, I still feel like I'm sitting on things that aren't there. I think the most unusual feeling was when I went to drive. My car seat is actually very comfortable. I felt like there was a rod across the botton of the backrest that I was sitting on. I kept feeling all around to determine if my car was starting to show age by things sticking out or something, but there is nothing there. Such an odd feeling! I'm praying the storm stays away.

I've only read about half of this thread so if this has been said, sorry I'm repeating it. If you are using your CPAP machine and are still so tired, maybe you need the level adjusted. You should call your doctor, but another sleep study may be required. If you're not using the machine because of the mask, there are many different masks. Call your provider and get them to let you try several different masks. They should be able to look at the shape of your face and make recommendations. The headgear for the various masks make a difference too. Make the most of your equipment, it really does make a difference in your energy or maybe in the beginning just your ability to think clearly. If you are getting out on short 10-15 minute walks, that is better than nothing. I understand your desire to want that hour sweat, but start somewhere and be very proud of those little accomplishments. Do something - anything and move from there. It will come if you keep at it. Good luck.

Do you have a band doctor in mind. Many have a dietician or can refer you. Start your 6 month diet as soon as you can get into the dietician. You can be attending your other appointments while the clock is ticking on your required 6 month diet. Good luck.

I didn't mean to scare you. I think I had more pain because I had too much done at once. I didn't think the recliner would be comfortable either, but I couldn't have done without my leather recliner the first couple nights. My bed is a little high, which made it harder for me to get out of when I needed to get up. If you are getting around fairly well, you should be able to sleep in your bed. You'll know when you are ready to get back to your apartment. Just have help line up when you need it. I actually felt pretty good at work today. By the time I got home, I just wanted to take a nap. I am still swelling. I notice it more in the evening and more if I have been more active. I have a follow up appointment this Thursday. I need to ask more questions about what to expect regarding swelling in the coming weeks. I was able to purchase a pair of size 8 jeans that zip/button, but I'm afraid to buy much at this point (or at least for a few more weeks.) I carried most of my weight through the middle. Previously, I could only wear pants that had an elastic waist, so a regular pair of jeans was huge for me. Congratulations on being so close to goal. I'm sure you'll be below goal when you have your surgery and you'll be really happy with your results. I think I need to readjust my goal. I just haven't been able to get rid of that number in my head. One day at a time!

Karen, Are you going to stay overnight at the hospital? I was there 2 nights and really had a hard time getting up from the hospital bed. I had more procedures than you are having, so hopefully it won't be as hard on you. I do remember being afraid how I would get into the house because I have about 8 stairs, but I took the pain meds right before we left and although I was sore, I did make it. Once inside, I didn't need to go up or downstairs. I didn't go out again until I had my first follow up at the doctors office, which would have been another 4 days. I didn't have any trouble with going down the stairs, but getting in and out of the car wasn't comfortable at that point. I did sleep 2 nights in a recliner once I got home. It was just easier than getting up from the bed. The third night home, I started out in the recliner and went to bed about half way through the night. By then, I was able to hold on to the headboard with my right hand and use my left on the nightstand to push myself up. I think walking up 4 flights of stairs would be really hard. I'm sure that you'll be glad you're staying with your parents for a while, even with the stress that brings. I think even though I was able to get around better the second week, I felt a little weak and almost like I could pass out at times. My DH didn't seem to understand that he needed to stay right with me if we went out on a short trip. I was getting around ok, so he thought all was fine. I knew when I started to feel that way it was time to find him, get back to the car and get home. I have to say for me I feel like I just lost 2 weeks of my life. I slept so much off and on that I really don't remember much. It seemed to go by so fast then I was going back to work. I'm glad your taking off 3 weeks. I should have. Speaking of work, I should be getting ready to leave right now. I'll answer your other questions after I get home this evening.

KarenG, I keep thinking about your upcoming surgery. I'm sure you're getting both excited and nervous. I'm almost 3 weeks out now. I'm feeling much better now. I mostly have back pain now. I'm probably trying to do too much. The first 2 weeks I most took meds and slept. Some things I don't remember. My DH said I was really hateful. I'm not a good patient. If you have any questions, let me know.

Frangi, Just wondering how your are doing. I feel you're pain (hope your not having any!) How do you keep from sitting on your backside? I've found the pain does change to a strange feeling of sitting on something that isn't there. It's an odd feeling. How about you?

I love the work that I've had done. I think it was too much at once, so I think I'm recouperating slower than most, but I'm doing good. I convinced the doctor I was ok to go back at 2 weeks since I have a desk job, but I should have waited at least 3 weeks. I am lucky enough that I didn't have to stay the entire day. I worked about 6 hours Wednesday and Thursday and 4 on Friday. This long weekend couldn't have come at a better time either with only 4 days work next week. I'm still taking pain meds (much less than in the beginning) as soon as I get home and before bed. I'm not taking them during the day.

Frangi, I'm glad to hear your up and walking around. I have missed many posts in the last few weeks and just realized you had already had your next surgery. Just in the last few days, my backside has been more tolerable. Since you are up sooner than I was and you were smart and split up your surgeries, I think you'll feel much better sooner than I did. I'll be thinking of you.

Karen, I went back to work yesterday at 2 weeks post op. I have a desk job so I thought I would be ready. I ended up working only about 6 - 7 hours. I was pretty sore and couldn't wait to get home and take meds. During the night, I woke up and my back was hurting pretty bad. I don't know what type work you do, but I see you're planning on taking off 3 weeks. I think you'll be glad you did.

I have not been sleeping that well. My doctor did prescribe a sleeping pill and I'm sure it helped, but I was awake multiple times every night. The first couple nights I slept in the recliner and I think the 3rd night home I slept in bed for a while and then the recliner the rest of the night. Since then, I've been in bed the whole night. I'm a side sleeper, but I've been on my back since the surgery. I use one pillow for my head and one under my knees. That seems to be the best I can do to get comfortable. I can't wait to get to sleep on my side again. I think I could now, but it doesn't feel quite as comfortable yet. I may be just paranoid about the incisions. I did eat lunch out in a restaurant yesterday. I sat in a booth. I figured that would be easier than the wooden chairs they had at the other tables. I have to say, the backside was the most painful part of the surgery for the first week. Now I'm feeling the muscle tightening in the stomach area more. I'm going out today again. We are going to eat out again then I hope to find a new bra because the one the hospital gave me is killing me! I hope I can find one quickly, because I was pretty worn out last night. I hope today goes as well as yesterday, but I haven't been up very long and feel like I should go back to bed. Wish me energy!

Karen and Frangi, Sorry I haven't replied. I was having a hard time sitting at the computer for more than a few minutes and my brain wasn't cooperating with my fingers. I did have LBL, lipo, breast reduction and lift last week. I am getting around pretty well now although I told the hospital I thought I was going to have to stay there forever last week (I was there for 2 nights.) I had the drains and stiches removed today. I'm amazed at the difference. I haven't seen a flat stomach since my teens. I went to lunch with my DH after my doctor's appointment and ran to one small store, but that was about all I could handle. I couldn't wait to get home to the recliner!

I think this happened to me for a little while after surgery and again after fills. I don't recall how long, but it did go away after a while.

I hate to hear this. While you are losing, you could be losing more with the fill. You are not getting the benefit of the band. I'd think your doctor would want you to be a success if you were there first at that facility. He's not giving you the best chance. Put something heavy in your pockets and tell him your losing your will power and your afraid without the fill, you will not be successful. Maybe the truth is he's afraid to give the fill. Check into Fill Center USA (I think that's the name) and see if you can find one in your area. I'm fairly sure there are some in Virginia. Maybe a few hour drive would be worth it. Good luck.

I agree. It sounds like a paperwork issue. In addition, also document date and time of call. Document this information for each and every call you make. When you make the first call to your insurance company, find out EXACTLY what and from whom they require the info. If they try to give you the run around be firm. Insist on the info and write down everything they say, repeat it back to them to make sure you have understood what they want and have them confirm that that is all they need to proceed. If you don't get what you need, ask for a supervisor and or that the call be recorded. Call the medical provider and tell them they will not receive payment until this additional paperwork is done and you would like a copy of whatever they send to the insurance company for your records. If you think it would help, offer to pick it up and fax it to your insurance company to assist them. They will likely want to handle it themselves, but whatever it takes to get them moving! Stay on top of everyone until it is paid. It is unfortunate that you have to deal with this, but I think with a little persistance, you will get it taken care of quicker than anyone else. Once it is behind you, it will just have been a minor irritation. Good luck.

Seriously, I could eat anything and I was too tight. I thought I was at the perfect fill. I could eat all the things most people have trouble with - chicken, steak, scrambled eggs, bread. I had to be more careful with the eggs and bread, but I never PB'd. I had terrible reflux and it was getting worse. Eventually, even when I drank Water or any liquid, anyone around could hear it going down. I never felt disgusted to look at food and a glass of water never satified me. I also was never able to go with out a meal, let alone a day without eating. This may sound like I have an eating problem and was eating all the time. That is not the case. I was eating small amounts. I was satified with smaller amounts for a few hours, but never a day. When it was a meal time, I was hungry. You are right, you should not have to have liquids to lose weight. Liquids will go right through the band and will not help you stay full longer.