betrthnever

I'm with Jazma. Not single (yet) but will tell you that no matter what size you are - 26 or 6 (I've been at the 26 and I am now around a 6) you need to be comfortable with yourself no matter what.

Thanks so much, Heather! Support is something I really need right now. Funny before starting this journey I think I held on to an obviously unrealistic belief deep down inside that "if only" I were where I should be weight-wise things would just fall into place (come on, you've had that thought, too, if only a teansy-ensy bit?). Esp. in terms of my marriage. And that just hasn't happened. What has happened though is its opened my eyes to just how long we've been limping through our marriage & also to just how unhappy my DH has been as well. At this point our concern is to get DH out of school (he's been in school off & on for about 8 years now - the original goal was for him to graduate and start working so I could go back to school full time. The school I want to go to is an intensive 26 month program, during the day, and its suggested we don't work. What I have been able to do is to get some of the prereqs out of the way at night at the community college). At this point I'll have to find another way to make it happen. But he needs to finish up to be better able to provide for the kids. He hasn't worked for some time. The "when" we will actually seperate physically is still up in the air. I still care for him, he'll always be the father of my kids (and he needs to be able to support them), and he's not a bad guy are all reasons why I haven't just upped and moved. I would like it to happen sooner rather then later and I will be making sure I'm not being taken advantage of. Should I just start a new thread with this?

Well, here I am, almost 2 months shy of two years since I posted this question (and 2 1/2 years since being banded) and now I, too, am facing seperation. Just a month ago or so I asked my husband for a seperation. The reasons are numerous and long lasting and are far too complicated to get into right now. But I WILL say that I am a much different person then I was before my surgery - and may I never go back to that being that person! - and I can no longer be a part of my marriage as it has been for years now. Within the same context. This doesn't mean I want divorce although I do feel I want my husband to be someone that he just can not be and that is worrisome. But more later. Banders, what say you on this? Any changes? Esp. you long time banders? I'll post pictures soon. Even though I'm very close to goal - maybe 15 pounds or so I'm still not comfortable with the way pictures show me. It doesn't help that I have lots of extra skin to deal with. But I'll deal!

Good for you Sadie! I am about 20 poounds away from goal - I think I can say that I haven't used my band wisely but I am losing. You are an inspiration!

It seems like many people on this site have been banded by a Dr. in Mexico. Is this procedure not widely done yet in the US?

Gwsoccermom, you don't have to see Dr. Sprunger for fills. Melissa can help. She has had my co-pays refunded when I wasn't being filled. By no means let anything stand in your way for better health. I myself like Dr. Sprunger. Maybe he was just having a bad day?

I found out on Friday that I haven't been given my fills properly (that the needles weren't going into the port) OR I have a leak. I'm leaning more towards the no fills 'cause I rarely had any restriction after a fill - no burping, no slowing down. I was lead to believe that I had 8.25 CC in a 9CC Realize band. I've lost about 47 pounds since I was banded in Feb and have never really had any, or little, restriction. It happened like this: At my appt on Friday I asked the NP how is it possible for me to be a 8.25CC and still be able to eat a good sized steak, a cup of veggies and a banana with no problems (now since my last appt I lost 4.5 pounds of fat and gained 2 pounds of muscle so I wasn't overeating). The NP said that there must be something wrong with the band. Not telling me what was going on, the NP withdrew all of the liquid and told me later that I didn't have as much Fluid as first thought (tho he said he couldn't remember how much fluid she pulled out). I'm now at 5.25CC and have NEVER had ANYWHERE NEAR this type of restriction! Lots of the swelling has gone down and I'm not having a problem eating, wish I can hold onto that real tight feelling longer. However, if i get really lose I'll go in again real soon for a fill. I angry finding this out, but my wonderful 11 year old son said, "mom, you should be proud of yourself you've lost most of your weight by yourself!" Isn't that wonderful? I finally feel like I'm back on track.

I remember the last time I went into a Victorias Secret, right before I bought the Soma, and the sales lady came out with the 4, the ONLY 4 bras in the store, that MIGHT fit me. Of course they all looked like what was popular in the eastern block countries 40 years ago. In my minds eye I could see her going to the dusty cabinet, the one that hardly ever gets opened 'cause women my size wouldn't think of going into VS for a bra, the creaking of the door and the swooshing away of cob-webs...At least she sounded cheerful that she was able to present me with something. So, Aubrie, enjoy every second with VS! Maybe the next time I go bra shopping I'll pop in. BTW - Aubrie's my daughter's middle name. Its so pretty

I know mine is. Had fill yesterday and going in for slight unfil today. GURD so bad it was coming out my nose last night (gross but true). Coughing, not being able to drink water - all the nasty signs of too much of a good thing. I'm not waiting to take care of this. I was ok in the drs office but it hit me a few hours later. Such is life!

Hmmm, so just how big is your bra? Maybe its time for a smaller size :cursing:...my jeans have had the same effect in the past but never my bra. But hey, restriction without the restriction. However, make sure your girls are being taken care of properly, too. I bought a Soma bra, one that would stick with me for a long time (I've been a slow loser). And even tho its more expensive its lasted 6 months. Now I'm finding them starting to slip under the bra which is a sure fire sign that its time to jump to a lower size. And you might have something with the posture thing, too. Treat yourself to a good bra.:scared2:

There's possibly more going on then just weight loss. Hormonal imbalance & your relationship might play a factor. For me, I had a hysterectomy 10 months after my lap band surgery because of a prolapsed uterus. My uterus put some much pressure on me down there that I was always "ready to go." HOWEVER, the surgery, although making thinks better, also took so much of my drive away. I'm on hormones now. If you are secure in your relationship then maybe try flirting - its a sure fire way for me!

You're single, he's single, you like him and he probably likes you, too. Move on it already! If we always waited for the man to make the move we'd be dead already

Hi Christina40, Where are you at now size-wise? I'm the same height as you - 5'2", and I can wear 10's to 14's. I've always been curvy. Just curious. And to add my comments - I always felt this false sense of refuge in plus size clothing stores (never mind that more times then not the sales clerks were thin). A couple of months ago I was early for an appointment and went window shopping. The shop I went into was a clothing boutique and no sooner then I walked in I realized it was a plus-size clothing store. I felt so out of place. What a great feeling!

Angelyco, heard about another trainer, too, don't know what happened with that. Anyway I'm so excited that the show started up again tho I must admit I'm kind of ashamed to sit on my duff while these people are busting their butts. Don't have a favorite yet, and my favorites tend to change throughout the season. I did find myself hoping the pink team wasn't going to be kicked off but I need more time to see how these folks play before I start yelling support at the TV. :biggrin:

Hi All, I am a bandster, banded 2/19/08. Sure you all have heard stories upon stories but I do feel the need to discuss mine. The surgery went well, tho afterwards I had to fight to get a fill. And yet, after my fill, I felt no restriction. Not unusual, but I still felt no restriction after my 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th fill. 8 MONTHS after surgery the NP decided something must be wrong and pulled out my Fluid. Come to find out that the person giving me the fills NEVER made it into my port. I only had 3.5 cc in my band and that was given to me by a different person all together. The ironic thing was was that I still managed to lose 50 pounds by sheer momentum of the desire to lose weight. Fast forward 9 months later. I only lost 10 pounds since last October, gained almost all of the 10 pounds back, and have just lost it again. After the first "real" fill I fell into a depression. I felt like I missed the boat & that I was left behind. That I slipped through the cracks - if I didn't have to "rely" on the Drs care I would be better off. If you think about it, most weight is lost very early on 'cause of the excitement of being banded and I feel like I could have done better. Yes, my fault about what I was putting in my mouth and I'm now adjusting my mindset again, gearing it again towards weight loss. Currently, I have about 35 pounds to go or so to goal. I had no idea there was such a thing as a sleeve before my surgery. Only the RNY & Band were discussed at that time. The sleeve would have been such a better choice - no reliance on the DR. I am lucky in the respect that I've had no mechanical issues with my band - which isn't too surprising as it's only ever been minimally utilized anyway. Questions for you Sleevers: How's the hunger? Anyone have a similar experience as mine and was able to revert to a sleeve? Thanks for your help!:biggrin0:

I'm curious if anyone regrets this surgery? I can't say I regret getting the band (as my life hasn't been miserable with it). I just think that the sleeve might have been a better choice for me. Thanks much!

Hi Soon2lose, glad my post inspired you to speak up! And great for the loss!! Also, my father's family is from the Gulfport area...I was there 1 month before Katrina but haven't been back since.

Suppose this is the kind of question that can go any which way. I did the same thing with the band - I read everything I could about it even the bad stuff. Of course I never thought I would have issues. Since I have the band and at this time there's no possiblity of going to a sleeve I'm just trying to make the band work. I saw my Dr. and he gave me a very aggressive fill, the best I've ever had. So far so good! Thanks for your response!

Phoenixrising, if complications arise would you be able to go to Scottsdale Bariatric? Is there a partner of his in the US that offers support?

Oops, sorry I meant sleeved in out of country. That's what I get for typing when tired!

Tiffikins, LOL no by drainage I mean the tube they have coming out of the stomach for excess fluids to drain out of? Am I getting this all wrong?:thumbup1::biggrin0:

Hi Tiffykins, at my Drs. they seem to "lump" the sleevers with the RNYers in the support groups and since I'm not either I don't attend. My friend does, tho, and says she hears sleevers having more issues post op then even bypassers. More issues with drainage...? My mom was banded (against my suggestions) in April and has lost very little weight. Her main concern before she was banded was if the band was going to take away her hunger. NO, I said. So she feels the hunger and can't eat. Also, she has physical issues that make it hard for her to move around so I suggested before her surgery that even the RNY would be better for her (even her Dr. thought so) . She has restriction but that doesn't seem to matter. She's very disappointed. Sweetspot one week, more opened the next. Just no consistency.

BTW I feel I have to be very selective about where on the lapbandtalk.com site I post because I believe theres a certain "its your fault not the band's" mentality among those having the success. Perhaps I'm misreading but I do feel safer vening here. Also, I want to start researching my options with the sleeve. Thanks for your help!

Oh, and I have to add that I slowly stopped visiting this site back in October when I lost my motivation. Seems like there might be a correlation between cutting off contact & depression. I also stopped going to the support groups as much as I did before. I plan on going again this month. Was just too ashamed!

I think there's a honeymoon period for most with the band - the time when we lose the most weight right after surgery. Was banded in Feb 08, lost 50 pounds the first 8 months. Since October of 08 I've lost only 10 pounds only to gain that 10 back & have to lose it again. Been fighting I think with minor depression since October and have really reverted back to old eating habits. A week ago I saw a new Dr. & I FINALLY got a great fill. That's really jump started me again. Believe I'm finally at that sweet spot and I don't want to lose it. I believe I'm there and I'm afraid as all heck that I'm going to lose it. It really helps to have that motivation of a good fill. Last week I could eat very little and now I can eat more and that is VERY, VERY SCARY. Wished the sleeve was offered as an option (didn't even know about it).